Logo for the Tucker House Inn and Harrison House Suites

Tuscan Bean Soup Recipe

bowl of Tuscan Bean Soup with a piece of toast floating in it

Tuscan Bean Soup harrison house

Makes 8 as a Starter, 6 as an Entree

 

1½ cup dried borlotti, cranberry, red kidney, pinto or white beans (or any combination of beans)

3 quarts cold water

3 large Idaho baking Potatoes, peeled, cut into ½” dice

2 springs fresh rosemary

2 fresh or dried bay leaves

1½ tsp peperoncino (crushed red pepper)

2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1 medium-sized onion, chopped

1 recipe Trito (see recipe below)

1 cup canned peeled Italian plum tomatoes, crushed

½ pound ham hocks, pig’s foot, or fresh/smoked port butt

1 cup ditalini pasta

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

¼ cup freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese

 

  1. Place the beans in a deep bowl and pour in enough cold water to cover them by at least 4 inches. Soak the beans in a cool place for at least 8 hours, or overnight.
  2. Drain the beans and transfer them to a deep, heavy 4-6 quart pot.  Add water, potatoes, rosemary, bay leaves, and peperoncino; bring to a boil over high heat.  Reduce heat to medium, cover and cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally
  3. Heat olive oil in a medium-size skillet over medium heat.  Add onion and cook to golden brown, stirring often, about 6 minutes.
  4. Add trito and stir until browned, about 2 minutes.  Add crushed tomatoes and simmer for 10 minutes.
  5. Pour mixture into large soup pot.  If using ham hocks, add them now.  Continue simmering over medium heat until the beans are tender, about 1 hour.  If using port butt, add it 30 minutes after adding the trito mixture.
  6. Transfer a portion of the cooked soup base to a bowl; mash coarsely and return to soup pot.  (The soup can be prepared to this point up to 2 days in advance and refrigerated.  Bring the soup to a boil before continuing. )
  7. Stir in the pasta. Cook, stirring often, until the pasta is tender, about 10 minutes.
  8. Remove the meat from the pot while the pasta is cooking. Shred meat into bite-size pieces and return to the soup pot.
  9. Remove soup from heat and season with salt and pepper to taste.  Let stand for 5 minutes. then ladle into warm bowls; sprinkle with grated cheese.

 

Trito

Makes 3/4 cup

4 cloves garlic, peeled

½ cup shredded carrots

½ cup lightly packed chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves

3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil, plus 1 tablespoon extra if storing

 

  1. Combine all ingredients in a food processor or blender and process until very smooth.  Stop the machine once or twice to scrape down the sides of the bowl.
  2. Transfer the trito to  a small bowl and smooth the surface.  To store drizzle 1 tablespoon oil over the surface, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 3 weeks.

 

This is another great Italian soup.  I have shared the recipe with several friends who have showcased it as part of their holiday buffet. Traditionally, we toast some day-old bread and put it at the bottom of the soup bowl before ladling the soup in, or serve it along side to scoop up all good, thick beans.

Recent Posts

Get Your Friday Harbor Ferry Reservation Now

Summer is the most popular time to visit the San Juan Islands, and the Washington State Ferry system can be a bit tricky to navigate if you’re new to it! The ferry system is a vital transportation network in the Northwest that connects the islands with mainland Washington state. Operated

Read More »

Have the Best Girlfriend Weekend Getaway Near Seattle

This is your sign to get your next friend trip out of the group chat and onto the calendar! One of the best places for your girlfriend weekend getaway near Seattle is in Friday Harbor on San Juan Island. Not only is this area chocked full of pristine beauty and

Read More »

Start Planning Your Weekend Getaways in Washington with Kids

The San Juan Islands are particularly family-friendly and one of the best places to unplug! Your weekend getaways in Washington with kids in tow can be filled with long (or short) hikes, treasure hunting on the beach, wildlife viewing, kayaking, and so much more. Friday Harbor is a great home

Read More »
Scroll to Top
lighthouse at a rocky shorline with evergree trees at back

Recognized by Travel + Leisure Magazine

We have been recognized by Travel + Leisure Magazine as the best place to stay when visiting Friday Harbor and San Juan Island.

Give The Gift of Tucker & Harrison House This Holiday Season

Give your loved one a very special gift of a stay at our inns.  We offer gift certificates in many amounts.