Elegant Italian White Bean and Spinach Soup
This cozy and nutritious Italian White Bean and Spinach Soup is a perfect blend of hearty white beans, tender spinach, and aromatic herbs. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, this soup not only warms your soul but also serves as an excellent source of plant-based protein and fiber. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe comes together in under an hour and can be enjoyed as a wholesome meal on its own or paired with crusty Italian bread.
N/A
Servings
175
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
vegetable oil
1 tablespoon (none)
onion
1 medium (chopped)
celery
1 stalk (chopped)
garlic
1 clove (finely chopped)
cannellini beans
2 cans (15 ounces each) (rinsed and drained)
water
2 cups (none)
chicken broth
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can (none)
fresh coarse ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
dried thyme
1 teaspoon (none)
spinach
10-12 ounces (tough stems trimmed)
fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon (none)
Parmesan cheese
to taste (freshly grated (optional))
Instructions
1
In a 3-quart saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat until shimmering.
2
Add the chopped onion and celery, and cook while stirring until the celery softens, about 5 to 8 minutes.
3
Stir in the finely chopped garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
4
Add the rinsed and drained cannellini beans, water, chicken broth, freshly ground black pepper, and dried thyme to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
5
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
6
Prepare the spinach by rolling several leaves together and slicing them thinly. Set aside.
7
Using a slotted spoon, remove 2 cups of the beans from the soup and set them aside.
8
Carefully ladle one-fourth of the soup mixture into a blender. Ensure that the center part of the blender lid is removed to allow steam to escape. Puree until smooth and creamy, then pour into a large bowl.
9
Repeat this step with the remaining soup mixture until all of it has been pureed.
10
Return the smooth puree and the reserved beans to the saucepan. Heat the soup over medium-high heat until it reaches a boil.
11
Stir in the sliced spinach and cook for about 1 minute, or until the spinach is just wilted.
12
Remove the pot from heat and stir in the fresh lemon juice, which adds a delightful brightness to the soup.
13
Serve warm, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Information
2g
Fat
25g
Carbs
11g
Protein
6g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Elegant Italian White Bean and Spinach Soup?
It is a nutritious and cozy soup featuring cannellini beans, fresh spinach, and aromatic herbs in a creamy, blended broth.
How many calories are in a serving of this soup?
Each serving contains approximately 175 calories.
Is this soup a good source of protein?
Yes, it provides 11g of plant-based protein per serving primarily from the cannellini beans.
How much fiber does this recipe contain?
There are 6g of fiber per serving, making it a very wholesome and filling meal.
Is this soup low in fat?
Yes, it is very low in fat, with only 2g per serving.
What type of beans should I use?
Cannellini beans are recommended for their creamy texture and traditional Italian flavor profile.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make it strictly vegetarian, simply substitute the chicken broth with an equal amount of vegetable broth.
How do I make this recipe vegan?
Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omit the optional Parmesan cheese garnish.
How long does it take to prepare the soup?
The soup can be prepared in under an hour, with a 15-minute simmer time after boiling.
What makes the soup texture creamy?
The creaminess comes from pureeing the bean and broth mixture in a blender, which creates a smooth base without adding heavy cream.
Do I have to puree all the beans?
No, the recipe suggests setting aside 2 cups of whole beans to add back later for varied texture.
Can I use an immersion blender instead?
Yes, an immersion blender can be used directly in the pot, though you should still set aside some whole beans first if you want texture.
What safety precautions should I take when blending hot soup?
Always remove the center piece of the blender lid to allow steam to escape and cover it with a kitchen towel while blending.
How do I prepare the spinach for this soup?
Trim any tough stems, then roll several leaves together and slice them into thin ribbons before stirring them in at the end.
Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach, but ensure it is thawed and squeezed dry before adding it to the soup.
What does the lemon juice add to the recipe?
The fresh lemon juice provides a bright acidity that balances the earthy flavors of the beans and spinach.
What are some good side dishes for this soup?
It pairs perfectly with crusty Italian bread, garlic bread, or a light Caesar salad.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The primary ingredients are gluten-free, but always verify that your chicken broth is certified gluten-free if you have a sensitivity.
Can I add meat to this soup?
Yes, cooked Italian sausage, pancetta, or shredded chicken would make excellent additions.
How should I store leftover soup?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
What herbs provide the flavor in this dish?
The soup is seasoned with dried thyme and fresh coarse ground black pepper.
Can I use olive oil instead of vegetable oil?
Absolutely, extra virgin olive oil is a great substitute and adds a nice depth of flavor.
What other vegetables can I add?
Carrots, kale, or zucchini would be nutritious and flavorful additions to the sauté step.
Is this soup spicy?
No, it is a mild and savory soup. If you prefer heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Can I use other types of white beans?
Yes, Great Northern beans or Navy beans are excellent substitutes for cannellini beans.
How do I reheat the soup?
Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until steaming, or in the microwave in 30-second intervals.
Why is the garlic added after the onion and celery?
Garlic burns much faster than onions and celery, so it is added for only 30 seconds to release its fragrance without turning bitter.
Is there a recommended garnish?
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is highly recommended for a salty, savory finish.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook it on low for 4-6 hours, then follow the blending and spinach-adding steps at the very end.