Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large onion, chopped (yellow, white, shallots, or leeks can be used)
2 garlic cloves, minced (fresh, frozen, garlic paste, or ยฝ teaspoon garlic powder)
3 large carrots, chopped (alternatives include sweet potatoes or parsnips)
3 celery stalks, chopped (can be omitted or swapped with zucchini or green beans)
6 cups low sodium vegetable broth (regular broth or broth concentrate works)
1 teaspoon dried thyme or 2 tablespoons fresh thyme
1 teaspoon oregano or 2 tablespoons fresh oregano
ยฝ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
ยฝ teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste
3 cans (15 ounces each) white beans (navy, cannellini, Great Northern, or pre-cooked dried beans)
5 ounces baby spinach (kale or collard greens as substitutes)
Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional, omit for vegan option)
Instructions
1-First, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook it until it turns translucent, which takes about 5 minutes, to build a solid flavor base.
2-Next, stir in the minced garlic, chopped carrots, celery, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper, and let them cook for another 2 to 3 minutes to release their aromas.
3-Then, pour in 6 cups of low sodium vegetable broth and add the 3 cans of white beans, making sure to drain and rinse them first. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 15 minutes so the flavors can blend together nicely.
4-After that, add the 5 ounces of baby spinach and simmer for 2 more minutes until it wilts, giving the soup a fresh, green touch.
5-Finally, remove the pot from the heat, taste the soup, and adjust the seasoning if needed for your preference. Serve it right away, perhaps with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top if youโre not going vegan. For a creamier texture, try mashing some of the beans while itโs simmering, which is a handy tip to thicken things up.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
๐ฅ Mash some beans while simmering to thicken the soup.
๐ง Season gradually to suit your taste perfectly.
โ๏ธ Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days or freeze up to 3 months; reheat adding broth if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Vegan option available
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: --
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
