Can I replace canned beans with dried?

Yes use 2 ¼ cups cooked beans; in turn, the soup will be slightly firmer.

How do I thicken my soup naturally?

Mash some of the beans while simmering; thus, you’ll get a creamy consistency without cream.

Why does my soup taste flat?

Add lemon juice, extra herbs, or a parmesan rind; consequently, the flavor lifts and balances.

Is freezing white bean soup safe?

Absolutely. First cool completely; then portion, freeze, and thaw overnight before reheating.

Can this recipe be vegan?

Certainly omit parmesan or choose a plant-based alternative.

Mediterranean White Bean Soup Recipe

Name: Mediterranean White Bean Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 large onion, chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 3 carrots, chopped; 3 celery stalks, chopped; 6 cups low-sodium vegetable broth; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp oregano; ½ tsp salt (plus more to taste); ½ tsp black pepper; 3 (15-oz) cans white beans (cannellini, navy, or Great Northern), drained and rinsed; 5 oz baby spinach; Grated parmesan cheese, optional for serving

Description

This Mediterranean White Bean Soup is a hearty, wholesome meal packed with creamy beans, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners, cozy fall evenings, or even served as a festive Halloween recipe. With simple pantry staples and Mediterranean-inspired flavors, it’s both nourishing and satisfying.

Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
3 carrots, chopped
3 celery stalks, chopped
6 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp oregano
½ tsp salt (plus more to taste)
½ tsp black pepper
3 (15-oz) cans white beans (cannellini, navy, or Great Northern), drained and rinsed
5 oz baby spinach
Grated parmesan cheese, optional for serving

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Instructions

Sauté aromatics: Warm olive oil in a soup pot on medium heat, then add your aromatics to begin building flavor.
Add vegetables: Stir in garlic, carrots, celery, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
Simmer beans and broth: Pour in vegetable broth and white beans. Allow the mixture to reach a gentle boil, then lower the heat and let it cook slowly for about 15 minutes.
Add greens: Mix in the spinach and let it cook for a couple of minutes, just until the leaves soften and collapse.
Taste & serve: Adjust seasoning to taste. Serve hot with parmesan, crusty bread, or salad.

Notes

For extra creaminess, mash some of the beans while simmering.
Add smoked paprika or chili flakes for a spicy twist.
Swap spinach for kale or collard greens.
Store extra portions in airtight containers and keep them frozen for as long as three months.
To keep the recipe fully plant-based, omit the parmesan or replace it with a sprinkle of nutritional yeast.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Dish, Soup
Method: Simmered / Stovetop
Cuisine: Mediterranean