Description
Hearty tomato white bean soup brings comfort and warmth to winter dining, blending Mediterranean flavors with rustic charm. Rich legumes and ripe tomatoes create a nourishing bowl you’ll savor to the last spoonful.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 can (14 ounces / 400 grams) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) white beans (cannellini or great northern beans)
- 3 cups vegetable broth
Fresh Vegetables:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 handful fresh spinach or kale (optional)
Herbs, Spices, and Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Juice of ½ lemon
Instructions
- Prepare a large pot and warm olive oil over medium heat, creating a sizzling foundation for the aromatic vegetables.
- Gently introduce chopped onions, carrots, and celery into the pan, allowing them to soften and develop a translucent quality for approximately 5-6 minutes.
- Infuse the mixture with minced garlic, stirring rapidly to release its intense, fragrant essence without burning.
- Pour in diced tomatoes, white beans, and vegetable broth, creating a vibrant liquid base for the soup.
- Sprinkle in dried oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper to build layers of complex flavor.
- Reduce heat and let the soup simmer gently, allowing ingredients to meld and develop depth for about 15-18 minutes.
- For a velvety texture, use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup, leaving some chunks for rustic character.
- Fold fresh spinach or kale into the hot liquid, watching it wilt and integrate within 2 minutes.
- Brighten the soup with a splash of fresh lemon juice, then taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Ladle the soup into warm bowls, garnishing with optional fresh basil or a sprinkle of Parmesan for those not following a vegan diet.
- Serve immediately alongside crusty bread for a complete, comforting meal.
Notes
- Customize the soup’s thickness by adjusting the blending technique, leaving some beans whole for texture or blending completely for a smooth consistency.
- Boost protein content by adding cooked quinoa or lentils directly into the soup for extra nutritional value.
- Create a gluten-free version by using gluten-free vegetable broth and serving with gluten-free bread options.
- Enhance flavor complexity by roasting vegetables before adding them to the pot, which develops deeper caramelized notes and intensifies the overall taste profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg