White Bean Soup Recipe
This comforting White Bean Soup is a hearty and healthy meal featuring tender white beans, fresh vegetables, and flavorful herbs simmered together in a savory vegetable broth. Finished with fresh baby spinach and optional parmesan cheese, this soup is perfect for a cozy dinner and ready in just 30 minutes.
- Author: Natali
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 large carrots, chopped
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 6 cups low sodium vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (plus more to taste)
Beans and Greens
- 3 (15-ounce) cans white beans, drained and rinsed
- 5 ounces baby spinach
For Serving
- Grated parmesan cheese (optional)
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until they become translucent, about 5 minutes. Then add minced garlic, chopped carrots, celery, dried thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes to soften the vegetables and let the herbs release their flavor.
- Add Broth and Beans: Pour in the low sodium vegetable broth along with the drained and rinsed white beans. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 15 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Incorporate Spinach: Stir in the baby spinach leaves and continue to simmer the soup until the spinach wilts, which should take about 2 minutes.
- Season and Serve: Remove the pot from heat. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with extra salt or pepper if needed. Serve hot, garnished with grated parmesan cheese if desired for added richness and flavor.
Notes
- For a thicker soup, you can mash some of the beans before adding the spinach.
- Use low sodium broth to control salt levels and adjust seasoning to your preference.
- For a vegan option, omit the parmesan cheese or use a vegan substitute.
- This soup can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheated gently on the stove.
Keywords: white bean soup, healthy soup, vegetarian soup, vegetable soup, easy weeknight dinner, spinach soup