Creamy and Nutritious: White Bean and Spinach Soup Recipe

This white bean and spinach soup is a hearty, healthy, and delicious meal that’s perfect for a chilly evening. It’s packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins, making it a nutritious choice for the whole family. The creamy texture, achieved without any dairy, comes from blending a portion of the soup, creating a velvety smooth base that perfectly complements the earthy flavors of the beans and spinach. This recipe is also incredibly versatile – you can easily adapt it to your liking by adding different vegetables, herbs, or spices. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this soup is easy to make and sure to impress.

## Why You’ll Love This White Bean and Spinach Soup

* **Healthy and Nutritious:** Packed with fiber, protein, iron, and vitamins.
* **Easy to Make:** Ready in under an hour with simple ingredients and straightforward instructions.
* **Vegetarian and Vegan-Friendly:** A great option for plant-based diets.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Uses inexpensive ingredients like canned beans and frozen spinach.
* **Versatile:** Easily customizable to suit your taste preferences.
* **Delicious:** A creamy, flavorful, and satisfying soup that everyone will enjoy.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious white bean and spinach soup. Don’t worry if you don’t have everything on hand – feel free to substitute or omit ingredients based on what you have available. The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility!

* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons. Extra virgin olive oil adds the best flavor, but any olive oil will work.
* **Onion:** 1 medium, chopped. Yellow or white onion will work perfectly.
* **Garlic:** 4 cloves, minced. Fresh garlic is highly recommended for the best flavor, but you can use garlic powder as a substitute (about 1 teaspoon).
* **Carrot:** 1 medium, chopped. Adds sweetness and texture to the soup.
* **Celery:** 1 stalk, chopped. Contributes to the soup’s aromatic base.
* **Vegetable Broth:** 6 cups. You can also use chicken broth if you’re not vegetarian or vegan. Homemade broth is always best, but store-bought works just fine.
* **White Beans:** 2 (15-ounce) cans, rinsed and drained. Cannellini beans are the classic choice, but Great Northern or Navy beans will also work well.
* **Spinach:** 10 ounces, fresh or frozen. If using fresh spinach, make sure to wash it thoroughly. If using frozen spinach, thaw it and squeeze out any excess water.
* **Dried Thyme:** 1 teaspoon. Adds a subtle earthy flavor.
* **Dried Rosemary:** 1/2 teaspoon. A little goes a long way with rosemary, so don’t overdo it.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
* **Lemon Juice:** 1 tablespoon. Brightens up the flavor of the soup and adds a touch of acidity.
* **Optional Toppings:** Croutons, grated Parmesan cheese (if not vegan), a swirl of olive oil, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **Large Pot or Dutch Oven:** For cooking the soup.
* **Cutting Board:** For chopping vegetables.
* **Knife:** For chopping vegetables.
* **Can Opener:** For opening the cans of beans.
* **Measuring Spoons and Cups:** For measuring ingredients.
* **Immersion Blender or Regular Blender:** For pureeing a portion of the soup.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you have all your ingredients and equipment ready, let’s get started making this delicious white bean and spinach soup. Follow these simple step-by-step instructions, and you’ll have a warm and comforting bowl of soup in no time!

**Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics**

* Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
* Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the onion is softened and translucent. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.

**Step 2: Add the Broth and Beans**

* Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a simmer.
* Add the rinsed and drained white beans, dried thyme, and dried rosemary.
* Season with salt and pepper to taste.

**Step 3: Simmer the Soup**

* Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. This step is crucial for developing the depth of flavor in the soup.

**Step 4: Blend a Portion of the Soup**

* Carefully remove about 2 cups of the soup from the pot and transfer it to an immersion blender or a regular blender. If using a regular blender, be sure to vent the lid to prevent pressure from building up.
* Blend the soup until smooth and creamy.
* Pour the blended soup back into the pot.

**Step 5: Add the Spinach**

* Add the spinach to the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the spinach is wilted. If using frozen spinach, make sure it’s fully thawed and squeezed dry before adding it to the soup.

