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White Bean Soup

White Bean Soup

White Bean Soup is a comforting, hearty, and easy-to-make dish featuring creamy white beans simmered with aromatic vegetables and fresh herbs. Perfect for chilly evenings, this nutritious soup delivers warmth and rich flavors with simple pantry staples, adaptable to various dietary preferences and customizable for added veggies or protein.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups dried white beans (Cannellini or Navy) or 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, rinsed and drained
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 23 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar (apple cider or white wine)

Optional Variations and Add-ins

  • 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes or dash of hot sauce (for spicy kick)
  • 1 cup chopped kale, spinach, or zucchini
  • 1/2 cup diced ham, bacon, or sausage (for meaty version)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Rinse and drain canned white beans, or soak dried beans overnight in water for a creamier texture. Chop onion, garlic, carrots, and celery into small, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes, to build a rich flavor base.
  3. Add Beans and Broth: Stir in the white beans and pour in the broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. If using dried beans, cook until tender, about 1-1.5 hours.
  4. Season and Simmer: Add fresh rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Let the soup simmer gently for 20-30 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and vegetables to soften fully.
  5. Final Touches: Finish the soup with a squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of vinegar to brighten flavors. Optionally, partially blend some of the soup to achieve a thicker, creamier consistency before serving.

Notes

  • Use fresh canned or properly soaked dried beans for best texture and flavor.
  • Simmer the soup low and slow to deepen taste and soften beans perfectly.
  • Adjust soup consistency by blending part of the soup if desired.
  • Add fresh herbs near the end to preserve their bright flavors.
  • Season gradually, tasting often to avoid over-salting.

Nutrition

Keywords: White Bean Soup, Comfort Food, Easy Soup, Healthy Soup, Vegetarian Soup, Vegan Soup, Hearty Soup, Gluten Free Soup