Quick Tomato and Bean Soup Provencal Recipe

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe yields 4 servings. Ingredient quantities adjust automatically, but cooking times and steps remain the same. Note that not all recipes scale perfectly.

• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes with basil, garlic, and oregano, undrained
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup water
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 (16 ounce) can butter beans, rinsed
• 2 cups baby spinach leaves, roughly chopped (or more to taste)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

1. In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and saut until soft and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Pour in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, water, and crushed red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes.
5. Add the rinsed butter beans and cook for an additional 5 minutes until heated through.
6. Stir in the chopped spinach and cook just until wilted.
7. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
8. Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese.

Cooks Tip

You can replace butter beans with other canned white beans such as cannellini, Great Northern, or navy beans.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 221
• Total Fat: 4g (6% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 1g (5% DV)
• Cholesterol: 5mg (2% DV)
• Sodium: 769mg (33% DV)
• Total Carbohydrate: 35g (13% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 12g (44% DV)
• Total Sugars: 8g
• Protein: 14g (29% DV)
• Vitamin C: 23mg (26% DV)
• Calcium: 215mg (17% DV)
• Iron: 7mg (37% DV)
• Potassium: 1268mg (27% DV)

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. Nutrient information is based on available data; consult a healthcare provider for medically restrictive diets.

The Story Behind Quick Tomato and Bean Soup Provencal

The Quick Tomato and Bean Soup Provencal is a modern take on the traditional soups from the Provence region of southern France. Provence, known for its sun-drenched landscapes, aromatic herbs, and Mediterranean flavors, has a long history of simple, rustic cuisine designed to make the most of seasonal ingredients. Soups like this were historically made by farmers and villagers using locally grown tomatoes, garlic, and beans, often cooked slowly to develop deep flavors. Over time, recipes evolved to accommodate faster preparation methods, resulting in quicker versions such as this one without sacrificing the characteristic Provencal taste.

Regional Characteristics

This soup showcases classic Provencal ingredients like olive oil, garlic, tomatoes, and fresh herbs, often accompanied by leafy greens. The use of butter beans or other white beans is typical in Provence, providing both heartiness and nutrition. The light seasoning with crushed red pepper flakes and the optional Parmesan garnish adds subtle layers of flavor while maintaining a balance that reflects the sunny, herb-infused cuisine of southern France. Unlike heavier French soups, Provencal soups often highlight fresh vegetables and aromatic simplicity rather than rich sauces or cream.

What Sets It Apart From Similar Dishes

While tomato and bean soups exist in many culinary traditions, the Provencal version stands out for its aromatic simplicity and Mediterranean flavor profile. Unlike Italian minestrone, which usually contains a wide variety of vegetables, pasta, and sometimes meat, this soup emphasizes a few core ingredients prepared with care. The addition of fresh spinach and a sprinkle of Parmesan adds a gentle complexity without overwhelming the palate. Its quick cooking time also differentiates it from more time-intensive traditional stews and soups of the region.

Where It Is Typically Served

In Provence, soups like this are often served as a light lunch or as a starter for a larger dinner. They pair wonderfully with crusty country bread or a slice of quiche, making them versatile for both casual and more formal meals. Today, you can find similar versions in bistros and cafes across southern France, especially during the warmer months when fresh vegetables are abundant. It is equally popular as a comforting home-cooked meal, particularly when quick preparation is desired.

Interesting Facts

• Provence is known as the land of herbs, and a typical Provencal soup may include thyme, basil, or herbes de Provence, even in quick versions.
• The use of white beans in French cuisine dates back centuries, as they were an inexpensive, protein-rich staple for rural families.
• Despite its simplicity, the soups layers of flavorgarlic, tomatoes, olive oil, and fresh greensdemonstrate a hallmark of Provencal cooking: maximizing taste through technique and quality ingredients rather than complexity.
• Quick versions of traditional soups like this one gained popularity in the 20th century as home cooks sought to balance modern lifestyles with classic culinary heritage.
• Adding Parmesan at the end is a modern twist that nods to Italian influence while keeping the dish authentically Mediterranean.

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