The aroma of simmering white bean soup wafts through the kitchen, wrapping you in warmth and comfort. Each spoonful is a hug for your soul, blending creamy beans with fragrant herbs and spices that dance on your taste buds. Cajun potato soup
Picture this: a chilly evening, cozying up with a bowl of this velvety goodness, while your loved ones gather around, exchanging stories and laughter. chicken broccoli orzo It’s not just food; it’s an experience that makes memories delicious.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This delightful white bean soup is incredibly easy to whip up, even for novice cooks
- The rich flavors develop beautifully as it simmers, creating a comforting visual feast
- Versatile enough to serve as a starter or main dish, it’s perfect for any occasion
- Enjoy it with crusty bread for an unforgettable meal
My friends couldn’t stop raving about this soup at our last gathering; their delighted faces said it all!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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White Beans: Use canned or dried beans; if using dried, soak them overnight for best results.
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Olive Oil: A splash of good quality olive oil enhances the overall flavor beautifully.
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Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness; chop it finely for even cooking.
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Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are a must; they add depth and aroma to the soup.
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Carrots: Diced carrots bring color and natural sweetness to the mix.
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Celery: Don’t skip the celery; it adds a lovely crunch and earthy flavor.
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Vegetable Broth: Use low-sodium vegetable broth for balanced seasoning without overwhelming saltiness.
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Thyme: Fresh thyme elevates the flavor profile; feel free to use dried if fresh isn’t available.
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Lemon Juice: A squeeze of lemon juice brightens the entire dish at serving time.
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Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; adjust according to your taste preferences.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below. For more inspiration, check out this Crockpot Chickpea Stew Recipe recipe.
Let’s Make it together
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients on the counter. Chop the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery into small pieces for even cooking.
Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook until they turn translucent and sweet-smelling, about 5 minutes.
Add Garlic and Herbs: Toss in minced garlic along with thyme. Stir continuously until fragrant, usually around 1 minute—this is where magic happens!
Add Beans and Broth: Pour in your choice of white beans and vegetable broth. Give everything a good stir to combine those flavors beautifully.
Simmer Away!: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and let it simmer uncovered for 30-40 minutes until thickened slightly.
Blend (Optional): For an extra creamy texture, use an immersion blender to puree part of the soup while leaving some beans whole for bite.
Enjoy as you ladle this delicious concoction into bowls, garnishing with a dash of lemon juice for brightness!
Let’s embrace this culinary journey together! You’ll find that each step builds anticipation for that first warm spoonful of soup—and trust me, it’s worth every moment spent in preparation!
You Must Know
- White bean soup is not just filling; it’s a warm hug in a bowl
- The creaminess of the beans combined with savory herbs creates an irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen
- Plus, it’s simple enough to whip up on a busy weeknight!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing onions and garlic until fragrant, then add your white beans and stock. Simmer gently to let all the flavors meld beautifully together, creating a rich and velvety texture.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out white beans for navy or cannellini beans. Toss in some kale or spinach for extra nutrition, or sprinkle with crispy bacon for a delicious crunch!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed to restore creaminess.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making white bean soup, always use fresh herbs for better flavor
- Avoid overcooking the beans; they should be tender but not mushy
- Consider blending part of the soup for a creamy finish while keeping some whole beans for texture
Sharing my first attempt at this recipe was hilarious—my friend declared it “the best mistake” because I accidentally used double the garlic! It turned into an unforgettable night filled with laughter and extra flavor.
FAQ
Can I use canned beans instead of dried?
Yes, canned beans save time; just rinse them before adding to the soup.
How do I make my white bean soup thicker?
Blend part of the soup or add some mashed potatoes for extra creaminess. chicken mashed potato bowls.
What herbs pair well with white bean soup?
Rosemary, thyme, and sage add wonderful depth to your white bean soup flavor. rosemary garlic white bean soup. You might also enjoy this Cozy White Bean Soup Recipe recipe.
White Bean Soup
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4
Description
White bean soup is the perfect comfort food for chilly evenings. This creamy, herb-infused dish combines tender white beans, fresh vegetables, and savory spices, creating a warm hug in every spoonful. Easy to prepare, it’s ideal for novice cooks and makes for a delightful centerpiece at any gathering. Serve it with crusty bread to soak up all the rich flavors and create cherished memories around the dinner table.
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans (or 1 cup dried white beans, soaked overnight)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried thyme)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prep your ingredients by chopping onion, garlic, carrots, and celery.
- In a large pot over medium heat, sauté onions in olive oil until translucent (about 5 minutes).
- Add minced garlic and thyme; stir until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Incorporate white beans and vegetable broth; stir well.
- Bring to a gentle boil and then lower the heat to simmer uncovered for 30-40 minutes until slightly thickened.
- For creaminess, blend part of the soup with an immersion blender while keeping some beans whole.
- Serve hot with a splash of lemon juice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
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