Hearty Spinach and White Bean Soup
Delight in a bowl of Hearty Spinach and White Bean Soup, a nourishing and comforting dish that is perfect for any season. This slow-cooked soup combines the rich flavors of vegetable or chicken broth with the heartiness of white beans, and the freshness of coarsely chopped spinach. Easy to prepare, this soup is not only light enough for summer but also packed with nutrients, making it a great option for a wholesome meal. Garnished with finely shredded Parmesan cheese, this recipe serves as an inviting entrée or a delightful appetizer.
6
Servings
200
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Vegetable or Chicken Broth
3 (14 ounce) cans (Choose either vegetable or chicken broth based on your preference.)
Tomato Puree
1 (15 ounce) can (No preparation needed.)
Great Northern Beans
1 (15 ounce) can (Rinsed and drained.)
Converted Rice
1/2 cup (No preparation needed.)
Onion
1/2 cup (Finely chopped.)
Garlic
2 cloves (Minced.)
Dried Basil
1 teaspoon (Crushed.)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (No preparation needed.)
Ground Black Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (No preparation needed.)
Fresh Spinach
8 cups (Coarsely chopped.)
Parmesan Cheese
to taste (Finely shredded, for garnish.)
Instructions
1
In a 3-1/2 or 4-quart slow cooker, combine the vegetable or chicken broth, tomato puree, rinsed and drained Great Northern beans, converted rice, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, dried basil, salt, and ground black pepper.
2
Stir the ingredients together until well mixed.
3
Cover the slow cooker and cook on the low setting for 5 to 7 hours or on the high-heat setting for 2-1/2 to 3-1/2 hours, until the rice is tender and flavors are well blended.
4
About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the coarsely chopped fresh spinach until it wilts.
5
Serve hot, garnished with finely shredded Parmesan cheese to enhance the flavor.
Nutrition Information
1.5g
Fat
37g
Carbs
7.5g
Protein
10g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein source in Hearty Spinach and White Bean Soup?
The main protein sources in this soup are the Great Northern beans and the spinach, providing a total of 7.5g of protein per serving.
How many calories are in one serving of this soup?
Each serving of the Hearty Spinach and White Bean Soup contains approximately 200 calories.
Is this soup recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly if you choose to use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, this recipe is specifically designed for a 3-1/2 or 4-quart slow cooker.
How long does the soup need to cook on the Low setting?
When using the low-heat setting on your slow cooker, the soup should cook for 5 to 7 hours.
What is the cooking time on the High setting?
On the high-heat setting, the soup will be ready in 2-1/2 to 3-1/2 hours.
What specific type of beans are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one 15-ounce can of Great Northern beans, which should be rinsed and drained before adding.
When should I add the fresh spinach to the soup?
The fresh spinach should be stirred into the slow cooker about 15 minutes before serving, allowing it just enough time to wilt.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
What is the fiber content per serving?
This soup is high in fiber, providing 10g per serving.
Can I use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth?
Yes, you can use either vegetable or chicken broth based on your personal preference or dietary needs.
How much spinach do I need for this recipe?
The recipe requires 8 cups of coarsely chopped fresh spinach.
What type of rice is best for this slow cooker soup?
The recipe specifies 1/2 cup of converted rice for the best results in the slow cooker.
How much fat is in a single serving?
This is a low-fat meal, containing only 1.5g of fat per serving.
What seasonings are used to flavor the soup?
The soup is seasoned with minced garlic, dried basil, salt, and ground black pepper.
How many cloves of garlic are required?
You will need 2 cloves of minced garlic for this recipe.
Is this soup suitable as an appetizer or a main dish?
It is versatile and can be served as an inviting entrée or a delightful appetizer.
Does the recipe include tomato ingredients?
Yes, the recipe uses one 15-ounce can of tomato puree.
What is the recommended garnish for this soup?
The soup is best served garnished with finely shredded Parmesan cheese.
Should the canned beans be prepared in any special way?
The Great Northern beans should be rinsed and drained thoroughly before being added to the slow cooker.
What size slow cooker should I use?
A 3-1/2 or 4-quart slow cooker is the ideal size for this recipe.
How much onion is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of finely chopped onion.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy, nutrient-packed recipe that is low in fat and high in fiber.
Can this soup be eaten during the summer?
Yes, the description notes that this soup is light enough to be a great option for a summer meal.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 37g of carbohydrates in each serving.
Do I need to cook the rice before adding it to the slow cooker?
No, you add the dry converted rice directly into the slow cooker with the other ingredients; it cooks as the soup simmers.
What are the primary tags associated with this recipe?
The recipe is tagged with soup, spinach, white bean, crock pot, comfort food, vegetarian, healthy, easy recipe, and summer meal.
How much dried basil should I use?
You should use 1 teaspoon of dried basil, preferably crushed.
How many cans of broth are required?
The recipe requires 3 cans (14 ounces each) of vegetable or chicken broth.
Is the spinach added at the beginning of the cooking process?
No, the spinach is added at the very end, approximately 15 minutes before you are ready to serve, to keep it fresh and vibrant.