Creamy White Bean Soup with Tofu
A comforting, protein- and fiber-packed dish for you! This creamy, garlicky meal features white beans, cherry tomatoes, and greens cooked in a flavorful cashew cream sauce.
Ingredients:
1/4 cup raw cashews, soaked
1 cup water (plus more for soaking cashews)
1 medium shallot, minced (1 shallot yields ~40 g or 1/4 cup)
2 cups cherry tomatoes, left whole
4 medium cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
3/4 tsp sea salt (plus more to taste)
1/2 cup vegetable stock (plus more if desired)
1 (15 oz.) can white beans, drained and rinsed
2 cups baby spinach
2 Tbsp chopped fresh basil
Preparation:
Soak Cashews: Add the cashews to a heatproof bowl and cover with hot water by at least 1-2 inches. Let them soak for ~15 minutes while you get started on the rest of your ingredients.
Bake the tofu: Heat the oven to 400F. Cube the tofu and baked for ~15-20 minutes. Set aside.
Heat a large rimmed skillet over medium heat. Once warmed, add water and minced shallot. Sauté for ~2-3 minutes until the shallot is translucent.
Add the whole cherry tomatoes, sliced garlic, red pepper flakes (optional), and sea salt. Cook for 2 minutes, then add the vegetable stock and increase to medium-high heat. Cover the pan and let the tomatoes cook for 5-8 minutes. At this point, the skins on the tomatoes should have blistered. Remove the lid and turn the heat back down to medium. Use the back of your spoon or spatula to smash the tomatoes.
Add the drained and rinsed white beans and stir, letting them sauté (uncovered) with the tomatoes until most of the liquid has evaporated — about 5 minutes.
Cashew Cream Meanwhile, drain the cashews and add them to a high speed blender with the water. Blend on high until smooth and creamy.
Once the liquid has reduced from your tomatoes and beans, add the cashew cream and cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s a thick, saucy consistency.
Turn off the heat and stir in the baked tofu cubes, baby spinach and basil. Let it wilt and soak before serving! Enjoy hot.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 1 month. (Notes: Serves 2).
