Description
A hearty and flavorful Mediterranean White Bean Soup featuring cannellini beans, fresh vegetables, and vibrant herbs simmered in a savory vegetable broth. This nutritious soup offers a perfect balance of Mediterranean spices and fresh ingredients making it a comforting, easy-to-make meal ideal for any season.
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Base
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 large carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes or Aleppo pepper
- Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
- 4 cups (32 oz) vegetable broth
- 2 cans cannellini beans, rinsed & drained
Finishing Touches
- 2 heaping cups fresh spinach
- ¼ cup chopped fresh dill
- 2 tbsp white wine vinegar
- 1 bunch parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat Olive Oil and Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 2–3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Add Tomato Paste, Vegetables, and Spices: Stir in the tomato paste along with the chopped carrots, celery, Italian seasoning, sweet paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Cook the mixture for about 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften and the flavors to meld.
- Add Broth and Beans, Simmer: Pour in the vegetable broth and add the rinsed and drained cannellini beans. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook uncovered for 15–20 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the flavors are well combined.
- Incorporate Spinach, Dill, and Vinegar: Stir in the fresh spinach, chopped dill, and white wine vinegar. Cook just until the spinach wilts, about 1–2 minutes, to preserve its bright color and fresh flavor.
- Adjust Seasoning and Garnish: Taste the soup and adjust salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as desired. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and an optional pinch of Aleppo pepper for extra flavor and color.
Notes
- This soup can be made ahead and reheated; flavors improve after sitting for a day.
- For a creamier texture, blend a portion of the soup and stir it back in.
- Use fresh herbs whenever possible for the brightest flavor.
- Adjust red pepper flakes based on your heat preference or omit for a milder soup.
- Leftover soup freezes well for up to 3 months.
