If you are searching for a hearty, comforting dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, you’ve just found it. The Best White Bean Soup Recipe blends creamy cannellini beans with fresh vegetables, a splash of white wine, and aromatic herbs to create a soul-satisfying meal that’s incredibly simple yet rich in flavor. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or a nourishing lunch, this soup is guaranteed to become one of your favorite go-to recipes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering fresh and straightforward ingredients is key to making this soup shine. Each one plays a role: from the creamy texture of cannellini beans to the natural sweetness of carrots and the subtle earthy notes of rosemary, every element adds depth and balance.
- Cannellini beans (2 cans, 28oz): The creamy base that makes this soup satisfying and protein-rich.
- Onion (1 medium, diced): Adds a gentle sweetness and savory depth when sautéed.
- Celery stalk (1, diced): Brings a fresh crunch and aromatic foundation.
- Carrot (1 large, diced): Introduces natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- Garlic cloves (1-2, minced): Provides a punch of fragrant, comforting flavor.
- Potatoes (2 medium, chopped): Give the soup a lovely body and thickness.
- Olive oil (1 Tbsp): Used for sautéing and enriching the overall taste.
- Tomato paste (1 Tbsp): Adds acidity and depth to balance the creamy beans.
- White wine (1/3 cup): Brings a subtle tang and helps marry the flavors together.
- Vegetable broth (2 cups): The liquid base that pulls the soup all together.
- Rosemary (optional): A fragrant herb that gives the soup an earthy, aromatic note.
- Salt and pepper: Essential to enhance all the natural flavors.
How to Make The Best White Bean Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Adding the diced onions, carrots, and celery and sautéing until soft creates a flavorful base for your soup. This mix, often called mirepoix, is a classic foundation that brings sweetness and aroma to every spoonful.
Step 2: Incorporate Garlic, Beans, Tomato Paste, and Potatoes
Next, stir in the minced garlic, cannellini beans, tomato paste, chopped potatoes, and rosemary if you’re using it. Cook this mixture for about a minute; the tomato paste will slightly caramelize, boosting the soup’s rich taste while the potatoes start soaking in the fragrant flavors.
Step 3: Add White Wine and Simmer
Pour in the white wine and let it simmer gently until it’s mostly evaporated. This step is magical because the wine’s acidity brightens the dish and deepens the complexity of the flavor without overpowering the delicate beans and veggies.
Step 4: Pour in Vegetable Broth and Season
Now, add the vegetable broth to the pot along with salt and pepper to taste. Bring it all to a boil – this moment is when the soup starts transforming into something hearty and warm. If you want to sneak in some greens, spinach is a wonderful addition now.
Step 5: Simmer until Tender
Reduce the heat and cover the pot, letting the soup simmer for about 15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender. This slow cooking melds the flavors and achieves that comforting, cozy texture that makes this truly The Best White Bean Soup Recipe.
Step 6: Final Seasoning and Serve
Taste your soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve it warm with a drizzle of olive oil on top to add a luscious finish that shines in every bite.
How to Serve The Best White Bean Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes elevate this soup to an elegant yet approachable dish. Try fresh thyme leaves, a sprinkle of cracked black pepper, a handful of chopped parsley, or a swirl of extra virgin olive oil for that gorgeous finishing touch. Crispy croutons or a dollop of crème fraîche can add delightful texture and creaminess.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with rustic crusty bread, perfect for dipping and soaking up every last drop. A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables can round out the meal while keeping it light and fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, serve the soup in individual rustic bowls and garnish each with a sprig of fresh herbs. You can also ladle the soup into hollowed-out bread bowls for a cozy, fun twist. If you’re hosting, serve it alongside a cheese board to encourage casual sharing and conversation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness and flavor. Nothing beats enjoying cold weather comfort brought back to life with just a simple reheat.
Freezing
Want to make The Best White Bean Soup Recipe part of your freezer-friendly meals? Simply let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It freezes well for up to 3 months, making it a lifesaver for busy days.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of broth or water can refresh the texture if it thickens too much. This ease and flexibility make it a staple recipe to keep on hand.
FAQs
Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
Yes, you can use dried beans, but you’ll need to soak and cook them beforehand, which will add extra time. Using canned beans keeps the prep quick and the soup sufficiently creamy.
What if I don’t have white wine?
If you prefer to skip alcohol, simply replace the white wine with additional vegetable broth or a splash of white grape juice for mild sweetness without losing flavor depth.
Can I make this soup vegan?
Absolutely! This recipe is naturally vegan as long as you use vegetable broth. Avoid any animal-based toppings, and you’re good to go.
What variations can I try?
Feel free to experiment by adding different vegetables like kale, zucchini, or sweet potatoes. You could also spice it up with a pinch of chili flakes or swap rosemary for thyme to tweak the herbs.
Is this soup suitable for freezing?
Definitely. The Best White Bean Soup Recipe freezes very well, making it perfect for meal prepping. Just be sure to cool it completely before freezing to preserve texture and taste.
Final Thoughts
Making The Best White Bean Soup Recipe is like inviting warmth and comfort into your kitchen with every simmering pot. It’s effortless, adaptable, and bursting with wholesome flavors that satisfy and soothe. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and see how quickly it becomes a beloved dish in your home as well!
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The Best White Bean Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This comforting and hearty White Bean Soup combines creamy cannellini beans, fresh vegetables, and savory herbs to create a nourishing meal that’s perfect for any season. Quick to prepare and packed with flavor, it makes a delicious vegetarian option that’s both satisfying and wholesome.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1 large carrot, diced
- 1–2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 medium potatoes, chopped
- Optional: handful of spinach
Beans
- 2 cans (28 oz each) cannellini beans
Liquids and Oils
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1/3 cup white wine
- 2 cups vegetable broth
Other Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp fresh or dried rosemary (assumed from instructions)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions, carrots, and celery; sauté until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Add Aromatics and Beans: Stir in minced garlic, drained cannellini beans, tomato paste, chopped potatoes, and rosemary. Cook the mixture for about one minute to blend the flavors.
- Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the white wine and allow it to simmer gently until it has mostly evaporated, intensifying the flavor.
- Add Broth and Spinach: Pour in the vegetable broth and add spinach if using. Season with salt and pepper. Increase heat to bring the soup to a boil.
- Simmer Soup: Cover the pot, reduce heat to low, and let the soup simmer for 15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and the flavors meld.
- Final Seasoning and Serve: Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve the soup warm, optionally drizzled with extra olive oil.
Notes
- For a creamier texture, blend a portion of the soup before serving.
- Spinach is optional but adds a nice color and nutritional boost.
- Rosemary is assumed for seasoning based on common recipes; add about 1 tsp dried or 1 sprig fresh.
- Use low-sodium vegetable broth to control salt levels.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days.
