This spinach and white bean soup is a hearty meal perfect for those chilly days. It's packed with nutrition from spinach and white beans, enhanced with a hint of lemon and aromatic herbs. It's a simple recipe that delivers a comforting and healthy meal in under an hour.
The majority of the ingredients for this soup are likely staples in your pantry. However, take note of the shallot, a milder and slightly sweeter alternative to onions. Also, the recipe calls for dried oregano and thyme. If you don't already have these in your spice rack, you can easily find them in the herbs and spices section of your local supermarket.
Ingredients for Spinach and White Bean Soup
Baby spinach: Packed with nutrients and antioxidants, baby spinach adds a mild and slightly sweet flavor.
Carrot: Adds a touch of earthy sweetness and a nice pop of color.
Olive oil: Used for sauteing, it adds a subtle depth of flavor.
Shallot: Shallot provides a slightly sweet and mild flavor.
Garlic cloves: Gives a robust and aromatic element to the soup.
Chicken stock: It forms the base of the soup, providing a savory taste.
White beans: A great source of protein and fiber, they give the soup body and creaminess.
Dried oregano: Adds an aromatic, warm, and slightly bitter taste.
Dried thyme: Gives the soup a subtle, dry and slightly minty flavor.
Salt: Enhances the various flavors in the soup.
Ground black pepper: Adds a little heat and enhances other flavors.
Lemon juice: Adds a fresh, tangy flavor, and helps to balance richness.
One reader, Bridget Seward says:
This spinach and white bean soup recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are so rich and comforting, and the texture is perfectly creamy. It's a healthy and satisfying meal that's easy to make. I love how the lemon juice adds a refreshing zing. Highly recommend trying it!
Key Techniques for Making Spinach and White Bean Soup
How to prepare the spinach and carrot mixture: Combine the baby spinach and carrot in a food processor, then pulse until finely chopped.
How to cook the shallot and garlic: Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Cook and stir the shallot and garlic in the hot oil for about 2 to 3 minutes, until fragrant.
How to simmer the soup: Reduce the heat and simmer the soup for about 20 minutes, until the flavors combine.
How to puree the soup: Remove the soup from the heat, then stir in the lemon juice. Puree with an immersion blender until smooth.
How To Make Spinach and White Bean Soup
This gluten-free white bean soup is a healthy dish loaded with tasty veggies and filling beans for a well-balanced meal. Cook up a bowl in under one hour!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 3cupsbaby spinach
- ½cupcarrot,chopped
- 3tbspolive oil
- 1shallot,finely chopped
- 3garlic cloves,minced
- 2cupschicken stock
- 15ozwhite beans,(1 can), drained
- 1tspdried oregano
- ½tspdried thyme
- ½tspsalt
- ¼tspground black pepper
- 2tbsplemon juice
Instructions
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Combine the baby spinach and carrot in a food processor, then pulse until finely chopped.
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Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Cook and stir the shallot and garlic in the hot oil for about 2 to 3 minutes, until fragrant.
-
Stir in the spinach and carrot mixture, chicken stock, white beans, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally.
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Reduce the heat, then simmer for about 20 minutes, until the flavors combine.
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Remove the soup from the heat, then stir in the lemon juice. Puree with an immersion blender until smooth.
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Serve warm, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 1023.47kcal
- Fat: 25.21g
- Saturated Fat: 4.09g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 16.35g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.52g
- Carbohydrates: 148.28g
- Fiber: 34.97g
- Sugar: 12.57g
- Protein: 57.61g
- Cholesterol: 7.20mg
- Sodium: 996.67mg
- Calcium: 576.95mg
- Potassium: 4394.80mg
- Iron: 24.28mg
- Vitamin A: 328.40µg
- Vitamin C: 16.30mg
Crucial Technique for Enhancing Spinach and White Bean Soup Flavor
When using an immersion blender to puree your spinach and white bean soup, ensure the blender is fully submerged to avoid splattering. Also, tilt the pot slightly to create a deeper pool of soup for easier blending. This will give you a smoother consistency and better incorporate all the flavors.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Spinach and White Bean Soup
Prep ahead: Chop and measure ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.
One-pot wonders: Opt for recipes that require minimal dishes and cook everything in one pot for easy cleanup.
Time-saving tools: Utilize kitchen gadgets like food processors and immersion blenders to speed up prep and cooking.
