Tomato White Bean Soup

This Tomato White Bean Soup is a hearty, comforting, and nutritious dish that’s packed with flavor. Made with canned or fresh tomatoes, creamy white beans, and aromatic herbs, this soup is rich in plant-based protein and fiber. It’s perfect for a cozy meal and can be served with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a satisfying lunch or dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty & Satisfying – Packed with protein and fiber from white beans.
• Rich & Flavorful – Tomatoes, garlic, and herbs create a delicious depth of flavor.
• One-Pot Meal – Easy cleanup with minimal effort.
• Vegan & Gluten-Free – Naturally plant-based and great for all diets.
• Meal-Prep Friendly – Stores well for easy leftovers.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes (or 4 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped)
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed (cannellini or great northern beans)
• 1 tbsp tomato paste (for richness)
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• 2 cups baby spinach or kale (optional, for extra nutrients)
• 2 tbsp fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

1. Sauté Aromatics

• Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
• Add onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
• Stir in garlic, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.

2. Add Tomatoes & Broth

• Pour in diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and tomato paste.
• Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.

3. Blend (Optional)

• For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup.
• If you prefer a chunkier soup, skip this step.

4. Add White Beans & Seasonings

• Stir in white beans, salt, black pepper, and sugar.
• Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

5. Add Greens & Serve

• If using spinach or kale, stir it in and cook for 2 more minutes.
• Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
• Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve hot.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Creamy Version – Stir in ½ cup coconut milk or heavy cream.
• Spicy Kick – Add more red pepper flakes or cayenne.
• Protein Boost – Stir in cooked chicken or tofu.
• Extra Veggies – Add carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini.
• Chunky Style – Skip blending for a more rustic texture.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave in 30-second intervals.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes! Use 4 cups fresh chopped tomatoes and simmer longer for deeper flavor.

What type of white beans work best?

Cannellini beans, great northern beans, or navy beans are ideal.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes! Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

How do I thicken the soup?

Blend half the soup or mash some of the beans for a creamier texture.

Can I add pasta?

Yes! Add ½ cup small pasta (like ditalini) and cook until tender.

What’s the best bread to serve with this?

Crusty sourdough, baguette, or garlic bread pairs well.

Can I make this oil-free?

Yes! Sauté the onions in vegetable broth instead of oil.

How do I make it lower in sodium?

Use low-sodium broth and beans, and adjust salt to taste.

Can I use chickpeas instead of white beans?

Yes! Chickpeas work as a good substitute for white beans.

How do I make this soup extra rich?

Stir in a tablespoon of butter or Parmesan cheese before serving.

Conclusion

This Tomato White Bean Soup is a cozy, flavorful, and nutritious meal that’s perfect for any season. Whether you enjoy it as a light lunch or a hearty dinner, it’s easy to make and full of comforting flavors. Try it today and enjoy a warm, satisfying bowl of homemade goodness!

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