Tuscan White Bean Soup & The Art of Mindful Cooking
I posted this video to my YouTube channel shortly after my mom passed away in December of 2023. I must have been a little out of sorts at the time because I just realized that I never actually published the recipe. I’m including both the recipe and the video below…
This Hearty Tuscan White Bean Soup is rich and comforting, with tender white beans cooked in a tasty broth flavored with garlic, herbs, and vegetables. This nourishing soup highlights the beauty of simple, quality ingredients. The thyme and oregano add a fragrant depth and each spoonful feels nourishing and indulgent at the same time, making it an ideal meal for chilly days or whenever you crave a hearty, wholesome dish…this recipe is a good one and perfect for fall! Grate a little of the parmesan cheese leftover from the bread on top of the soup and serve with a green salad…it’s soooo delish!
The Art of Mindful Cooking
Making soup in the fall is more than cooking…it’s a way to nurture your body and soul…it’s an opportunity to slow down and take a peaceful break from the busyness of life.
Carve out some time this weekend…declutter your kitchen, light a candle and turn on your favorite music while you make this recipe.
Chop the veggies mindfully and let it be a meditation as you focus on the rhythmic chopping and the blessing of having this time and healthy nourishing food.
Making soup with care turns it into a special ritual. The delicious aroma of the simmering soup and the anticipation of gathering with family or even sitting alone to savor the meal make this pot of soup more than just food. By using the time mindfully, you’re creating a beautiful memory of an afternoon spent making a delicious meal…instead of just rushing through the process.
When you make soup mindfully, you slow down, respect the seasons, and nurture yourself and your family through simple cooking. Creating a beautiful life is a moment by moment thoughtful process and soup making is a perfect way to begin!
Invest in a sturdy soup pot and a sharp knife for chopping to elevate your cooking experience. I have several sturdy soup pots but the one I use most (this one is the most similar I could find) is at least 35 years old and I use it weekly to boil pasta, make soup or even to simmer a roast. I also have a collection of beautiful rustic soup bowls that make the whole experience feel like a cozy celebration! Why not embrace a little romance in every area of your life… even when it comes to cooking?!
Keep scrolling for the recipe…
Below…I’m including a few items that I love for soup making…having an assortment of bowls makes setting a beautiful table much easier! The fabulous Le Creuset pumpkin soup pot has been on my list for a while now…I can envision it sitting on my stove filled with delicious soup or stew! It’s a piece of art! These pieces from Le Creuset will last a lifetime and can be passed down for generations! I found an old lasagna pan (similar here) at an antique store years ago and I’ve been using it for mac & cheese and lasagna ever since!
I’m also in love with the little marble salt cellar below and just put it in my shopping cart…it’s a piece of functional art to sit on my stove filled with flaky sea salt!
This soup tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to meld together in the refrigerator. I have two large and very old jars, purchased at a tag sale that I use to store leftover soup in…I most always double a soup recipe. The old jars look beautiful in the refrigerator and I love knowing that I’m repurposing these jars and, in a way…keeping them alive!
**The soup also freezes well, so you might want to consider doubling the recipe! Simply thaw and enjoy whenever you have a busy day and need a comforting, delicious meal ready in no time!
I’ve updated the Shop My Favorites Page on the blog with some great items for fall cooking and decorating so be sure to check it out…just scroll down until you begin to see these items!
And…gift guides will be live on Monday in a separate section called Holiday Shop (just click on the shop button at the top of the page)! It’s never to early to get your shopping done so that you can relax and enjoy the season!
I hope you’ve enjoyed this post!
~XOXO Suzanne