Description
A hearty and healthy Mediterranean white bean soup recipe, packed with vegetables, herbs, and a bright lemon finish. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons good quality extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and finely chopped
- 2 medium celery stalks, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 2 (15-ounce) cans cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can Great Northern beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 5 ounces fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- Juice of half a lemon, or to taste
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional Garnishes: Fresh parsley, a drizzle of olive oil, grated Parmesan cheese, or a dollop of plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
Instructions
- 1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 8-10 minutes.
- 2. Stir in minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 3. Pour in vegetable broth, scraping up any browned bits. Add rinsed cannellini beans, Great Northern beans, and diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir to combine.
- 4. Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- 5. For a creamier texture, mash 1-2 cups of the soup’s beans and broth with a fork or use an immersion blender to pulse a portion of the soup directly in the pot. Stir back into the pot.
- 6. Stir in fresh spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until wilted.
- 7. Remove from heat. Stir in fresh lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.
- 8. Serve hot, with optional garnishes.
Notes
Cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze for 2-3 months. Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed, or in the microwave on 50% power. Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 15g