Italian White Bean Soup

No matter what time of year it is, in my house it’s ALWAYS time for SOUP!   

I have loved soup FOREVER,

my mom would make a large pot of soup when I was young and I would just devour it.

If we didn’t have homemade soup, I would eat it out of a can.

Every day after school!

Really, I certainly had a few favorites.

Campbells used to make a wonton soup and it really was my all time favorite.

I haven’t seen it in years. I do make a really easy wonton soup, but no need to spend the time wrapping wontons.

It’s even called Inside Out Wonton Soup. It’s always a huge hit with everyone especially my own little soup lover, who by the way is not so little anymore.

This soup is a brand new favorite.

The flavors will surprise you.

It’s not an ordinary bean soup.

I love that the soup is not heavy even though it’s lightly creamy,  it’s full of beans, spinach, has great flavor with onions and celery and is full of spinach.

Now the kicker it doesn’t only have Italian flavors, you squeeze fresh LEMON on top of it.

Oh, my goodness, why haven’t I done that each time I made it.
It really made the soup over the top yummy!

I also topped it with some grated Romano Cheese.

There is a bonus to this soup, it’s really delicious chunky, or creamy!

Just pop your immersion blender into the pot or into the individual bowl of whoever likes smooth soup.

Topping the soup off with a couple of yummy items really makes it outstanding.

Other vegetables to add

• Leeks (sliced) – mild onion-like flavor, very creamy when cooked.

• Bell peppers (diced small) – add color and subtle sweetness.

• Corn (fresh or frozen) – adds sweetness and a soft bite.

• Mushrooms (sliced) – earthy umami flavor, especially good with white beans.

This soup offers 6-8 servings depending on the size portion your serve.

Print Recipe

Italian White Bean Soup

This soup is made with kitchen staples and the lemon will bring it to life, enjoy all year round.

Servings: 6 -8 servings

Author: Diane Schmidt - createdbydiane.com

Cost: $12

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoon butter
• 1/2 medium onion diced
• 3 celery stalks chopped
• 2 tablespoon flour
• 1 tablespoon garlic minced
• 3 cans white cannellini beans drained
• 4 cups chicken broth if you like a rich chicken flavor add chicken bullion- I added 2 teaspoons
• 4 cups of milk
• 2 cups fresh spinach chopped
• 4 fresh basil leaves chopped
• 1 stem fresh oregano leaves removed and chopped
• 1 fresh lemon wedged for juicing on top of each bowl of soup
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan/Romano Cheese

Instructions

• In a 4 quart pot saute onion in butter and oil for 2 minutes.
• Add in celery and garlic and saute.
• Stir in flour.
• Add the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
• Add in milk and stir in bean and heat them on medium until they come to a simmer.
• Add chopped spinach, basil, and oregano and stir.
• Serve soup with fresh squeezed lemon and grated cheese and toasted bread.

Notes

puree soup with an immersion blender if you'd like the soup smooth.