Description
This comforting White Bean Soup recipe is a hearty and nutritious dish perfect for any season. Packed with tender white beans, fresh vegetables, and fragrant herbs, this soup is both flavorful and satisfying. With a quick 30-minute preparation, it makes an ideal weeknight meal that can be enjoyed with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for an extra touch of richness.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 large carrots, chopped
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 5 ounces baby spinach
Beans & Broth
- 3 (15-ounce) cans white beans, drained and rinsed
- 6 cups low sodium vegetable broth
Seasonings & Oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Optional
- Grated parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Then add the minced garlic, chopped carrots, chopped celery, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, for another 2-3 minutes to develop the flavors and soften the vegetables.
- Simmer with Broth and Beans: Pour in the low sodium vegetable broth and add the drained and rinsed white beans. Stir well to combine all ingredients, then bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the soup simmer uncovered for 15 minutes to meld flavors and tenderize the vegetables.
- Add Spinach: Stir in the baby spinach and continue to gently simmer the soup for about 2 minutes, until the spinach wilts and incorporates fully into the soup.
- Final Seasoning and Serve: Remove the pot from heat. Taste the soup and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and optionally top with freshly grated parmesan cheese. Serve immediately to enjoy a warm and nourishing meal.
Notes
- Use low sodium vegetable broth to control the salt content and adjust seasoning at the end to your preference.
- For a creamier texture, you can puree part of the soup and stir it back in.
- Parmesan cheese topping is optional; for a vegan option, omit the cheese.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Feel free to substitute fresh herbs instead of dried for a more vibrant flavor.
