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White Bean Soup with Spinach

White Bean Soup with Spinach
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This easy White Bean Soup with Spinach is a nourishing, comforting, and quick recipe perfect for busy days or cozy weekends. It features creamy white beans combined with fresh spinach in a savory, flavorful broth, making a healthy, versatile, and budget-friendly meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups vegetable broth or stock
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans (Cannellini or navy), rinsed and drained
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
  • 4 cups fresh spinach leaves
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional)

Optional Variations

  • Red pepper flakes or pinch of cayenne for spice
  • Shredded cooked chicken or sausage slices for added protein
  • Rosemary, sage, or parsley instead of thyme
  • Diced carrots, celery, or kale as vegetable add-ins

Instructions

  1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking for about 5 minutes until soft and fragrant, building the savory flavor base essential for the soup.
  2. Add Broth and Beans: Pour in the vegetable broth and add rinsed, drained white beans to the pot. Tuck in the bay leaf and thyme sprigs, then bring to a gentle simmer, allowing flavors to meld and beans to warm through.
  3. Season and Simmer: Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Cook uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes so the broth deepens in flavor and reduces slightly.
  4. Add Fresh Spinach: Stir in fresh spinach leaves and cook just until wilted, roughly 2 to 3 minutes, adding a vibrant color and fresh texture to the soup.
  5. Final Adjustments and Serve: Remove bay leaf and thyme stems. If desired, squeeze in fresh lemon juice to brighten flavors. Stir well and enjoy the soup warm.

Notes

  • Use quality beans: canned for convenience or soaked and cooked dried beans for better texture and flavor.
  • Don’t overcook spinach to retain vibrant color and nutrients.
  • Caramelize onions and garlic gently for deeper, sweeter flavor.
  • For a creamier soup, blend part of the beans with some broth before adding spinach.
  • Season gradually and taste frequently to avoid over-salting.

Nutrition

Keywords: white bean soup, spinach soup, healthy soup, vegan soup, gluten-free soup, quick soup, comforting soup

Find it online: https://gourmetglazing.com/white-bean-soup-with-spinach/