Mediterranean White Bean Soup Recipe
This hearty Mediterranean White Bean Soup is a comforting and nutritious dish packed with flavorful vegetables, white beans, and fresh spinach. Perfect for a cozy meal, it features aromatic herbs and is finished with a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese for a delightful touch.
- Author: Mia
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 large carrots, chopped
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
Liquids and Seasonings
- 6 cups low sodium vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste
Main Ingredients
- 3 (15-ounce) cans white beans, drained and rinsed
- 5 ounces baby spinach
- Grated parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until they become translucent, about 5 minutes. Then, add minced garlic, chopped carrots, celery, dried thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook all together for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to release the flavors.
- Add Broth and Beans: Pour in the low sodium vegetable broth and add the drained and rinsed white beans. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Incorporate Spinach: Stir in the baby spinach and continue to simmer the soup for about 2 minutes, or until the spinach has wilted and blended into the soup.
- Season and Serve: Remove the pot from heat. Taste the soup and add any additional salt or pepper as desired. Serve hot, topped with a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese if you like for extra richness and flavor.
Notes
- Use low sodium broth to better control the salt content in the soup.
- White beans such as cannellini or great northern beans work best for a creamy texture.
- You can substitute spinach with kale or Swiss chard for variation.
- The parmesan cheese is optional but adds a nice umami flavor; omit for a dairy-free option.
- This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and freezes well for up to 3 months.
Keywords: Mediterranean white bean soup, healthy bean soup, vegetarian soup, easy winter soup, spinach bean soup