Nourishing White Bean and Bone Broth Soup with Vegetables
This hearty, nourishing soup is designed with gastric sleeve patients in mind, packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. Featuring creamy white cannellini beans, tender vegetables, and flavorful bone broth, this soup not only warms the soul but also supports gut health with gut-healing properties. It's easily adjustable for different diets and can be pureed for those on soft food stages. Enjoy a bowl of comfort that delivers nutrition without compromising on taste. Perfect for meal prep, you can keep it stored for a nutritious weeknight dinner option.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
19
Ingredients
Ingredients
White cannellini beans
2 (15 1/2 ounce) cans (Drained and rinsed)
Spinach or other greens (excluding escarole)
1 head (Washed)
Chicken bone broth
1 (32 ounce) container (Prepared)
Garlic cloves
4-5 (Minced)
Fresh thyme
2 sprigs (Fresh, optional)
Cayenne pepper
1 pinch (Optional)
Fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup (Chopped, optional)
Flat leaf parsley
1/4 cup (Chopped)
Ripe tomatoes
3-4 (Chopped)
Large onion
1 (Diced)
Carrot
1 (Diced)
Black pepper
1 teaspoon (Ground)
Zucchini or yellow squash
1 small (Diced)
Roasted red pepper
1 (Chopped, optional)
Pancetta or unsmoked bacon
3 ounces (Finely chopped)
Extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon (For sautéing)
Parmesan cheese
To taste (Grated)
Salt
To taste (Added after parmesan)
Beef gelatin
2-3 tablespoons (Mixed in warm water)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. If using pancetta or bacon, add it to the pot and sauté until the fat renders and it becomes crispy.
2
Add the diced onion to the pot and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Incorporate minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, letting the aroma meld into the mixture.
3
Stir in the diced carrots, fresh thyme, cayenne, and any other desired spices. Cook for another 2 minutes until the carrots start to soften.
4
Add the spinach (or your green of choice) and cook until wilted, which should take about 2 minutes.
5
Pour in the chicken bone broth along with the drained and rinsed white beans and chopped tomatoes. If you're using roasted red peppers or pepperoni, add them at this time.
6
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, covering the pot, and allow it to cook for 15 minutes.
7
After 15 minutes, introduce the diced zucchini or yellow squash and stir to combine. Continue to simmer uncovered until the vegetables are soft, roughly 5 more minutes.
8
Remove the pot from heat and stir in the chopped parsley and fresh basil leaves. Grate a generous amount of parmesan cheese into the soup and stir to combine. Adjust seasoning with salt depending on the saltiness of the cheese used.
9
If you are on the first stage of soft foods, carefully puree the soup until smooth using an immersion blender or a standard blender, then serve warm. Otherwise, enjoy the soup as is, packed with texture and flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this white bean and bone broth soup designed for?
This hearty soup is specifically designed with gastric sleeve patients in mind, focusing on high protein and fiber content.
Can I eat this soup if I am on a soft food diet?
Yes, the soup can be carefully pureed until smooth using an immersion blender or standard blender for those on soft food stages.
What are the primary protein sources in this recipe?
The protein comes from white cannellini beans, chicken bone broth, pancetta or bacon, and beef gelatin.
Is this soup beneficial for gut health?
Yes, the use of bone broth and beef gelatin provides gut-healing properties that support digestive wellness.
How do I make this soup vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, omit the pancetta or bacon and substitute the chicken bone broth with vegetable broth.
What kind of beans are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses two 15.5-ounce cans of white cannellini beans, which should be drained and rinsed.
Are there any specific greens I should avoid?
The recipe suggests using spinach or other greens but specifically recommends excluding escarole.
What is the purpose of adding beef gelatin?
Beef gelatin is included to increase the protein density and add further gut-healing benefits to the soup.
How long does the soup need to simmer?
The soup simmers for 15 minutes initially, then for another 5 minutes after adding the zucchini or squash.
When do I add the zucchini or yellow squash?
The diced zucchini or yellow squash should be added during the final 5 minutes of simmering so they become soft but not overcooked.
Can I use bacon instead of pancetta?
Yes, three ounces of finely chopped unsmoked bacon is a suitable substitute for pancetta.
Is the cayenne pepper required?
No, the pinch of cayenne pepper is optional and can be omitted if you prefer a milder flavor.
How should I store the leftover soup?
The soup is perfect for meal prep and can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few days.
Is this soup freezer-friendly?
Yes, this bean and vegetable soup freezes well, making it a great option for long-term meal planning.
Should the herbs be fresh or dried?
The recipe recommends fresh thyme, fresh basil, and fresh flat-leaf parsley for the best flavor profile.
What if I don't have roasted red peppers?
Roasted red peppers are an optional addition; you can include them for extra flavor or leave them out entirely.
When should I add the salt?
Salt should be added at the very end, adjusting the amount based on the saltiness of the parmesan cheese used.
Can I use an immersion blender?
Yes, an immersion blender is recommended if you need to puree the soup for a smoother texture.
What type of oil is recommended for sautéing?
Extra virgin olive oil is used to heat the pot and sauté the aromatics.
How many garlic cloves are in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 to 5 minced garlic cloves to provide a flavorful base.
Is the parmesan cheese necessary?
The parmesan cheese adds flavor and saltiness, but it can be omitted if you are avoiding dairy.
What kind of tomatoes should I use?
The recipe suggests using 3 to 4 ripe tomatoes, chopped.
Does this soup contain fiber?
Yes, it is high in fiber thanks to the white beans, spinach, carrots, and other vegetables.
How do I prepare the beef gelatin?
The beef gelatin should be mixed into warm water before being added to the soup.
Can I use a different type of broth?
While chicken bone broth is suggested for its health benefits, you can use regular chicken or vegetable broth.
Is this soup suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely, it's designed to be a nutritious weeknight option that holds up well when stored.
How do I know when the onions are ready?
The onions should be cooked for 3-4 minutes until they are translucent.
Is there a low-sodium version of this recipe?
To lower the sodium, use low-sodium broth, omit the pancetta, and reduce the amount of added salt and parmesan.
Can I add other spices?
Yes, you can incorporate other desired spices when you add the carrots and thyme.
Why are the beans rinsed?
Rinsing canned beans helps remove excess sodium and the starchy liquid from the canning process.