Description
Mediterranean white bean soup brings hearty comfort straight from Italian countryside kitchens. Rustic ingredients blend seamlessly, offering rich flavors that nourish both body and soul with each delightful spoonful.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 3 (15-ounces) canned white beans (drained and rinsed)
Vegetables:
- 1 large onion (chopped)
- 3 large carrots (chopped)
- 3 celery stalks (chopped)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 5 ounces baby spinach
Seasonings and Liquids:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- Grated parmesan cheese (for serving)
Instructions
- In a spacious pot, warm olive oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Introduce chopped onions and sauté for approximately 5 minutes, stirring consistently until they become soft and translucent.
- Incorporate minced garlic, diced carrots, and chopped celery. Sprinkle thyme and oregano, allowing the vegetables to release their aromatic essence for 2-3 minutes.
- Pour vegetable broth into the pot, stirring thoroughly. Optional: mash half a cup of white beans for increased soup thickness.
- Add drained and rinsed white beans to the mixture. Bring liquid to a robust boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, allowing flavors to harmonize.
- Gently fold spinach into the simmering soup, permitting it to wilt and infuse a vibrant green color within 2 minutes.
- Ladle the steaming soup into serving bowls. Optionally, garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Complement the dish with crusty artisan bread or a crisp side salad for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Notes
- Boost protein by mashing some beans to create a creamier, thicker texture without adding extra cream or dairy.
- Swap spinach with kale or Swiss chard for a more robust, nutrient-dense green that holds up better in hot soup.
- Customize the soup’s heat level by adding red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika for deeper, warming flavor complexity.
- Make it vegan by skipping Parmesan and using nutritional yeast for a similar savory, cheesy undertone.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 1 mg