White Bean and Spinach Soup

White beans are soaked overnight for this chunky soup with fresh spinach, garlic and parsley, perfect for a hearty, healthy weeknight meal.

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Cooking Time: 1 hr 8 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 28 mins
• Calories: 211 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 ½ teaspoons salt
• water to cover
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 bay leaf
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 5 cups chicken broth
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 2 carrots, cut into matchsticks
• ½ pound fresh spinach
• 1 cup dried white beans

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Place white beans into a large container and cover with water; let soak 8 hours to overnight.

Step 2

Drain beans, reserving 2 cups soaking water.

Step 3

Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and carrots; cook and stir until tender, about 6 minutes. Stir in spinach; cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Add beans, reserved soaking water, broth, garlic, and bay leaf. Simmer, covered, until beans are tender, about 1 hour.

Step 4

Discard bay leaf. Pour half the soup into a blender. Cover and hold lid down with a potholder; puree until smooth. Stir pureed soup back into the pot. Season with parsley, salt, and black pepper.