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 ½ 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
½ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
½ 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 you’re not going vegan. For a creamier texture, try mashing some of the beans while it’s 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
🥄 Mash some beans while simmering to thicken the soup.
🧂 Season gradually to suit your taste perfectly.
❄️ 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
