Imagine a soup so comforting, so packed with flavor, that it turns an ordinary evening into a culinary adventure! This Italian-inspired White Bean and Tomato Soup is not just a meal—it's a warm embrace on a chilly day, a nutritious powerhouse that will make your taste buds dance and your body thank you. In just 30 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality dish that's ridiculously easy to make and guaranteed to impress everyone at your table.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cans white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can crushed tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and soft, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning and release the garlic's aromatic flavors.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth, stirring to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Add the drained and rinsed white beans to the pot, along with dried basil, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to distribute seasonings evenly.
- Bring the soup to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pot and let the soup cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or basil to suit your preference.
- Remove from heat and let the soup rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. Optional: Use an immersion blender to partially blend for a creamier texture.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh basil leaves or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
Tips
- Use high-quality vegetable broth for deeper flavor complexity
- Don't rush the onion and garlic sautéing process—letting them caramelize slightly adds rich undertones
- For a creamier texture, blend about half the soup, leaving some beans whole for texture
- Fresh basil makes a huge difference—if possible, use fresh instead of dried
- Let the soup rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow flavors to fully develop
- For extra richness, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese
- This soup freezes beautifully—make a double batch and save some for later
- Serve with crusty bread or croutons for added texture and satisfaction
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
