Description
A hearty and healthy White Bean Soup with Tomatoes and Garlic that combines creamy white beans, fresh tomatoes, and aromatic garlic for a comforting vegetarian meal. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this Italian-inspired stovetop soup is enriched with fresh greens and herbs, making it both nutritious and flavorful.
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Base
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Greens and Garnish
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. This step develops the flavorful base of the soup.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown to maintain a mild garlic flavor.
- Combine Main Ingredients: Add the drained and rinsed white beans, diced tomatoes (with their juices), vegetable or chicken broth, dried thyme, dried rosemary, crushed red pepper flakes if using, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together to combine well.
- Simmer the Soup: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the soup to thicken slightly.
- Add Greens: Stir in the chopped fresh spinach or kale and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the greens are wilted and tender but still vibrant in color.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the soup from heat and ladle into bowls. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley to add freshness and an extra burst of flavor. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- For a creamier texture, blend part of the soup with an immersion blender before adding the greens.
- You can add cooked pasta or rice to make the soup heartier and more filling.
- This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and can be frozen for up to 3 months for convenient future meals.
