Tuscan Bean Soup with Prosciutto and Grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
Peer reviewed by UK recipe editorsAuthored by UK recipe editorsOriginally published 16 Jan 2026
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This Tuscan bean soup with prosciutto is a wonderfully restorative dish that brings the rustic flavours of central Italy to your kitchen. By blending a portion of the white beans into a smooth purée, you create a naturally creamy base without the need for dairy. The addition of fresh basil, thyme, and grated garlic provides a fragrant depth that perfectly complements the mild, buttery beans and the light crunch of shredded cabbage.
As a hearty lunch or a simple starter, this soup is both versatile and efficient, making excellent use of store-cupboard staples like tinned cannellini or borlotti beans. The finishing touches of high-quality olive oil and delicate ribbons of prosciutto add a sophisticated salty finish. For a vegetarian alternative, simply omit the ham and add a few extra shavings of Parmigiano-Reggiano.
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Ingredients for Tuscan Bean Soup with Prosciutto and Grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
4 425g cans creamy beans (such as giant white beans, borlotti beans, or cannellini beans), not drained (about 900g )
6 large garlic cloves, grated or minced (about 2 tablespoons )
3 teaspoons kosher salt
2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
4 large fresh basil leaves
2 cups shredded Napa cabbage (about 1/4 head)
High-quality extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
Parmigiano-Reggiano wedge, for grating
4 thin slices prosciutto (about 60g )
How to make Tuscan Bean Soup with Prosciutto and Grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
Combine the beans and their liquid with the garlic, salt, thyme, basil, and 2 cups of water in a large saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes to meld the flavours. Remove about 1 1/2 cups of the beans, returning any garlic or basil to the saucepan. Use an immersion blender to purée the remaining beans in the pot until smooth.
(Alternatively, let the soup cool slightly then transfer it to a blender or food processor and purée, holding the lid down tight so the hot liquid doesn't splatter out.) Stir in the reserved beans and cabbage and thin the soup with water if necessary. Cook the soup over medium heat until the cabbage wilts and is slightly tender, about 5 minutes.
Divide the soup evenly among four large soup plates or bowls, filling them to just below the rim. Drizzle each serving with high-quality olive oil and grate a thin layer of Parmesan cheese over them. Tear one slice of the prosciutto into a few pieces and rumple the pieces onto one bowl of soup; repeat with the remaining prosciutto slices.
Disclaimer
While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.
Article history
The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.
16 Jan 2026 | Originally published
Authored by:
UK recipe editors
Peer reviewed by
UK recipe editors

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