Description
Looking for a cozy, nutrient-packed meal that checks all the boxes for taste, simplicity, and nourishment? This White Bean & Greens Soup is a hearty, one-pot wonder that combines tender cannellini beans, vibrant kale, fresh spinach, and savory Parmesan in a rich, aromatic broth. It’s the perfect quick dinner, healthy lunch idea, or easy soup recipe to add to your collection of wholesome dinner ideas. Whether you’re meal prepping or feeding a crowd, this dish delivers comfort, flavor, and nutrition in every spoonful.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Salt and black pepper, to taste
5 cups vegetable broth
2 cans (15-ounce each) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
1 bay leaf
3 cups kale, stems removed and chopped
2 cups fresh spinach
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Optional: crusty bread or toasted baguette for serving
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 7–10 minutes until softened.
2. Add garlic, thyme, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Pour in vegetable broth, beans, and bay leaf. Stir to combine and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes to develop flavor.
5. Add kale and simmer for 10 more minutes until tender.
6. Stir in spinach and cook for 2–3 minutes until wilted.
7. Mash some beans in the pot to thicken the soup, if desired.
8. Turn off heat and stir in lemon juice and grated Parmesan. Adjust seasoning as needed.
9. Serve hot with extra Parmesan and bread, if using.
Notes
Massage the kale before cooking to reduce bitterness and improve texture.
Always use freshly grated Parmesan for better flavor and meltability.
Letting the soup sit overnight enhances the flavor — perfect for leftovers.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: white bean soup, healthy soup, kale spinach soup, easy dinner, vegetarian soup