Unlock the Flavors of Tuscany with My Must-Try Tuscan Soup Recipe - Your New Family Favourite!

As autumn chill fills the air in Melbourne, it’s the perfect moment to cozy up with a bowl of rich, hearty soup. My Tuscan soup recipe, inspired by a fantastic trip to Tuscany last year, has fast become a cherished favourite in our home. Even the hubby, a former chef, absolutely loves it—that’s high praise!

This soup does more than fill the belly; it embodies warmth, comfort, and the serene beauty of Tuscany. Plus, my prep station has transformed my kitchen experience! It's super useful with its built-in measurements and organization, making cooking a breeze.

The Ingredients List

Before we jump into cooking, let's gather the ingredients. This recipe is flexible; you can easily adjust it for gluten-free or vegetarian diets while still keeping it flavorful.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 310g cannellini beans or a mix of four kinds of beans

• 1 bay leaf

• 1 small potato, peeled and cubed

• 2 small red onions, peeled and diced

• 2 carrots, peeled and cubed

• 3 sticks of celery, diced

• 3 cloves of garlic, peeled and grated

• Olive oil

• 1 punnet of cherry or mini Roma tomatoes

• A pinch of ground fennel seeds

• A pinch of dried red chilli (optional, especially if kids are joining)

• 1 x 400g tin of good-quality plum tomatoes

• 300g Tuscan kale, leaves and stalks finely sliced

• 100g Pancetta crumb (available at Coles and Woolworths or diced from the deli)

• 250g beef steak (like ossu buco or scotch)

• 1 sprig of fresh rosemary, diced

• 1 cup beef stock

• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

• Water to adjust consistency as needed

  
  

Soup Preparation: Let’s Get Cooking!

With our ingredients in place, it's time to create this delicious Tuscan soup, where layers of flavour come together beautifully.

Step 1: Start with the Base

In a large pot, add a splash of olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Sear the steak on both sides for a few minutes to lock in the juices. Sauté the diced onions, carrots, and celery and pancetta until the onions are translucent, usually taking about 5-7 minutes. The kitchen will smell amazing!

Step 2: Add the Garlic and Spices

Add in the grated garlic, fennel seeds, and bay leaf. Let them sauté for another minute. The garlic will add an irresistible depth of flavour, and the fennel offers that distinctive Tuscan essence!

Step 3: Incorporate the Vegetables and Beans

Once everything smells incredible, add cubed potato, cherry tomatoes, and the cannellini or mixed beans. Stir well, then pour in the tin of plum tomatoes (I like Mutti can find it at coles or woolies) and a cup of beef stock. Bring the pot to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Introduce the Kale

After simmering for about 10 minutes, mix in the finely sliced Tuscan kale. The kale will wilt beautifully while adding a pop of colour and plenty of nutrients. Let this cook for another 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. If cooking for young ones, be cautious with the spices to keep it mild.

A bubbling pot of Tuscan soup filled with vibrant ingredients.

Step 5: Season to Perfection

Now it’s time to make the soup shine with seasoning. A little sea salt and freshly ground black pepper make a big difference. If you desire some heat, sprinkle in a pinch of dried red chilli, but be mindful of the kids’ servings.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Once your soup is perfectly cooked, ladle it into bowls and garnish with fresh rosemary. This dish is ideal for chilly fall nights, bringing warmth and comfort with each bite. Serve it with crusty bread for a complete meal.

Making it Your Own

The true charm of this Tuscan soup lies in its adaptability. Feel free to swap in different vegetables or proteins based on your family's preferences. For a vegetarian option, omit the beef and add more beans or lentils for extra protein. This recipe is also gluten-free, making it easy to accommodate various diets.

Cooking is about creativity, and this soup invites you to have fun experimenting with flavours until you find what your family loves.

Experience the Flavours of Tuscany

This Tuscan soup recipe is a delightful way to bring the comforting tastes of Italy to your home. It fits seamlessly into busy family life, being simple to prepare while satisfying enough to become a family favourite.

As the cooler months approach, consider making this dish a regular in your autumn menu. You will cherish the warmth of this meal, shared among family, as you savor the essence of Tuscany right at your table. Buon appetito!

A delicious bowl of Tuscan soup garnished with fresh herbs, waiting to be enjoyed.