Description
A comforting spinach and white bean soup made with garlic, lemon, and a simple stovetop broth.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups fresh spinach, packed
- 1 can (15 ounces) white beans, such as cannellini or great northern, rinsed and drained
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (about 1 to 1 1/2 cups)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 teaspoon fresh chopped thyme (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice or a splash of red wine vinegar (optional)
- Grated Parmesan or a drizzle of olive oil for serving (optional)
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering, add the chopped onion and a pinch of salt, and sauté until the onion is translucent and soft, about 6 to 8 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and thyme, cook for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant, stirring so the garlic does not brown.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the pot to a simmer, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Add the rinsed and drained white beans, stir to combine, and let the mixture come back to a low simmer for 8 to 10 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Using an immersion blender, partially purée about half the soup right in the pot until slightly thickened but still chunky, or transfer half the soup to a blender and purée then return it to the pot.
- Stir in the fresh spinach, let it wilt into the warm soup for 1 to 2 minutes, and adjust the heat so the soup is hot but not boiling.
- Taste and season with salt and pepper, and if the soup feels flat, add the lemon juice or vinegar to brighten it.
- Serve immediately with an optional drizzle of olive oil or sprinkle of grated Parmesan, and crusty bread on the side.
Notes
Use low-sodium broth and add salt to taste. Add greens at the end to preserve their vibrant color and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg