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White Bean Soup with Parmesan

White Bean Soup with Parmesan
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White Bean Soup with Parmesan is a creamy, hearty, and comforting soup made with tender white beans, savory Parmesan cheese, and simple wholesome ingredients. Perfect for any season, it offers a rich texture and depth of flavor without heavy cream, making it a satisfying and nutritious meal option for chilly evenings or nutritious lunches.

Ingredients

Scale

Beans and Broth

  • 2 cups canned white beans (cannellini or great northern), rinsed and drained
  • 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth

Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Herbs and Seasonings

  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme or 1 sprig fresh rosemary
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Cheese

  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Optional Additions

  • 1 cup fresh spinach, kale, or Swiss chard (added near the end)
  • Crushed red pepper flakes or 1 diced jalapeño for a spicy kick
  • 1/2 cup shredded chicken or crispy bacon bits for extra protein
  • Lemon juice for brightness

Instructions

  1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes, to develop a flavorful base.
  2. Add Beans and Broth: Stir in rinsed white beans and broth. Bring to a gentle simmer and allow to warm through for about 15 minutes so flavors meld.
  3. Incorporate Herbs and Seasoning: Add fresh thyme sprigs or rosemary along with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer gently for another 10 minutes to infuse the soup with herb aromas.
  4. Blend for Creaminess (Optional): Use an immersion blender to puree a portion of the soup directly in the pot if a creamier texture is desired, leaving some beans whole for texture contrast.
  5. Stir in Parmesan: Remove herb sprigs and gradually mix in the freshly grated Parmesan until melted and fully incorporated, creating a luscious cheesy finish.
  6. Adjust and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs, a drizzle of olive oil, or cracked black pepper, and enjoy.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for richer flavor and better melting.
  • Parmesan adds natural saltiness; season soup carefully to avoid over-salting.
  • Simmer soup gently to blend flavors without breaking down beans excessively.
  • Leave some beans whole before pureeing for better texture contrast.
  • A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving brightens the flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: white bean soup, Parmesan soup, creamy bean soup, vegetarian soup, gluten free soup, comforting soup

Find it online: https://gourmetglazing.com/white-bean-soup-with-parmesan/