Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 cans white beans (cannellini or navy beans), drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14 ounces)
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Ingredients
- Spinach or kale (about 1-2 cups fresh)
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and chopped carrots. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the Beans, Tomatoes, and Broth: Pour in the drained white beans, diced tomatoes (with their juices), and the vegetable or chicken broth. Stir in the Italian seasoning, then season with salt and pepper according to your taste.
- Simmer the Soup: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and the soup to thicken slightly.
- Blend for Creaminess: Use an immersion blender to puree a portion of the soup directly in the pot until creamy but still textured, or transfer a few cups to a blender, blend until smooth, and return it to the pot. This creates a rich, creamy consistency without adding cream.
- Add Greens and Finish Cooking: Stir in the spinach or kale if using, and cook for an additional 2 minutes until the greens are wilted but still bright. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve Warm: Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy as is or topped with crusty bread and Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Serve the soup with crusty bread for a satisfying meal.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top to add a savory touch.
- You can substitute chickpeas or other white beans if preferred.
- For a vegan version, use vegetable broth and omit cheese toppings.
- Leftovers store well refrigerated for up to 4 days and can be frozen for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup, Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop, Blending
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten Free