This White Bean Soup is a warm hug in a bowl! It features creamy white beans, tasty veggies, and aromatic herbs that come together to create a comforting dish.
I love how simple it is to make! Just toss everything in a pot, let it simmer, and you’ll have a hearty meal ready to enjoy. Perfect for chilly nights or when you need a little extra warmth! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
White Beans: Cannellini or navy beans are ideal for this soup due to their creamy texture. If you’re short on time, canned beans (about 3 cans) can be used; just rinse and drain them before adding to the soup.
Vegetable Broth: I love using vegetable broth for added flavor, but chicken broth works great too. If you’re looking for a low-sodium option, there are many good low-sodium broths available in stores.
Bacon or Pancetta: These are optional but add a nice smoky flavor. You could skip them for a vegetarian version or use turkey bacon as a lighter alternative!
Fresh Greens: Spinach or kale can be added to boost nutrition. If you don’t have these, any leafy green will work, even frozen spinach — just add it towards the end of cooking so it doesn’t wilt too much.
How Do I Make Sure My Soup Comes Out Creamy?
Achieving the perfect creamy texture is all about blending! Here’s how to do it:
- After the beans are tender, remove the bay leaf.
- Using an immersion blender, puree half of the soup right in the pot for a nice balance of smoothness and whole beans.
- Alternatively, transfer half to a blender, blend until smooth, then return it to the pot.
This technique gives your soup a creamy body while keeping some beans whole for texture. It makes all the difference for a cozy feel on a chilly day!
Delicious White Bean Soup
Ingredients:
- 2 cups dried white beans (such as cannellini or navy beans), soaked overnight and drained
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 6 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, roughly chopped
- 1-2 slices of crispy bacon or pancetta, crumbled (optional garnish)
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Crusty bread or toasted bread slices, for serving
Time Estimate:
This recipe will take about 15 minutes for prep and around 1 to 1.5 hours for cooking. So, plan for about 1 hour and 45 minutes total. Perfect for letting it simmer while you relax or do other things!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté these veggies until they’re softened, which should take about 5-7 minutes. You want them nice and tender!
2. Add Garlic:
Once the veggies are soft, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until you can smell its delicious fragrance. This will fill your kitchen with a wonderful aroma!
3. Combine Ingredients:
Now, add the soaked white beans to the pot along with your broth, bay leaf, and dried thyme. Go ahead and bring this mixture to a boil—your next step will make this soup nice and hearty.
4. Simmer the Soup:
After it reaches a boil, turn the heat down to low and let the soup simmer uncovered. You’ll want to cook it until the beans are very tender, which will take about 1 to 1.5 hours. Give it a stir every now and then and don’t hesitate to add more broth or water if needed.
5. Blend for Creaminess:
Once the beans are soft, scoop out the bay leaf and grab your immersion blender. Careful not to splash yourself! Puree half of the soup in the pot to create a creamy texture but still leave some beans whole. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can scoop half of the soup into a regular blender, puree it, and then return it to the pot.
6. Add Greens:
Stir in the chopped spinach or kale, and cook for 5 more minutes until the greens are wilted and vibrant. This adds color and nutrients to your soup!
7. Seasoning:
Finally, taste your soup and season it with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Adjust to your liking; this is where you make it truly yours!
8. Serve!
Pour this comforting soup into bowls, garnish with fresh basil leaves, and add crumbled bacon or pancetta if you’d like. Serve it alongside some crusty toasted bread for a complete meal.
Enjoy this hearty and wholesome White Bean Soup — it’s comforting, flavorful, and perfect for any cozy meal!
Can I Use Canned Beans Instead of Dried Beans?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, you can use about 3 cans of white beans. Just be sure to rinse and drain them before adding them to the soup. You’ll then skip the soaking and boiling steps.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftover white bean soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if it thickens too much.
Can I Freeze This Soup?
Yes, this soup freezes quite well! Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container, and it can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat before serving.
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
You can customize your soup by adding other vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or even potatoes. Just adjust the cooking time a bit for any firmer veg to ensure everything is tender and cooked through.