There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of soup, especially when it’s as easy and wholesome as white bean soup. Packed with protein-rich beans, fresh veggies, and aromatic herbs, this dish has quickly become a staple in my home, perfect for chilly evenings or when you just need a healthy, satisfying meal. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a hug in a bowl, ideal for busy weekdays or cozy weekends. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to use pantry staples, making it budget-friendly and accessible for everyone.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
When it comes to comforting meals, this recipe checks all the boxes. It’s quick to make, satisfying, and offers a delightful medley of flavors that seems gourmet but is surprisingly easy to throw together. Whether you’re whipping up lunch or dinner, this soup will warm your soul and wallet alike. It’s a lovely way to sneak in nutritious vegetables that even kids will love!
“This soup is a game-changer! So easy to make and the whole family couldn’t stop raving about it.”
How to Make White Bean Soup
Creating this delightful soup is a straightforward process that yields mouthwatering results. Simply start by sautéing your veggies, mix in the beans and broth, and let it simmer to perfection. The combination of creamy beans and fragrant herbs will fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Here’s a quick reference to the ingredients you’ll need for this tasty dish:
Ingredients
Gather these items to make your white bean soup:
- 2 cans white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil
If you’re short on some ingredients, feel free to substitute:
- Use chickpeas instead of white beans for a different texture.
- Chicken broth can replace vegetable broth for a heartier flavor.
- Any leafy greens like spinach or kale can be added for extra nutrients.
Directions
Here’s how to prepare your delicious white bean soup:
- In a large pot, warm some olive oil over medium heat.
- Toss in the chopped onion, diced carrot, and celery. Sauté until they’re softened and fragrant.
- Add the minced garlic and thyme to the pot, cooking for an additional minute to let those flavors bloom.
- Stir in the rinsed white beans and pour in the vegetable broth, bringing the mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for 20-30 minutes to meld the flavors.
- For a creamy texture, use an immersion blender right in the pot, or leave it chunky if you prefer.
- Season your creation with salt and pepper, then serve hot.
Serving Suggestions
This white bean soup is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving options! For a delightful meal, pair it with a crisp green salad dressed with a zesty vinaigrette. You can also serve it alongside crusty bread for dipping or sprinkle in some grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. Other tasty toppings could include croutons, fresh herbs, or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. It’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even as an appetizer for a gathering.
Storage & Reheating
If you happen to have leftovers (which is unlikely because it’s so delicious), here’s how to store and enjoy them later:
- Store cooled soup in an airtight container in the fridge, where it will last for 3-4 days.
- For longer storage, pour the soup into freezer-safe bags or containers; it can be frozen for up to three months.
- To reheat, simply warm over low heat on the stove or in the microwave until heated through. If the soup thickens, just add a little water or broth to loosen it up.
Pro Tips
For an extra layer of flavor, consider sautéing a bit of smoked paprika with the vegetables. If you love your soup with a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the thyme. To save time, you can use pre-chopped vegetables or canned beans to speed up the process. Lastly, if you’re short on time, a pressure cooker can expedite the cooking process, yielding a rich flavor in no time!
Variations
Feel free to switch things up with these creative twists on the classic white bean soup:
- For a spicy version, add fresh jalapeños or diced green chilies.
- Consider incorporating different herbs such as rosemary or basil for a fresh taste.
- If you’re vegan, simply stick with vegetable broth and skip any dairy toppings.
- Add quinoa or rice for a heartier meal that makes it more filling.
FAQs
1. Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
Yes! If you prefer using dried beans, soak them overnight and cook them until tender before adding them to the soup. You’ll need to adjust the cooking time.
2. How can I make this soup gluten-free?
This recipe is already gluten-free, but always check your broth and any toppings you use to ensure they’re suitable.
3. How can I stretch this recipe to serve more people?
You can easily double the recipe or add extra vegetables to bulk it up. Including more broth will also help create additional servings without sacrificing flavor.
- Hearty Soups for Cold Days
- Easy weeknight dinners kids will love
White Bean Soup
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A warm, comforting white bean soup that’s easy to make and packed with protein-rich beans and fresh veggies.
Ingredients
- 2 cans white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil
Instructions
- In a large pot, warm some olive oil over medium heat.
- Toss in the chopped onion, diced carrot, and celery. Sauté until they’re softened and fragrant.
- Add the minced garlic and thyme to the pot, cooking for an additional minute to let those flavors bloom.
- Stir in the rinsed white beans and pour in the vegetable broth, bringing the mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for 20-30 minutes to meld the flavors.
- For a creamy texture, use an immersion blender right in the pot, or leave it chunky if you prefer.
- Season your creation with salt and pepper, then serve hot.
Notes
For an extra kick, consider sautéing smoked paprika with the vegetables or adding a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 0mg