Saffron-Infused Tomato and White Bean Soup

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Bright, aromatic soup featuring saffron-kissed tomatoes and creamy white beans with fresh herbs. This mediterranean-inspired soups ready in about 55 minutes pairs chopped tomatoes, (15 oz), drained white beans, finely diced onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves 6 Mediterranean cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrot, and celery, cooking for 8 minutes until softened.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add 2 lbs chopped tomatoes and simmer for 10 minutes until tomatoes break down.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 can drained white beans, 4 cups vegetable broth, 2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme, and 1/4 tsp saffron threads. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 20 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Use an immersion blender to puree soup until smooth (or transfer to a blender in batches). Season with salt to taste and serve hot.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Saffron-Infused Tomato and White Bean Soup take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Saffron-Infused Tomato and White Bean Soup?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chopped tomatoes from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Saffron-Infused Tomato and White Bean Soup?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Saffron-Infused Tomato and White Bean Soup for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Saffron-Infused Tomato and White Bean Soup?

Mediterranean soups like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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