Nourishing Spinach and White Bean Soup Recipe for Cozy Days

Spinach and White Bean Soup is the ultimate comfort food that combines heart-healthy ingredients with rich flavors.

This easy-to-make soup is both nourishing and satisfying, offering a delicious balance of protein-packed white beans and the vibrant, earthy taste of fresh spinach.

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a nutritious lunch, this soup is versatile enough to fit any occasion.

The creamy texture, coupled with the savory broth, makes each spoonful a warming, wholesome delight.

Plus, it’s a great way to incorporate more vegetables and legumes into your diet, all while enjoying a hearty and filling dish that leaves you feeling full without the heaviness.

Ingredients List

To make this delicious and nourishing soup, gather the following ingredients. These items are easy to find at most grocery stores, and many of them are kitchen staples.

Base Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
• 1 can (15 oz) white beans (such as cannellini or navy beans), drained and rinsed
• 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for a non-vegan version)
• 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

Optional Garnishes:

• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for a non-vegan option)
• A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create a comforting bowl of spinach and white bean soup. The process is quick, and the end result is a flavorful, hearty meal that’s perfect for any day.

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Start by prepping your vegetables. Dice the onion and carrots, and mince the garlic. If you’re using fresh spinach, give it a rough chop as well. Having everything prepped and ready will make the cooking process smooth and efficient.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion and carrots. Sauté for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and the onion turns translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant. This step is key to building the flavor base of your soup.

Step 3: Add the Beans and Broth

Add the white beans and vegetable broth to the pot, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the soup to heat through and the flavors to meld together. Simmer for about 10–15 minutes, allowing the broth to become flavorful and the vegetables to fully soften.

Step 4: Simmer and Season

At this point, the soup should be simmering gently. Season with salt, pepper, and dried thyme (if using).

If you like a bit of spice, add the red pepper flakes at this stage. Adjust the seasoning to your taste, adding more salt or pepper if needed. Let the soup simmer for a few more minutes to allow the flavors to come together.

Step 5: Add the Spinach

Once the soup has simmered and the flavors have developed, it’s time to add the spinach. Stir in the fresh spinach and allow it to wilt, which should only take about 2–3 minutes. The spinach will brighten up the soup, adding color and texture.

Step 6: Blend (Optional)

If you prefer a creamy texture, you can blend part or all of the soup. Use an immersion blender directly in the pot to blend the soup until it reaches your desired consistency.

Alternatively, transfer a portion of the soup to a regular blender, blend until smooth, and return it to the pot. This step is optional but can give the soup a velvety, smooth texture.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve the soup hot and enjoy the comforting combination of flavors and textures.

Variations and Tips

While this recipe is delicious as written, there are plenty of ways to customize the soup to suit your preferences or use up ingredients you have on hand.

Different Beans

Feel free to experiment with different types of beans. White beans work wonderfully in this recipe, but you could also use chickpeas, kidney beans, or even lentils for a different flavor and texture. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time if using a different type of bean.

Additional Vegetables

If you’d like to add more variety to your soup, consider incorporating other vegetables like zucchini, celery, or leeks. These additions can be sautéed along with the carrots and onion to add depth to the flavor.

Make It Spicy

For those who love a bit of heat, add more red pepper flakes or even a chopped jalapeño to the soup. You can also stir in a splash of hot sauce or sriracha at the end for an extra kick.

Creamy Version

To make the soup creamier, consider adding a splash of coconut milk or heavy cream during the final simmering stage. You can also blend the soup longer for a velvety texture.

Add Grains or Pasta

For a more substantial meal, add cooked grains like quinoa or farro, or even a handful of small pasta shapes. These ingredients will soak up the flavors of the broth, making the soup even more filling.

Vegan or Non-Vegan Options

This recipe is easily adaptable for vegan or non-vegan diets. For a vegan version, stick to vegetable broth and skip the Parmesan garnish. If you want to make it non-vegan, you can use chicken broth and add a generous sprinkle of Parmesan or Pecorino Romano for a savory, cheesy finish.

Health Benefits of Spinach and White Bean Soup

Spinach and White Bean Soup isn’t just delicious—it’s packed with numerous health benefits that make it a great choice for anyone looking to boost their nutrition. The star ingredients—spinach and white beans—offer a range of vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

Spinach: A Nutrient-Rich Superfood

Spinach is loaded with vitamins A, C, and K, all of which support immune function, skin health, and bone strength. It’s also rich in iron and folate, which are essential for blood health and energy production.

The antioxidants in spinach help protect against oxidative stress, promoting overall health and reducing inflammation.

White Beans: A Protein and Fiber Powerhouse

White beans, such as cannellini or navy beans, are an excellent source of plant-based protein and dietary fiber.

This makes them perfect for keeping you feeling fuller for longer, helping with weight management and digestion.

The fiber content also supports heart health by helping to lower cholesterol levels and maintain healthy blood sugar levels.

Together, spinach and white beans create a hearty and well-rounded meal that supports your overall health.

This soup is a perfect option for vegetarians, vegans, or anyone looking for a balanced, low-calorie, yet filling dish.

How to Store Leftover Soup

If you happen to have leftover soup, you can easily store it for later enjoyment. Here are some tips to keep your soup fresh:

Storing in the Refrigerator

Allow the soup to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container.

It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Simply reheat it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.

Freezing Leftovers

Spinach and White Bean Soup freezes beautifully, making it a great option for meal prepping. To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When ready to eat, thaw the soup overnight in the fridge or reheat directly from frozen on the stove.

Tips for Reheating

When reheating, you may notice that the soup thickens slightly. If needed, add a little extra broth or water to reach your desired consistency. Stir well and allow the soup to simmer until it’s heated through.

Conclusion

Spinach and White Bean Soup is a perfect blend of comfort and nutrition, offering a satisfying meal that’s packed with flavor and health benefits.

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a make-ahead lunch, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your cooking repertoire.

It’s not only easy to prepare but also highly customizable to suit different tastes and dietary needs.

So, gather your ingredients and enjoy a warm bowl of goodness that’s both nourishing and delicious.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen spinach works just as well in this soup. Simply thaw and drain the spinach before adding it to the soup. Frozen spinach is often more concentrated in flavor, so you may need to adjust the seasoning slightly.

2. Can I use other types of beans?

Absolutely! While white beans like cannellini or navy beans are ideal for this recipe, you can use other beans such as chickpeas, kidney beans, or pinto beans. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time if you use dried beans.

3. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes! To make the soup in a slow cooker, sauté the onion, garlic, and carrots in a pan before adding them to the slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours. Add the spinach during the last 15 minutes of cooking.

4. Can I add more vegetables to the soup?

Certainly! This soup is very versatile, and you can add additional vegetables such as celery, zucchini, or potatoes. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces and add them along with the carrots to sauté.

5. How can I make this soup spicier?

To add some heat, you can increase the amount of red pepper flakes, add a chopped jalapeño, or stir in some hot sauce or sriracha. Start with a little and adjust to your preferred spice level.