Tuscan white bean spinach soup

Tuscan White Bean and Spinach Soup is a hearty, rustic Italian dish featuring creamy white beans, tender spinach, and aromatic herbs in a savory broth. This naturally vegan and comforting soup is perfect for chilly evenings, offering a nutrient-dense meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.

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Drawing inspiration from classic Mediterranean flavors, this soup relies on simple, wholesome ingredients. By sautéing a base of onions, carrots, and celery, you build a foundation of sweetness and depth that carries the earthy notes of the beans and greens perfectly.

Ingredients

• Vegetables
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped
• Beans & Broth
• 2 cans (15 oz each) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• Flavorings
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Garnish
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)

Instructions

Step 1

Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 6-7 minutes, until softened.

Step 2

Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3

Add cannellini beans, vegetable broth, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.

Step 4

Simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 5

Remove the bay leaf.

Step 6

Using a potato masher or the back of a spoon, mash some of the beans in the pot to thicken the soup slightly.

Step 7

Stir in spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes, until wilted and vibrant green.

Step 8

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 9

Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To achieve a thicker, more rustic texture without adding cream, use a potato masher to crush a portion of the cannellini beans directly in the pot. This releases their natural starch and creates a beautifully velvety consistency.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For an even heartier meal, you can add diced potatoes or zucchini during the simmering process. If you aren't following a vegan diet, a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top adds a wonderful salty richness.

Serviervorschläge

This soup is best served warm alongside crusty bread or toasted gluten-free rolls for dipping. A fresh squeeze of lemon juice just before eating helps to brighten the savory flavors of the broth.

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Whether you're looking for a simple weeknight dinner or a healthy meal prep option, this Tuscan White Bean and Spinach Soup is sure to satisfy. Its clean ingredients and robust flavor make it a timeless Italian classic.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of beans are used?

Cannellini beans provide a creamy texture and mild flavor that complements the spinach and herbs well.

→ How do you achieve a thicker consistency?

Mashing some of the cooked beans in the pot with a spoon or potato masher naturally thickens the soup without additives.

→ Can this dish be made vegan and gluten-free?

Yes, the ingredients are naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it suitable for various dietary needs.

→ What herbs add flavor to the soup?

Dried thyme, rosemary, and fresh parsley infuse the broth with traditional Tuscan aromas and depth.

→ How long does the cooking process take?

After preparation, the soup simmers for about 20 minutes to develop flavor and soften the ingredients.

→ Are there optional ingredients to enhance the soup?

Add crushed red pepper flakes for subtle heat or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors before serving.