Save It In the heart of Tuscany, where rolling hills meet rustic kitchens, this classic White Bean and Spinach Soup was born. With its comforting warmth and nourishing ingredients, this soup embodies the Italian philosophy of creating extraordinary meals from simple, wholesome ingredients. Creamy cannellini beans, vibrant spinach, and aromatic herbs blend together in a savory broth that tells the story of generations of Italian home cooking.
Save It As the evenings grow cooler, this Tuscan White Bean and Spinach Soup becomes a welcome friend at the dinner table. The humble beginnings of olive oil, onions, carrots, and celery create a fragrant base, while the beans provide substance and the spinach adds a pop of color and nutrients. Each spoonful offers comfort in its purest form—warm, satisfying, and deeply flavorful.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped
- 2 cans (15 oz each) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
- 1. Prepare the base
- Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 6-7 minutes, until softened.
- 2. Add aromatics
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 3. Build the soup
- Add cannellini beans, vegetable broth, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- 4. Simmer
- Simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 5. Finish preparation
- Remove the bay leaf. Using a potato masher or the back of a spoon, mash some of the beans in the pot to thicken the soup slightly.
- 6. Add greens
- Stir in spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes, until wilted and vibrant green.
- 7. Final touches
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.
The key to developing flavor in this soup is allowing the base vegetables to properly soften before adding the liquid. This creates a sweet foundation that balances the earthiness of the beans and the brightness of the spinach. Don't rush the initial sauté process—those 6-7 minutes of cooking the mirepoix are essential for building depth of flavor.
This versatile soup welcomes many variations. For extra heartiness, add diced potatoes or zucchini with the other vegetables. If you're not strictly following a vegan diet, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese adds a lovely savory note. For a smoky variation, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or replace some of the broth with fire-roasted tomatoes. Fresh herbs like oregano or basil can be substituted for or added alongside the dried herbs.
Serve this rustic soup in deep bowls alongside crusty Italian bread or gluten-free rolls for dipping. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette makes this a complete meal. For entertaining, offer small bowls as a starter course before a main pasta dish. The soup also stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it perfect for meal prep and weekday lunches.
Save It As you enjoy each spoonful of this Tuscan White Bean and Spinach Soup, you're partaking in a tradition that spans generations. The simplicity of beans, vegetables, and broth transformed into something greater than the sum of its parts represents the essence of Italian cooking. It's comfort food that nourishes both body and soul—proving that sometimes the most humble ingredients create the most memorable meals.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of beans work best for this dish?
Cannellini beans provide a creamy texture and mild flavor that complements the greens and herbs perfectly.
- → Can fresh herbs be used instead of dried thyme and rosemary?
Yes, fresh thyme and rosemary work well; add them towards the end of simmering to preserve their aroma.
- → How can I make the broth richer or creamier?
Blending a portion of the cooked mixture before returning it to the pot adds creaminess without dairy.
- → What are good garnish options to enhance flavor?
Fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon brighten the flavor, adding freshness to the hearty base.
- → Is it possible to add extra vegetables?
Yes, diced potatoes or zucchini add heartiness and complement the existing flavors well.
- → How long does it take to prepare and cook?
Preparation takes about 15 minutes, and simmering requires 30 minutes, totaling roughly 45 minutes.