Hearty Tomato and Cannellini Bean Soup Recipe
This Hearty Tomato and Cannellini Bean Soup is a comforting and nutritious dish featuring a rich tomato base, tender cannellini beans, and fresh vegetables. Infused with classic Italian herbs and brightened with lemon juice and fresh spinach, this soup is perfect for a cozy meal any day of the year.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
Main Ingredients
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes (canned)
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups vegetable broth
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering. Add diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent and fragrant. Stir in minced garlic, diced carrot, and celery, cooking for another 5 minutes until vegetables are softened and well blended.
- Add the Base Ingredients: Pour in crushed tomatoes, followed by drained and rinsed cannellini beans. Add vegetable broth, dried basil, and oregano. Season with salt and pepper. Stir everything together to combine the flavors thoroughly.
- Simmer the Soup: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for approximately 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This helps all flavors meld beautifully.
- Add Fresh Ingredients: Stir in fresh spinach and squeeze in lemon juice. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until the spinach wilts and the soup takes on a vibrant color and fresh flavor.
- Serve and Enjoy: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, optionally topped with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Pair with crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- For a heartier meal, cooked pasta can be added before serving.
- Use fresh herbs if available for a brighter flavor.
- This soup freezes well; refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Keywords: tomato soup, cannellini beans, hearty soup, vegan option, vegetarian soup, Italian soup, healthy soup recipes
