The Best White Bean Soup
If you ever thought that beans are boring, this creamy flavor-packed The Best White Bean Soup will blow your mind! This is a simple, vegan, and budget-friendly recipe that tastes and smells amazing. Added bonus? It will be on the table in just 25 minutes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 5 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cooking, you can enjoy this comforting soup in no time.
- Budget-Friendly: Using pantry staples like canned beans and vegetables makes this dish easy on the wallet.
- Flavor-Packed: The combination of fresh herbs and spices creates an unforgettable flavor that elevates the humble bean.
- Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to customize with your favorite greens or add protein for a heartier meal.
- Healthy Option: Packed with fiber and nutrients, this soup is a great addition to any balanced diet.
Tools and Preparation
To make The Best White Bean Soup, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment will ensure a smooth cooking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Allows for even cooking of all ingredients while creating a rich broth.
- Knife: A sharp knife simplifies chopping vegetables, making prep work faster and safer.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
– 2 cans (28oz – 800 grams) cannellini beans or white beans, drained
– 1 medium-size onion, diced
– 1 celery stalk, diced
– 1 large carrot, diced
– 1-2 garlic cloves, diced or pressed
– 1 cup (7 oz – 200 grams) frozen spinach (optional)
– 2 medium-size potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
– 1 Tbsp olive oil, plus more for serving
– 1 Tbsp tomato paste
– 1/3 cup (80 ml) white wine
– 1 sprig rosemary (or 1 Tbsp of chopped fresh leaves/1/2 tsp of dried)
– 2 cups (500 ml) vegetable broth or hot water
– 1/2 tsp paprika (optional)
– 1/2 tsp fine salt, plus more to taste
– 1/8 tsp black pepper, plus more to taste
How to Make The Best White Bean Soup
Step 1: Warm the Olive Oil
Warm the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the diced onion, carrot, and celery. Cook, stirring often, until the onion has softened and is turning translucent, about 5 minutes.
Step 2: Add Vegetables and Beans
Add the garlic, beans, tomato paste, potatoes, rosemary (whole sprig, chopped or dried), and paprika (if you use it). Cook while stirring frequently for about 1 minute.
Step 3: Incorporate Wine
Add the white wine to the pot. Stir well and let it simmer until it has evaporated, which should take another minute.
Step 4: Combine Broth and Spinach
Next, add the frozen spinach along with the vegetable broth. Season with a good pinch of salt and pepper. Raise the heat to bring everything to a boil. Cover the pot, reduce heat, and cook gently for about 15 minutes.
Step 5: Final Touches
When the potatoes are soft and the soup is thick and creamy, remove the pot from heat. Take out the sprig of rosemary. Taste your soup and season with additional salt and pepper as needed.
Step 6: Serve
Divide into bowls. Drizzle with olive oil or extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle more freshly ground black pepper if desired. Serve alongside crusty whole grain bread or freshly grated parmesan cheese for extra flavor. Enjoy!
How to Serve The Best White Bean Soup
Serving The Best White Bean Soup can elevate your dining experience. Here are some delicious ideas to make your meal even more enjoyable.
With Crusty Bread
- Serve the soup with a slice of crusty whole grain bread for dipping. This adds texture and enhances the overall flavor.
Topped with Fresh Herbs
- Sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or chives on top for a burst of freshness. It not only looks appealing but also adds an aromatic quality.
Drizzled with Olive Oil
- A drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil on top can enhance the richness of the soup. It adds a luxurious touch to every bowl.
Accompanied by Salad
- Pairing the soup with a light salad offers a refreshing contrast. Consider using mixed greens or a simple vinaigrette for balance.
Garnished with Cheese
- For those who enjoy dairy, adding freshly grated Parmesan cheese can boost the flavor profile. This creamy addition complements the beans beautifully.
Served with Crackers
- Offer crunchy crackers on the side for an added crunch. They are great for scooping and add variety to your meal.
How to Perfect The Best White Bean Soup
To ensure you create The Best White Bean Soup, consider these helpful tips that will enhance its flavor and texture.
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Use fresh vegetables: Fresh produce provides better flavor than canned options. Try using seasonal veggies for the best taste.
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Adjust seasoning: Taste your soup before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed. This ensures that every bite is perfectly seasoned.
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Experiment with spices: Feel free to add spices like cumin or coriander for an extra layer of flavor. Just be cautious not to overpower the soup’s natural taste.
