Creamy Spinach and White Bean Soup with Toasted Pine Nuts
Indulge in the rich and wholesome flavors of this creamy spinach and white bean soup, enhanced with the crunch of toasted pine nuts. This quick and easy recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect choice for a light lunch or a cozy dinner. The combination of nutrient-packed spinach and protein-rich white beans creates a satisfying dish that is both delicious and nutritious. Topped with crunchy homemade croutons and a drizzle of lemon juice, this soup is sure to become a family favorite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Vegetable broth
3 cups (Use store-bought or homemade broth)
White beans
1 (15 ounce) can (Drained and rinsed)
Olive oil
1 tablespoon (For sautéing)
Onion
1 medium (Diced)
Garlic cloves
4 (Minced)
Spinach
1 (9 ounce) bag (Washed and roughly chopped if necessary)
Lemon juice
1 tablespoon (Freshly squeezed)
Salt
To taste
Pepper
To taste
Almond milk
1/2 cup (Unsweetened)
Pine nuts
To garnish (Lightly toasted)
Homemade croutons
To garnish (Prepared from leftover bread or store-bought)
Instructions
1
In a pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
2
Pour in the vegetable broth and add the can of white beans (drained and rinsed) along with the spinach. Stir well to combine.
3
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
4
Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth and creamy. If using a regular blender, carefully blend in batches, then return the blended soup back to the pot.
5
Stir in the almond milk and simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the soup to heat through.
6
Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste, then serve hot. Garnish with toasted pine nuts and crispy homemade croutons for added texture and flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Spinach and White Bean Soup?
It is a rich and wholesome soup made with nutrient-packed spinach and protein-rich white beans, blended for a creamy texture.
How long does it take to prepare this soup?
This quick and easy recipe comes together in under 30 minutes.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, this recipe is vegan as it uses olive oil, vegetable broth, and almond milk.
Is this soup vegetarian?
Yes, the recipe uses vegetable broth and plant-based ingredients, making it vegetarian.
What kind of beans are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one 15-ounce can of white beans, which should be drained and rinsed.
What type of milk is used for the creaminess?
The soup uses 1/2 cup of unsweetened almond milk to achieve its creamy consistency.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
While the recipe suggests a 9-ounce bag of fresh spinach, frozen spinach can be used if thawed and drained first.
How do I blend the soup?
You can use an immersion blender directly in the pot or a regular blender in batches.
What are the suggested garnishes?
The soup is garnished with toasted pine nuts and crispy homemade croutons.
How do I toast the pine nuts?
Lightly toast them in a dry pan over medium heat until they are golden brown and fragrant.
What is the purpose of the lemon juice?
A drizzle of fresh lemon juice adds brightness and balances the earthy flavors of the spinach and beans.
Can I use chicken broth instead?
Yes, if you do not require the recipe to be vegetarian, chicken broth can be substituted for vegetable broth.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe calls for 4 minced garlic cloves to provide a fragrant and savory base.
Is this soup gluten-free?
The soup base is gluten-free, but ensure you use gluten-free bread for the croutons if needed.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, the soup freezes well; however, it is best to add the pine nuts and croutons just before serving.
What is the first step in making this soup?
Sauté diced onion and minced garlic in olive oil until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
How long should the soup simmer before blending?
The mixture should simmer for about 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Can I use a different type of nut for the garnish?
Yes, toasted slivered almonds or sunflower seeds make excellent substitutes for pine nuts.
Is this soup healthy?
Yes, it is packed with fiber from the beans and vitamins from the spinach, making it a nutritious choice.
Can I make the soup thicker?
Blending more of the white beans naturally thickens the soup, or you can reduce the amount of broth.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
The recipe uses 12 main ingredients including the garnishes and seasonings.
Do I need to chop the spinach?
The recipe recommends roughly chopping the spinach if the leaves are large, though it is not strictly necessary.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, you can sauté celery or carrots with the onions for extra depth of flavor.
What is the best way to reheat this soup?
Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Is this a good meal prep recipe?
Absolutely, it is quick to make and holds up well for lunches throughout the week.
Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
Yes, but you must cook the dried beans separately before adding them to the soup mixture.
Is this soup spicy?
The standard recipe is not spicy, but you can add red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
What makes the soup so creamy without dairy?
The combination of blended white beans and almond milk creates a rich, creamy texture.
Can I omit the onions?
Yes, but the onions provide a significant amount of the savory base flavor for the soup.