Name: Italian White Bean Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups vegetable broth; 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh); 2 cups kale or spinach, chopped; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon dried rosemary; Salt and pepper to taste; Olive oil for sautéing

Delicious bowl of Italian White Bean Soup garnished with herbs

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why make this recipe

Italian White Bean Soup is a delicious and hearty dish that boasts both flavor and health benefits. Packed with nutritious ingredients like beans, greens, and herbs, this soup is a perfect choice for a cozy dinner or a light lunch. It is easy to make and can warm you up on a chilly day or serve as a comforting meal any time of the year. Plus, it’s a simple recipe that requires minimal preparation and cooking time, making it ideal for busy weeknights.

how to make Italian White Bean Soup

Ingredients:

2 cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups vegetable broth
1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
2 cups kale or spinach, chopped
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil for sautéing

Directions:

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the diced tomatoes, cannellini beans, vegetable broth, thyme, and rosemary. Bring to a boil.
Reduce heat and let simmer for about 20 minutes.
Add the chopped kale or spinach and cook until wilted, about 5 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.

how to serve Italian White Bean Soup

Serve the soup hot in bowls. You can enjoy it on its own or pair it with some crusty bread for a satisfying meal. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top adds a nice touch, enhancing the flavor even further.

how to store Italian White Bean Soup

If you have leftovers, let the soup cool down before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for about 3 to 5 days. You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Just make sure to leave some space in the container since liquids expand when frozen.

tips to make Italian White Bean Soup

Make sure to rinse the beans well to remove any excess salt or preservatives from the cans.
For extra flavor, consider adding in some red pepper flakes for a nice kick.
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the beans with a fork before adding them to the pot.
Customize your greens; if you don’t have kale or spinach, other leafy greens like Swiss chard work well too.

variation

You can easily customize this soup by adding your favorite vegetables or proteins. Consider adding carrots or celery for extra texture. If you’d like to include meat, cooked sausage or diced chicken can be added for a heartier version.

FAQs

Can I use other types of beans?
Yes, you can substitute cannellini beans with white kidney beans, navy beans, or any other beans you have on hand.

Can I make this soup vegan?
Yes, this recipe is already vegan as it uses vegetable broth and no animal products.

How long does it take to make this soup?
The total time to prepare and cook this soup is about 35 minutes, making it quick and easy for a weeknight meal.