This warm and hearty white bean soup is packed with flavors that will cozy you right up! Made with tender white beans, fresh vegetables, and a sprinkle of herbs, it’s deliciously simple.
I love making this soup on chilly days; it warms the soul! Plus, it’s a great way to use up any veggies you have lying around. You can even enjoy it with some crunchy bread on the side!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Dried White Beans: Cannellini or navy beans are the best choices. If you’re in a pinch, you could use canned beans. Just rinse them well and add them toward the end of cooking to heat through.
Broth: Vegetable broth is perfect for a vegetarian option, but chicken broth adds a nice depth of flavor if you’re not worried about making it vegetarian.
Onion and Garlic: These staples bring a strong flavor base. You can use shallots instead of onions for a milder taste. For garlic lovers, adding more cloves can enhance the flavor.
Fresh Herbs: If you don’t have thyme, Italian seasoning can work as a substitute. I love using fresh herbs like basil or parsley as a garnish for a fresh touch!
How Do I Make My Soup Creamy?
If you want a creamier texture in your white bean soup, mashing some of the beans is a superb technique. After simmering, use a spoon or a potato masher to crush some beans against the side of the pot. It adds thickness without having to blend the whole soup!
- Ensure your beans are tender before mashing.
- Start mashing the beans from the sides of the pot where they are softened.
- You could also blend a cup of the soup and stir it back in for a different texture.
How to Make White Bean Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 2 cups dried white beans (such as cannellini or navy beans), soaked overnight and drained
- 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley leaves for garnish
Optional Ingredients:
- 1 celery stalk, finely diced
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice or vinegar (added at the end to brighten flavor)
- Crusty bread, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious white bean soup will take about 15 minutes for preparation and about 1 to 1.5 hours for cooking. Allow a little more time if your beans need extra soaking or if you like to add more vegetables. In total, you’ll need about 1.5 to 2 hours before you can enjoy your warm bowl of soup!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and carrots (and celery, if using). Sauté these until the vegetables are soft, which should take about 5-7 minutes. This is where you develop a great base flavor, so take your time!
2. Add Garlic:
Now it’s time to add the minced garlic and let it cook for another 1-2 minutes. Make sure to stir it occasionally so it doesn’t burn. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen starts smelling heavenly!
3. Combine the Main Ingredients:
Stir in the drained white beans, the broth, the bay leaf, and thyme. Raise the heat to bring the mixture to a boil, which makes everything come together beautifully. Don’t forget to scrape the bottom of the pot for any bits stuck to it—those add flavor!
4. Let It Simmer:
Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot partially and let it simmer gently for 1 to 1.5 hours. You want the beans to be tender and flavorful, so check every now and then!
5. Finish Up:
When the beans and veggies are nice and tender, carefully remove the bay leaf. If you like your soup creamy, mash a portion of it with a spoon or use a blender to puree a cup of it and then mix it back in for that delightful rich texture!
6. Season to Taste:
Now season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to suit your tastes. If you want a little zing, add the lemon juice or vinegar at this stage!
7. Serve It Up:
Use a ladle to scoop the soup into bowls and sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley leaves for a pretty touch. Drizzle a little olive oil on top if you like; it adds a lovely richness!
8. Enjoy!
Serve the soup hot with some crusty bread on the side for dipping and savor every wholesome bite of your comforting white bean soup!
Can I Use Canned Beans Instead of Dried?
Yes, you can use canned white beans for a quicker option! Rinse and drain them, and add them to the soup during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking to heat through. This will save you time while still providing a delicious soup.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Soup?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months, but be sure to leave some room in the container for expansion!
What Vegetables Can I Add or Substitute?
You can easily customize this soup! Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, kale, or even zucchini. If you’re missing any veggies from the recipe, use what you have on hand; just aim for a similar quantity to maintain the balance.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian or Vegan?
Absolutely! Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and you’ll have a flavorful vegetarian or vegan soup. It’s just as hearty and satisfying!
