TUSCAN WHITE BEAN SOUP RECIPES

Steps:

• In a medium pot on medium-high heat, add the olive oil, mushrooms, onion cubes and thyme. Saute until the mushrooms are tender and wilted, 8 to 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Add the peppers and cook until they soften, 4 to 5 minutes.
• Add the mustard and move it around the pot so it basically coats everything and disappears. Add the stock and beans. Lower to a simmer and cover. Let cook, 15 to 20 minutes.
• Remove the sprig of thyme, then add the kale, if using, and stir. Serve with a spritz of lemon and a shake of hot sauce.

Steps:

• Place the kidney beans in a medium pot, add water to cover by 2-inches and bring to a boil. (If using canned kidney beans, skip this step.) Turn the heat down, let simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until just-tender. Use the same process for the cannellini beans.
• In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the pancetta, rendering the fat and cooking until slightly crispy about 3 minutes. Saute the onion, celery, carrot and garlic for 3 to 4 minutes. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste. Add the diced tomatoes, the cooked and drained kidney beans, cannellini beans, chick peas, and the chicken stock. Using kitchen twine, tie the herbs and the bay leaf into a bundle and add to the pot. Season with the red chili flakes, salt and pepper. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes, then add the kale. Continue cooking until the beans are completely tender.
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Drizzle olive oil over the slices of peasant bread, season with a little salt and pepper and toast in the oven. Serve the soup in large bowls with grated Parmesan and a slice of toast.