This comforting white bean soup is packed with flavor, thanks to garlic, fresh herbs, and tender beans. It’s a perfect one-pot meal for chilly days or when you’re craving something wholesome and satisfying.
Ingredients (Serves 4-6)
- Cannellini beans: 2 cups cooked (or 2 cans, drained and rinsed)
- Olive oil: 3 tbsp
- Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
- Carrots: 2 medium, diced
- Celery stalks: 2, diced
- Vegetable or chicken broth: 4 cups
- Bay leaf: 1
- Fresh rosemary: 1 sprig (or 1 tsp dried)
- Fresh thyme: 1 tsp (or ½ tsp dried)
- Crushed red pepper flakes: ¼ tsp (optional)
- Salt and black pepper: To taste
- Spinach or kale: 2 cups, chopped (optional)
- Lemon juice: 1 tbsp (optional, for brightness)
- Parmesan cheese: Grated, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Add the Broth and Herbs:
- Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth.
- Add the bay leaf, rosemary, thyme, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if using. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Simmer with the Beans:
- Add the cannellini beans to the pot. Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for 20-25 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Blend for Creaminess (Optional):
- For a thicker soup, use an immersion blender to blend a portion of the soup directly in the pot. Alternatively, transfer 1-2 cups of soup to a blender, purée until smooth, and stir back into the pot.
- Add Greens (Optional):
- Stir in the spinach or kale during the last 5 minutes of cooking, until wilted.
- Season and Finish:
- Remove the bay leaf and rosemary sprig.
- Stir in the lemon juice for a bright finish, and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil, if desired.
Tips for the Best White Bean Soup:
- Fresh herbs vs dried: Fresh herbs add vibrant flavor, but dried herbs work in a pinch. Adjust the quantity if substituting.
- Make it heartier: Add cooked sausage, shredded chicken, or diced potatoes for extra protein or texture.
- Batch cooking: This soup freezes well, making it a great meal prep option.
Warm, hearty, and full of flavor, this Hearty White Bean Soup with Garlic and Herbs is a dish you’ll come back to again and again. Perfect with crusty bread or a side salad!
