Description
A hearty and flavorful white bean soup that brings warmth and comfort to your table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cup chopped fresh spinach or kale
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Build the base: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. This trio, often called soffritto, is the foundation of many traditional soups. Cook gently for about 5–7 minutes, until the vegetables soften and release their aroma. Stir occasionally and let them turn slightly golden.
- Add the garlic and herbs: In the minced garlic, thyme, oregano, and bay leaf. Cook for another 1–2 minutes. The scent at this point is warm and inviting, the kind that makes everyone wander into the kitchen asking what is cooking.
- Add beans and broth: In the white beans and vegetable broth. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend beautifully.
- Create creaminess: That signature texture that makes The Best White Bean Soup so satisfying. Scoop out about one cup of the soup, blend it until smooth, and return it to the pot. This simple step thickens the soup naturally without any dairy.
- Add greens: In the chopped spinach or kale and cook for another 5 minutes, just until wilted. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve and enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls, drizzle with a touch of olive oil, and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve with warm crusty bread for dipping.
Notes
- This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- It can also be frozen for up to three months; just allow it to cool completely before freezing.
- Feel free to add other vegetables or beans based on your preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soups
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg