If you ever thought that beans are boring, this creamy flavor-packed white bean soup will blow your mind! THE BEST WHITE BEAN SOUP is not just a simple dish; it’s a versatile meal perfect for family dinners, cozy evenings, or even meal prep for the week. Packed with nutrients and bursting with flavor, this vegan and budget-friendly recipe can be made in just 25 minutes, making it a fantastic choice for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With a prep time of just 5 minutes and cook time of only 20 minutes, you can enjoy delicious soup without much fuss.
- Flavor-Packed: The combination of cannellini beans, fresh vegetables, and herbs creates a rich and satisfying taste that everyone will love.
- Nutritious: This soup is loaded with protein and fiber from the beans and vegetables, making it a healthy option for any meal.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize this recipe by adding other vegetables or spices to suit your taste.
- Budget-Friendly: Using canned beans and affordable veggies keeps costs low while still delivering great flavor.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into cooking THE BEST WHITE BEAN SOUP, gather your essential tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot or Dutch oven: Essential for cooking the soup evenly and allowing all ingredients to blend well together.
- Sharp knife: Helps in cutting vegetables quickly and safely, making prep time shorter.
Ingredients
Here’s what you need to create THE BEST WHITE BEAN SOUP:
- 2 cans (28oz – 800 grams) cannellini beans or white beans, drained
- 1 medium-size onion, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1 large carrot, diced
- 1-2 garlic cloves, diced or pressed
- 1 cup (7 oz – 200 grams) frozen spinach (optional)
- 2 medium-size potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 Tbsp olive oil, plus more for serving
- 1 Tbsp tomato paste
- 1/3 cup (80 ml) white wine
- 1 sprig rosemary (or 1 Tbsp of chopped fresh leaves/1/2 tsp of dried)
- 2 cups (500 ml) vegetable broth or hot water
- 1/2 tsp paprika (optional)
- 1/2 tsp fine salt, plus more to taste
- 1/8 tsp black pepper, plus more to taste
How to Make THE BEST WHITE BEAN SOUP
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Warm the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering:
Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery.
Cook while stirring often until the onion softens and turns translucent, about 5 minutes.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Beans
Add the garlic, beans, tomato paste, potatoes, rosemary (whole sprig or chopped), and paprika (if using):
Cook while stirring frequently for about 1 minute.
Step 3: Incorporate White Wine
Pour in the white wine:
Stir well and let it simmer until evaporated, cooking for another minute.
Step 4: Simmer with Broth
Now add the frozen spinach along with vegetable broth:
Season with salt and black pepper.
Raise heat to bring to a boil. Cover the pot, reduce heat, and let it cook gently for about 15 minutes.
Step 5: Final Touches
Once potatoes are soft:
Remove from heat. Discard the sprig of rosemary.
Taste the soup; adjust seasoning with salt or pepper as needed.
Step 6: Serve
Divide into bowls:
Drizzle with olive oil or extra virgin olive oil.
Optionally add freshly ground black pepper. Serve warm with crusty whole grain bread. For non-vegan options, sprinkle freshly grated parmesan cheese on top. Enjoy!
How to Serve THE BEST WHITE BEAN SOUP
Serving THE BEST WHITE BEAN SOUP is an enjoyable experience that enhances the flavors of this creamy dish. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to elevate your meal.
With Crusty Bread
- Pair your soup with a slice of crusty whole grain bread for a satisfying crunch and to soak up every last drop of flavor.
Topped with Fresh Herbs
- Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or cilantro on top for a burst of freshness that complements the rich flavors of the soup.
Drizzled with Olive Oil
- A drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil adds a rich, fruity note that perfectly balances the soup’s creaminess.
Served with Grated Cheese
- If you’re not keeping it vegan, add freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor and creaminess.
Alongside a Green Salad
- A light green salad with lemon vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty soup.
With Roasted Vegetables
- Serve alongside roasted seasonal vegetables for added texture and nutrition, enhancing the meal’s wholesome appeal.
How to Perfect THE BEST WHITE BEAN SOUP
To make THE BEST WHITE BEAN SOUP even better, consider these helpful tips:
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables will elevate the flavor profile and overall taste of your soup.
Blend for Creaminess: For an ultra-creamy texture, use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup before serving.
Adjust Seasoning: Always taste before serving; adjust salt and pepper according to your preference for the best flavor.
Experiment with Spices: Try adding different spices like thyme or bay leaves to explore new flavor dimensions in your soup.
Best Side Dishes for THE BEST WHITE BEAN SOUP
Adding side dishes can complement THE BEST WHITE BEAN SOUP beautifully. Here are some suggestions:
- Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy soup.
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad adds crispness and tang that pairs well with the richness of the soup.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These bring a nutty flavor that contrasts nicely with the smoothness of white bean soup.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with veggies provides a nutritious balance to this hearty dish.
- Stuffed Bell Peppers: Stuffed peppers can add substance and variety, making your meal more filling.
- Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw offers a refreshing contrast and enhances textural variety in your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making white bean soup can be simple, but avoiding common mistakes is key to achieving the best results!
- Using canned beans without rinsing: Canned beans often contain excess sodium and preservatives. Rinse them under cold water before adding to your soup for a cleaner taste.
- Overcooking the vegetables: If you cook the onion, celery, and carrot too long, they can become mushy. Aim for a tender yet crisp texture by cooking just until softened.
- Neglecting seasoning adjustments: The flavor of vegetable broth varies greatly. Always taste your soup before serving and adjust salt and pepper accordingly for optimal flavor.
- Skipping the simmering step: Skipping the simmering process can lead to a bland soup. Allowing the flavors to meld during simmering enhances the overall taste experience.
- Not using fresh herbs: Dried herbs are convenient, but fresh herbs provide a vibrant flavor that elevates your dish. If possible, opt for fresh rosemary or other herbs for maximum impact.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- The soup will last for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing THE BEST WHITE BEAN SOUP
- Use freezer-safe containers or resealable bags.
- This soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating THE BEST WHITE BEAN SOUP
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the soup in an oven-safe dish covered with foil and heat until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl and cover loosely. Heat on high in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until hot.
- Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through, adding water or broth if needed for consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making THE BEST WHITE BEAN SOUP.
How long does THE BEST WHITE BEAN SOUP last?
THE BEST WHITE BEAN SOUP lasts up to 4 days in the refrigerator when stored properly.
Can I freeze THE BEST WHITE BEAN SOUP?
Yes! You can freeze THE BEST WHITE BEAN SOUP for up to 3 months in airtight containers.
What can I add to enhance flavors in THE BEST WHITE BEAN SOUP?
Consider adding fresh herbs like thyme or basil, spices such as cumin or coriander, or even a splash of lemon juice for brightness.
Is this recipe customizable?
Absolutely! You can add more vegetables like kale or zucchini or adjust spices according to your taste preferences.
Final Thoughts
This creamy and flavorful white bean soup is not only easy to make but also highly versatile! Customize it with your favorite vegetables or spices, and enjoy it on its own or with crusty bread. Give it a try—you’ll love how comforting and satisfying it is!
THE BEST WHITE BEAN SOUP
THE BEST WHITE BEAN SOUP is a delightful and creamy dish that will transform any perception of beans being boring. This versatile recipe is perfect for family dinners, cozy nights in, or as a healthy meal prep option for the week. Ready in just 25 minutes, this nutrient-packed vegan soup combines cannellini beans, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs to create a flavor explosion that’s both satisfying and comforting. Budget-friendly and easy to customize with your favorite ingredients, this soup promises warmth and deliciousness in every spoonful.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients
- 2 cans (28 oz) cannellini beans
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1 large carrot, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 Tbsp tomato paste
- 1/3 cup white wine (optional)
- 2 cups vegetable broth
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the onion, carrot, and celery. Cook until onion is soft.
- Stir in garlic, beans, tomato paste, potatoes, and rosemary; cook for one minute.
- Pour in white wine; let simmer until evaporated.
- Add vegetable broth and season with salt and pepper; bring to a boil then simmer for about 15 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Adjust seasoning if needed before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
