Name: White Bean Soup Recipe: Creamy and Comforting
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 medium onion (diced); 2 carrots (diced); 2 celery stalks (diced); 3 garlic cloves (minced); 2 15 oz cans white beans, drained and rinsed; 4 cups vegetable broth; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp dried rosemary; 1 bay leaf; 1/2 tsp kosher salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional); Optional: Fresh parsley (olive oil drizzle); Suggested Pairings: Sparkling water (crusty bread)

Introduction

Table of Contents

White Bean Soup is a creamy, comforting dish, perfect for cozy dinners, meal prep, or chilly days. This hearty recipe, featuring tender white beans, aromatic vegetables, and savory herbs, delivers rich, nourishing flavors with a velvety texture. Presented in a white ceramic bowl, optionally garnished with fresh parsley or a drizzle of olive oil, this White Bean Soup recipe offers a warm, rustic aesthetic that elevates any table. This recipe provides a simple stovetop method with accessible ingredients, adaptable for dietary preferences, ideal for home cooks seeking a crowd-pleasing soup that brings cozy, wholesome charm to any occasion.

Ingredients

For the White Bean Soup:

2 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 (15 oz) cans white beans (e.g., cannellini or navy), drained and rinsed
4 cups vegetable broth
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried rosemary
1 bay leaf
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for creaminess)

For Serving:

Optional: Fresh parsley, olive oil drizzle
Suggested Accompaniments: Crusty bread, side salad
Suggested Pairings: Sparkling water, white wine
Suggested Aesthetic: Serve in a white ceramic bowl
Suggested Equipment: Large pot, wooden spoon, knife, cutting board, measuring cups/spoons, immersion blender (optional)

Step-by-Step Process

Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery; cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add Beans and Broth: Stir in white beans, vegetable broth, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 15–20 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
Blend (Optional): For a creamier texture, remove the bay leaf and use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some beans and vegetables whole. Alternatively, transfer 1–2 cups to a blender, blend until smooth, and return to the pot.
Add Cream and Adjust: Stir in heavy cream (if using) for richness. Taste and adjust with more salt, pepper, or herbs for a balanced, savory flavor. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to heat through.
Serve: Remove the bay leaf. Ladle soup into white ceramic bowls. Optionally garnish with fresh parsley or a drizzle of olive oil. Serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad, paired with sparkling water or white wine.

Tips for Better White Bean Soup

Dice vegetables uniformly for even cooking and a polished texture.
Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving to balance savory and herbaceous flavors.
Use an immersion blender for a quick, safe way to achieve a creamy consistency without over-blending.
Rinse canned beans thoroughly to remove excess sodium and improve flavor.
Present in a white ceramic bowl to highlight the creamy soup and garnishes.
Make ahead: Prepare the soup up to 2 days in advance; refrigerate and reheat gently, adding a splash of broth if thickened.
Simmer gently to avoid breaking down beans too much.
Enhance aesthetic: Garnish with parsley or olive oil for a vibrant, rustic pop.

Variations and Customization

Vegan White Bean Soup: Omit heavy cream or use coconut milk; confirm vegetable broth is vegan.
Gluten-Free White Bean Soup: Naturally gluten-free; confirm broth is gluten-free.
Low-Sodium White Bean Soup: Use low-sodium broth and reduce salt to 1/4 tsp.
Spicy White Bean Soup: Add 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne with the spices.
White Bean and Kale Soup: Add 2 cups chopped kale during the last 5 minutes of simmering (noting your preference to avoid spinach in dips, kale is a safe alternative).
Italian White Bean Soup: Add 1/2 cup diced tomatoes and 1 tsp Italian seasoning for a Mediterranean twist.
Smoky White Bean Soup: Add 1/2 tsp smoked paprika or 2 slices cooked, crumbled bacon (non-vegetarian).
Herbed White Bean Soup: Increase thyme and rosemary to 1.5 tsp each or add fresh herbs.

Storage and Serving Tips

Store soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days; reheat on the stovetop over low heat or microwave until warm, stirring occasionally.
Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge and reheat as needed, adding broth to adjust consistency.
Serve hot for the best comforting texture and flavor.
Use as a main dish or hearty side for dinners or meal prep.
Pair with sparkling water or white wine to complement the savory, herbaceous flavors.
Present in a white ceramic bowl with garnishes for a warm, rustic charm.

Nutritional Information

Based on 6 servings (1.5 cups each, with cream):

Calories: 280 kcal
Total Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 25mg
Sodium: 780mg
Total Carbohydrates: 30g
Dietary Fiber: 8g
Sugars: 4g
Protein: 10g
Vitamin A: 60% Daily Value
Vitamin C: 10% Daily Value
Calcium: 10% Daily Value
Iron: 15% Daily Value

Note: Values vary by ingredient brands and substitutions (vegan or low-sodium options reduce fat and sodium). Moderate in calories; high in fiber and protein.

Conclusion

This White Bean Soup recipe delivers a creamy, comforting dish perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep. It transforms simple ingredients into a nourishing favorite. Its straightforward preparation and warm presentation make it a go-to. The tender beans and savory herbs delight with every spoonful. It’s sure to be a cherished recipe, loved for its crowd-pleasing, wholesome charm.