A hearty and flavorful soup featuring white beans, spinach, and a hint of lemon, perfect for a cozy meal.
Heat some olive oil in a 3-quart saucepan over medium heat.
Using olive oil adds a rich flavor to the soup.
Add the chopped onion and celery to the saucepan and cook until softened, about 5-8 minutes.
Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can turn bitter.
Add the beans, water, chicken broth, black pepper, and thyme to the saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
Simmering allows the flavors to meld together.
Remove 2 cups of the soup mixture and blend until smooth. Return the blended mixture to the saucepan.
Blending part of the soup creates a creamy texture without adding cream.
Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted, about 1 minute.
Adding the spinach at the end keeps it vibrant and fresh.
Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice.
Lemon juice brightens the flavors of the soup.
Serve the soup hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese.
Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal.