Craving a comforting, healthy, and incredibly flavorful soup? Look no further than this easy homemade white bean and spinach soup! Packed with protein-rich white beans, nutritious spinach, and aromatic herbs, this recipe is a perfect weeknight meal or a satisfying weekend lunch. It's surprisingly simple to make, requiring minimal ingredients and even less effort, making it ideal for even the busiest cooks. Forget complicated techniques and lengthy prep times; this recipe prioritizes deliciousness without sacrificing convenience.
This vibrant green soup is bursting with fresh flavors and a satisfying creaminess that comes entirely from the beans and a touch of broth. It's a flexible recipe, easily adaptable to your taste preferences – add a splash of lemon juice for extra zing, or a drizzle of olive oil for richness. Ready to experience the simple joy of this delicious soup? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions.
Tools Needed
- Soup pan
Ingredients
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
- Yellow onion: 1 small, diced
- Carrot: 1 large, diced
- Salt: a pinch
- Garlic: 3 large cloves, minced
- Chicken broth: 6 cups
- Diced tomatoes: 1 (14 ounce) can, with juice
- Better than Bouillon chicken: 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
- Italian seasoning: 1 tablespoon
- Bay leaf: 1
- White beans: 1 (40 ounce) can, rinsed and drained
- Baby spinach: 4 cups
- Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup
- Parsley: a little (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Sauté Aromatics and Build Flavor Base
- In a soup pan over medium heat, add olive oil, diced onion, diced carrot, and a pinch of salt. Cook and stir for 2-3 minutes, or until onions soften.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Slowly add chicken broth (low sodium if using canned/boxed). Bring to a simmer.
- Add diced tomatoes (with juice), Better than Bouillon chicken, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and a bay leaf. Stir well.
- Simmer, covered, for 10 minutes to blend flavors.
Step 2. Add Beans and Simmer
- Add rinsed and drained white beans. Bring to a simmer again.
- Remove the bay leaf. Add baby spinach.
Step 3. Finish and Season
- Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Simmer, covered, for another 15-20 minutes.
Step 4. Stir in Cheese and Serve
- Turn off heat and stir in parmesan cheese.
Read more: Italian Zucchini Soup with Parmesan Croutons: A Delicious Recipe
Tips
- Use low-sodium broth if using canned or boxed broth.
- Italian seasoning is a blend of basil, marjoram, oregano, rosemary, and thyme.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans?
Yes! Using canned beans significantly reduces prep time. Just drain and rinse them before adding to the soup.
2. How can I make this soup vegan?
This recipe is already naturally vegan! Just ensure your broth is vegetable-based.
This easy white bean and spinach soup is a delicious and nutritious meal that's perfect for any occasion. Enjoy its comforting warmth and vibrant flavors, knowing you've created a healthy and satisfying dish with minimal effort. Now go forth and enjoy your bowl of deliciousness!