Description
A comforting Tomato Basil Soup packed with protein from creamy white beans, perfect for the cold weather and holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion (diced)
- 2 small garlic cloves (minced)
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
- 1 1/2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 large (28 oz.) can whole tomatoes (no salt added)
- 2 1/2 cups reduced-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 (19 oz.) can white kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
- 15 fresh basil leaves
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cups bread cubes
- 1/4 cup olive oil (for croutons)
- 1 tsp garlic (minced, for croutons)
- 1/4 tsp sea salt (for croutons)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (for croutons)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (for croutons)
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning (optional, for croutons)
Instructions
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic, sea salt, black pepper, and optional Italian seasoning. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add 1 1/2 tbsp of tomato paste and stir to combine, letting it toast briefly.
- Pour in the can of whole tomatoes (juice and all) along with the vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
- Add the drained and rinsed white beans and 10 of the fresh basil leaves, then simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
- Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth, or transfer to a blender, blend, and return to the pot.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese, adjusting seasoning as needed. Remove from heat.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) for the croutons. Toss the bread cubes with 1/4 cup olive oil, minced garlic, sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and optional Italian seasoning.
- Spread the croutons on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes or until golden and crispy.
- Serve the soup topped with the crispy croutons and remaining fresh basil leaves.
Notes
For a creamier consistency, save some beans before blending and stir back in. Adding balsamic vinegar or lemon juice can enhance flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop & Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 5mg