Substitute Ingredients For Spinach and White Bean Soup Recipe
baby spinach - Substitute with kale: Kale is a sturdy green that holds up well in soups and provides a similar earthy flavor and texture to spinach.
carrot - Substitute with sweet potato: Sweet potatoes can add a slightly sweeter flavor and a creamy texture to the soup, similar to carrots.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a mild flavor and high smoke point, making it a suitable substitute for olive oil in cooking.
shallot - Substitute with onion: Onions can provide a similar savory and aromatic flavor to shallots in the soup.
garlic cloves - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a substitute for fresh garlic cloves, providing a similar flavor with a more convenient form.
chicken stock - Substitute with vegetable stock: Vegetable stock can be used as a vegetarian alternative to chicken stock, providing a flavorful base for the soup.
white beans - Substitute with cannellini beans: Cannellini beans are a good substitute for white beans, as they have a similar creamy texture and mild flavor.
dried oregano - Substitute with dried basil: Dried basil can be used as a substitute for oregano, adding a slightly different herbaceous flavor to the soup.
dried thyme - Substitute with dried rosemary: Dried rosemary can provide a similar earthy and aromatic flavor to thyme in the soup.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a substitute for regular salt, providing a slightly different flavor profile.
ground black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper can be used as a substitute for black pepper, providing a milder and slightly different flavor to the soup.
lemon juice - Substitute with white wine vinegar: White wine vinegar can add a tangy acidity similar to lemon juice in the soup.
Presentation Tips for a Delightful Spinach and White Bean Soup
Elevate the plating: When presenting the spinach and white bean soup, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing presentation. Use a wide-rimmed bowl to showcase the vibrant green color of the soup and allow for a generous garnish.
Garnish with finesse: Add a touch of sophistication to the dish by garnishing with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley. This will not only enhance the flavor but also elevate the overall aesthetic.
Incorporate texture: Consider adding a contrasting element to the dish by serving the soup alongside a slice of toasted baguette or a delicate parmesan crisp. This will provide a delightful textural contrast.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of minimalism by allowing for ample negative space on the plate. This will draw attention to the soup itself and create a sense of balance in the presentation.
Attention to detail: Pay close attention to the rim of the bowl, ensuring it is clean and free of any drips or smudges. This level of attention to detail demonstrates precision and care in the plating process.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Spinach and White Bean Soup
- Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used for chopping, blending, pureeing, and mixing ingredients. It's perfect for finely chopping the spinach and carrot in this recipe.
- Large pot: A large pot is essential for cooking soups and stews. It allows for even heating and provides ample space for combining and simmering the soup ingredients.
- Immersion blender: An immersion blender, also known as a hand blender, is used to puree soups and sauces directly in the cooking pot. It's convenient and reduces the need for transferring hot liquids to a traditional blender.
- Chef's knife: A sharp chef's knife is necessary for chopping the shallot and garlic with precision and ease.
- Cutting board: A cutting board provides a stable surface for chopping and preparing ingredients, protecting your countertops and ensuring safety while using sharp knives.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurement of ingredients is crucial in cooking, and using measuring cups and spoons helps ensure the right balance of flavors and textures in the soup.
- Wooden spoon: A wooden spoon is ideal for stirring the soup as it cooks, and it won't scratch the surface of the pot.
Storage and Freezing Guidelines for Spinach and White Bean Soup
Once the spinach and white bean soup has cooled to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Make sure to leave some headspace at the top of the container to allow for expansion during freezing.
Label the container or bag with the date and the contents, so you can easily keep track of when the soup was made and how long it has been stored.
If using a freezer bag, remove as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn and to save space in your freezer.
Place the container or bag in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the soup within 3-4 days. The soup will stay fresh and flavorful during this time.
If you want to store the soup for a longer period, place the container or bag in the freezer. The spinach and white bean soup can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing its quality or taste.
When you're ready to enjoy the soup, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. You can also thaw the soup by placing the container or bag in a bowl of cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes until the soup is fully thawed.
Once thawed, reheat the soup in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature. You may need to add a little water or chicken stock to adjust the consistency if the soup has thickened during storage.
If you have any leftover soup after reheating, it can be stored in the refrigerator for an additional 2-3 days. However, it is not recommended to refreeze the soup once it has been thawed, as this can affect its texture and quality.