**Step 6: Finish and Serve**

* Stir in the lemon juice to brighten up the flavor.
* Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
* Serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings, such as croutons, grated Parmesan cheese (if not vegan), a swirl of olive oil, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.

## Tips and Variations

This white bean and spinach soup recipe is incredibly versatile, and there are many ways to customize it to your liking. Here are a few tips and variations to get you started:

* **Add More Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables, such as chopped zucchini, bell peppers, or kale, to the soup.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
* **Make it Creamier:** For an even creamier soup, add a can of coconut milk or a dollop of cashew cream.
* **Use Different Herbs:** Experiment with different herbs, such as oregano, basil, or parsley.
* **Add Protein:** Add cooked chicken, sausage, or tofu for extra protein.
* **Make it Ahead:** This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will actually develop even more over time.
* **Freeze it:** This soup freezes well, making it a great option for meal prepping. Let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
* **Use Different Beans:** While cannellini beans are the classic choice, you can also use Great Northern beans, Navy beans, or even chickpeas.
* **Add a Parmesan Rind:** Simmering a Parmesan rind in the soup adds a rich, savory flavor. Just be sure to remove it before serving.
* **Top with Pesto:** A dollop of pesto adds a burst of fresh flavor to the soup.

## Serving Suggestions

This white bean and spinach soup is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are a few serving suggestions:

* **Crusty Bread:** Serve with a slice of crusty bread for dipping.
* **Salad:** A simple green salad or a more elaborate salad with roasted vegetables complements the soup perfectly.
* **Grilled Cheese Sandwich:** A classic pairing for tomato soup, but also delicious with white bean and spinach soup.
* **Polenta:** Creamy polenta is a comforting side that goes well with the soup’s creamy texture.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts, carrots, or sweet potatoes, add a touch of sweetness and heartiness to the meal.

## Nutritional Information

(Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and quantities used.)

* **Serving Size:** 1 cup
* **Calories:** Approximately 200-250
* **Protein:** 10-15 grams
* **Fat:** 5-10 grams
* **Carbohydrates:** 30-40 grams
* **Fiber:** 10-15 grams

This white bean and spinach soup is a healthy and delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s packed with nutrients and flavor, and it’s easy to customize to your liking. So, give it a try and enjoy a warm and comforting bowl of goodness!

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about white bean and spinach soup:

**Q: Can I use dried beans instead of canned beans?**
A: Yes, you can use dried beans. You’ll need to soak them overnight and then cook them until tender before adding them to the soup. This will add more time to the overall cooking process.

**Q: Can I use a different type of spinach?**
A: Yes, you can use baby spinach or even kale. If using kale, you may need to cook it for a few extra minutes to soften it.

**Q: Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?**
A: Yes, you can. Sauté the aromatics (onion, garlic, carrot, celery) in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker. Then, add the broth, beans, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Add the spinach in the last 30 minutes of cooking. Blend a portion of the soup as directed in the recipe.

**Q: Can I add meat to this soup?**
A: Yes, you can add cooked chicken, sausage, or tofu for extra protein.

**Q: How long will this soup last in the refrigerator?**
A: This soup will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

**Q: Can I freeze this soup?**
A: Yes, this soup freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

**Q: What if I don’t have an immersion blender?**
A: You can use a regular blender to puree a portion of the soup. Be sure to vent the lid to prevent pressure from building up.

**Q: The soup is too thick. What should I do?**
A: Add more broth until you reach your desired consistency.

**Q: The soup is too thin. What should I do?**
A: Simmer the soup for a few more minutes to allow it to thicken. You can also add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to thicken it quickly.

**Q: The soup is bland. What should I do?**
A: Taste and adjust the seasoning. Add more salt, pepper, herbs, or lemon juice to enhance the flavor.

## Conclusion

This creamy white bean and spinach soup is a delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, anyone can make this soup and enjoy its comforting flavors. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and toppings to create your own unique version. So, get in the kitchen and start cooking! You won’t be disappointed.

Enjoy your homemade White Bean and Spinach Soup!