Savory Tuscan White Bean and Spinach Soup
This Savory Tuscan White Bean and Spinach Soup is a delightful and nutritious dish perfect for any day of the week. Packed with tender baby carrots, hearty cannellini beans, and vibrant spinach, this soup is not only low in cholesterol but also rich in fiber and protein. With a fragrant blend of Italian seasoning and a touch of olive oil, it's simple to prepare in less than 30 minutes. Ideal for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, serve it warm with crusty bread for a satisfying meal that's sure to please everyone at the table.
4
Servings
120
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Baby Carrots
1 cup (coarsely chopped)
Onion
1 small (chopped)
Olive Oil
3 tablespoons (divided)
Cannellini Beans
2 (15 ounce) cans (rinsed and drained)
Reduced-Sodium Chicken Broth
32 ounces
Dried Italian Seasoning
2-3 teaspoons (crushed)
Baby Spinach
1 (5 ounce) package
Freshly Cracked Black Pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
In a Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped carrots and onion, cooking for about 3 minutes until they are soft and fragrant.
2
Stir in the rinsed cannellini beans, reduced-sodium chicken broth, and dried Italian seasoning. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil, then slightly mash some of the beans with a fork to thicken the soup. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3
While the soup simmers, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the baby spinach and toss gently for 1-2 minutes, just until the leaves are wilted.
4
Once the soup is ready, ladle it into bowls, top with the sautéed spinach, and finish with a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper.
Nutrition Information
3.5g
Fat
19.5g
Carbs
5.5g
Protein
120mg
Sodium
0mg
Cholesterol
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Tuscan White Bean and Spinach Soup?
It is a nutritious, fiber-rich soup made with cannellini beans, baby spinach, and carrots, flavored with Italian herbs.
How many calories are in each serving?
Each serving of this soup contains approximately 120 calories.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
While it calls for chicken broth, you can make it vegetarian by substituting with vegetable broth as per the vegetarian tag.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields 4 servings.
How long does it take to prepare this soup?
The entire dish can be prepared in less than 30 minutes.
What type of beans are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses two 15-ounce cans of rinsed and drained cannellini beans.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, although fresh baby spinach is recommended for the quick sautéing step to maintain texture.
Is this soup low in cholesterol?
Yes, this soup contains 0mg of cholesterol per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
There is 3.5g of fat in each serving.
What should I serve with this Tuscan soup?
It is ideal to serve this soup warm with crusty bread.
How do I thicken the soup consistency?
You can thicken the soup by slightly mashing some of the beans with a fork while it simmers.
What kind of broth is recommended?
The recipe calls for 32 ounces of reduced-sodium chicken broth.
Does this recipe contain any added sugar?
No, there is no added sugar in this recipe.
What are the primary seasonings used?
The soup is flavored with dried Italian seasoning and freshly cracked black pepper.
How much protein is in one serving?
Each serving provides 5.5g of protein.
How should the carrots be prepared?
The baby carrots should be coarsely chopped before cooking.
How long should I cook the onions and carrots?
Sauté them for about 3 minutes until they are soft and fragrant.
How much olive oil is required in total?
The recipe uses a total of 3 tablespoons of olive oil, divided for different steps.
Is this soup considered healthy?
Yes, it is described as wholesome, low cholesterol, and rich in fiber and protein.
Can I substitute the baby spinach with another green?
Yes, you can substitute with other leafy greens like kale or Swiss chard.
Is this soup gluten-free?
The main ingredients are naturally gluten-free; ensure your broth selection is certified gluten-free.
Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Yes, vegetables like celery or zucchini would complement the Tuscan flavors well.
How long does the soup need to simmer?
The soup should simmer uncovered for approximately 8 minutes.
What is the sodium content per serving?
The soup contains 120mg of sodium per serving.
What are some good bean substitutes?
Great Northern beans or navy beans are excellent substitutes for cannellini beans.
How is the spinach prepared for this dish?
The spinach is sautéed separately in olive oil for 1-2 minutes until wilted before being added to the bowls.
Is this a one-pot meal?
While the soup is made in one pot, a separate skillet is used for sautéing the spinach.
What size onion is needed?
The recipe specifies using one small chopped onion.
Can I add meat to this recipe?
Yes, cooked Italian sausage or shredded chicken can be added for extra protein.
Is this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, this recipe contains no dairy ingredients.