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Protein-Packed White Bean Spinach Soup - Comforting, Simple, and Satisfying

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
  • Yellow onion – 1 medium, diced
  • Carrots – 2 small, diced (optional but adds sweetness)
  • Celery – 2 stalks, diced
  • Garlic – 3–4 cloves, minced
  • White beans – 2 cans (15 oz each) cannellini or great northern, drained and rinsed
  • Low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth – 4 cups
  • Fresh spinach – 4–5 cups loosely packed (about 5 oz)
  • Bay leaf – 1
  • Dried thyme – 1 teaspoon
  • Dried oregano – 1 teaspoon
  • Smoked paprika – 1/2 teaspoon (optional, for depth)
  • Lemon juice – 1–2 tablespoons, to finish
  • Salt and black pepper – to taste
  • Red pepper flakes – pinch, optional
  • Parmesan rind – optional, if not keeping it vegan (adds umami)

Method
 

  1. Sweat the aromatics. Warm the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery with a pinch of salt. Cook 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and lightly golden.
  2. Add garlic and spices. Stir in the garlic, thyme, oregano, and smoked paprika. Cook 30–60 seconds until fragrant. Don’t let the garlic brown.
  3. Build the base. Add the white beans, broth, bay leaf, and Parmesan rind if using. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook 10–12 minutes to let the flavors mingle.
  4. Blend for creaminess. Remove the bay leaf (and rind). Use an immersion blender to puree about half the soup in the pot. Aim for a mix of creamy and chunky. If you prefer, transfer 2–3 cups to a blender, puree, then return it to the pot.
  5. Stir in the spinach. Add the spinach and let it wilt for 2–3 minutes. It will shrink quickly and turn a vibrant green.
  6. Finish and season. Stir in lemon juice. Taste and adjust with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. If it tastes flat, add another splash of lemon or a pinch more salt.
  7. Serve. Ladle into bowls and finish with a drizzle of olive oil, grated Parmesan, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs if you like.