Hey there, friends!
Looking for a cozy meal that warms you right up? I’ve got just the thing!
Today, I’m sharing my easy and delicious tomato soup with beans.
It’s hearty, full of flavor, and oh-so-comforting.
Plus, it’s perfect for those chilly days or when you need a quick dinner.
Let’s dive into this tasty recipe!
| Preparation Time | 15-20 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 30-40 minutes |
| Total Time | 45-60 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Ingredients
For the soup base:
- 3 cups vegetable broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- black pepper to taste (freshly ground preferred)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
- 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves (chopped)
- 4 garlic cloves (freshly minced for best flavor)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (I use extra virgin for better flavor)
- 2 cans white beans (rinsed and drained)
- 2 tsp fresh basil (chopped)
- 1 can fire roasted diced tomatoes (I like Muir Glen or Cento)
- 1 small yellow onion (finely diced)
Optional additions:
- chopped spinach or kale
Optional for serving:
- fresh parsley
- baguette or garlic bread
- parmesan or pecorino romano cheese (grated)
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Begin by draining and rinsing the beans.
Dice the onion and mince the garlic to have them ready for cooking.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat a large Dutch oven or a heavy-bottomed pot to medium-high heat with 2 teaspoons of olive oil.
Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
Then, add the minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, and fresh herbs.
Cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly to prevent the garlic from burning.
Step 3: Add the Main Ingredients
Stir in the beans, broth, and fire-roasted diced tomatoes.
Mix everything well to combine the flavors.
Step 4: Cook the Soup
Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer.
Cover the pot and let it cook for 25 minutes, allowing all the ingredients to meld together.
Step 5: Final Seasoning
After 25 minutes, stir in the lemon zest.
Taste the soup and adjust salt, pepper, and herbs according to your preference.
For an extra kick, you can add more crushed red pepper flakes.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the soup hot.
You can top each bowl with a little drizzle of olive oil and any optional extras you desire.
This soup is great the first day and even more flavorful the next.
Feel free to warm up leftover bowls or prepare this soup as part of your weekly meal prep.