How To Reheat Leftover Spinach and White Bean Soup
Stovetop: pour the leftover spinach and white bean soup into a saucepan and heat it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired temperature. this method is best for smaller portions and allows you to easily control the temperature, preventing the soup from boiling and potentially altering its texture or flavor.
Microwave: transfer the leftover soup to a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. heat the soup in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until it reaches your desired temperature. microwaving is a quick and convenient option, but be careful not to overheat the soup, as it may cause the ingredients to break down or become mushy.
Slow cooker or crockpot: if you have a larger portion of leftover soup, you can reheat it in a slow cooker or crockpot. pour the soup into the slow cooker, cover it, and heat it on low for 1-2 hours, or until it reaches your desired temperature. this method is ideal for larger quantities and allows the flavors to meld together even more, but it does require more time.
Oven: preheat your oven to 350°f (175°c). pour the leftover soup into an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. place the dish in the preheated oven and heat for 15-20 minutes, or until the soup reaches your desired temperature. this method is suitable for larger portions and can help maintain the soup's texture, but it may take longer than other methods.
Thawing frozen soup: if you have frozen leftover spinach and white bean soup, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. once thawed, you can use any of the above methods to reheat the soup. avoid thawing the soup at room temperature, as this can promote bacterial growth and increase the risk of foodborne illness.
Interesting Trivia About Spinach and White Bean Soup
The spinach and white bean soup recipe is a great source of fiber and protein, making it a healthy and filling meal option.
Is Making Spinach and White Bean Soup at Home Cost-Effective?
This spinach and white bean soup recipe is highly cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, such as spinach, white beans, and carrots, are affordable and readily available. The addition of chicken stock and lemon juice enhances the flavor without significantly increasing the cost. With an approximate cost of $10, this hearty soup can feed a family of four, making it a budget-friendly and nutritious option. Overall Verdict: 9/10
Is This Spinach and White Bean Soup Healthy?
This spinach and white bean soup recipe is a nutritious and wholesome choice. It incorporates several healthy ingredients, such as:
- Spinach: Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and antioxidants
- White beans: An excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, and various minerals
- Olive oil: Provides healthy monounsaturated fats and anti-inflammatory properties
- Garlic and shallots: Offer unique flavor compounds and potential health benefits
The recipe also uses a moderate amount of salt and relies on herbs and lemon juice for additional flavor. The blending process helps to create a smooth, comforting texture that can be enjoyed as a light meal or starter.
To further enhance the nutritional value of this soup, consider the following suggestions:
- Increase the variety of vegetables by adding diced tomatoes, celery, or zucchini for added fiber and micronutrients
- Swap chicken stock with a low-sodium vegetable broth to make the recipe vegetarian and reduce the overall sodium content
- Experiment with different types of beans, such as chickpeas or kidney beans, to vary the texture and nutrient profile
- Garnish with a dollop of Greek yogurt for an extra boost of protein and creaminess without adding excessive calories
- Serve alongside a slice of whole-grain bread or a small side salad to create a more balanced and satisfying meal
Editor's Opinion on This Delightful Spinach and White Bean Soup
This spinach and white bean soup recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The combination of spinach, white beans, and aromatic herbs creates a comforting and nutritious soup. The addition of lemon juice adds a refreshing zing, balancing the earthy flavors. The use of shallots and garlic enhances the depth of the soup, while the pureed texture adds a velvety finish. It's a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a light lunch or a starter for a dinner party. Overall, it's a satisfying and wholesome soup that is sure to please the palate.
Enhance Your Spinach and White Bean Soup Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Delicious Alternatives to Spinach and White Bean Soup
Appetizer and Dessert Ideas to Complement Spinach and White Bean Soup
Why trust this Spinach and White Bean Soup Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful combination of spinach and white beans, providing a nutritious and flavorful experience. The use of baby spinach ensures a fresh and vibrant taste, while the addition of carrot enhances the soup's texture and sweetness. The incorporation of olive oil and aromatic shallot and garlic cloves infuses rich, savory undertones. The inclusion of chicken stock and a blend of dried oregano and thyme further enriches the soup's depth of flavor. The finishing touch of lemon juice adds a refreshing zing, making this recipe a trustworthy choice for a wholesome and satisfying meal.
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