Silly String Bean Soup with Herb Swirl
A comforting, light soup featuring tender string beans and a fragrant herb swirl that makes every spoonful feel like a playful surprise. This american-inspired soups (vegetarian) ready in about 45 minutes pairs tablespoons olive oil, medium onion, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 150 calories and feeds 4, 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.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 carrots
- 2 stalks celery
- 1 cup green beans
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 cup spinach
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Dice the onion and add it to the pot; cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent, stirring occasionally.
- Step 2: Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, then add diced carrots and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until vegetables start to soften and release their aroma.
- Step 3: Stir in green beans, vegetable broth, thyme, and rosemary. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for 20 minutes until vegetables are tender and flavors meld.
- Step 4: Stir in spinach until wilted and fully incorporated, about 2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Silly String Bean Soup with Herb Swirl take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 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 Silly String Bean Soup with Herb Swirl?
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 tablespoons olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Silly String Bean Soup with Herb Swirl?
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 Silly String Bean Soup with Herb Swirl for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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.
Is Silly String Bean Soup with Herb Swirl vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Doubled the garlic (as one does) and it was amazing.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
