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Creamy Cannellini Bean and Spinach Soup with Lemon-Garlic Breadcrumbs

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A nourishing and velvety cannellini bean and spinach soup topped with bright, crispy lemon-garlic breadcrumbs for the perfect balance of creaminess and crunch.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cans (15 ounces each) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
  • 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 3 cups fresh spinach
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • For the lemon-garlic breadcrumbs:
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add the diced onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add the cannellini beans, broth, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 10–15 minutes.
  5. Use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup until creamy, leaving some beans whole for texture.
  6. Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for 2–3 minutes until wilted.
  7. Add heavy cream if using, then stir in fresh lemon juice.
  8. In a small skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add breadcrumbs and minced garlic, stirring until golden and crisp.
  9. Remove breadcrumbs from heat and mix in lemon zest and a pinch of salt.
  10. Ladle soup into bowls and top generously with lemon-garlic breadcrumbs before serving.

Notes

  • Add carrots or celery at the beginning for extra depth of flavor.
  • Stir in cooked pasta or diced potatoes for a heartier version.
  • Skip heavy cream for a dairy-free option.
  • Add red pepper flakes for subtle heat.
  • Store breadcrumbs separately to maintain crispness.
  • Freeze soup without breadcrumbs for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://recipesbyliza.com/creamy-cannellini-bean-and-spinach-soup-with-lemon-garlic-breadcrumbs/