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Blend partially: For a creamier texture, blend half of the soup then mix it back in. This gives you both chunky and smooth elements.
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Let it sit: Allowing your soup to sit for 10 minutes after cooking lets flavors meld together, improving taste.
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Store properly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on low heat.
Best Side Dishes for The Best White Bean Soup
Pairing side dishes with The Best White Bean Soup can enhance your meal. Here are some fantastic options that work well together.
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Garlic Bread: Crispy bread slathered in garlic butter is perfect for dipping into your soup.
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Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad complements the creamy texture of the soup while adding crunch from croutons.
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Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies provide a hearty side that balances well with the lightness of the soup.
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Quinoa Salad: A chilled quinoa salad with lemon vinaigrette adds freshness and protein, making it a nutritious pairing.
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Stuffed Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers filled with rice or grains create a filling counterpoint to the white bean soup.
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Cheese Platter: An assortment of cheeses, nuts, and fruits offers variety and pairs deliciously with the savory flavors of your soup.
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Bruschetta: Tasty bruschetta topped with tomatoes and basil brings brightness that contrasts nicely with the richness of the soup.
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Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges are always a hit, providing comfort food vibes alongside your warm bowl of bean goodness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making The Best White Bean Soup, there are a few common errors that can affect the flavor and texture of your dish. Here’s how to avoid them.
- Overcooking vegetables: Cooking the onions and carrots for too long can lead to mushy vegetables. Aim for a soft, translucent onion without losing the crunch in the carrots.
- Skipping seasoning: Not adding enough salt and pepper can result in bland soup. Start with a pinch of salt and adjust to taste as you go.
- Ignoring the broth quality: Using low-quality vegetable broth may alter the soup’s flavor. Always use a good-quality or homemade broth for the best results.
- Not blending enough: If you want a creamier texture, don’t skip blending part of the soup. A smooth consistency makes it more enjoyable.
- Using expired beans: Old beans won’t cook properly and might ruin your dish. Always check the expiration date on canned goods before using them.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store The Best White Bean Soup in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing The Best White Bean Soup
- Freeze in portioned airtight containers for easy reheating.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating The Best White Bean Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm in an oven-safe dish until heated through, about 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until hot, typically about 2-3 minutes.
- Stovetop: Gently reheat over medium heat while stirring until hot, adding water or broth if needed to adjust consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here’s some helpful information about making The Best White Bean Soup.
Can I make The Best White Bean Soup ahead of time?
Yes! This soup tastes even better when made a day in advance as flavors meld together overnight.
Is The Best White Bean Soup gluten-free?
Absolutely! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as it uses no flour or gluten-containing ingredients.
What can I add to The Best White Bean Soup?
You can customize it with additional vegetables like kale or zucchini. For protein, consider adding tofu or tempeh.
How do I thicken The Best White Bean Soup?
To thicken your soup, blend a portion of it and stir it back into the pot, creating a creamy texture without additional calories.
Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
Yes! Just soak and cook dried beans beforehand according to package instructions before adding them to your soup.
Final Thoughts
The Best White Bean Soup is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize this recipe with various herbs, spices, or additional veggies depending on your preferences. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting meal on chilly days, this soup is sure to delight everyone at your table. Give it a try!
The Best White Bean Soup
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Description
Discover the comforting taste of The Best White Bean Soup, a delightful blend of flavor and nutrition that will redefine your perception of beans. This creamy, vegan soup is not only quick to prepare—ready in just 25 minutes—but also budget-friendly, making it perfect for any weeknight dinner or cozy gathering. Featuring pantry staples like cannellini beans, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs, each bowl offers a satisfying depth of flavor without breaking the bank. Customize it with your favorite greens or proteins for an even heartier meal. Serve it alongside crusty bread or a fresh salad for an unforgettable dining experience.
Ingredients
- 2 cans (28oz) cannellini beans
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1 large carrot, diced
- 1–2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 medium potatoes, chopped
- 1 cup frozen spinach (optional)
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 Tbsp tomato paste
- 1/3 cup white wine
- 2 cups vegetable broth
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and celery; cook until softened.
- Stir in garlic, beans, tomato paste, potatoes, and rosemary; cook for about a minute.
- Pour in white wine; let simmer until evaporated.
- Add spinach and vegetable broth; season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to simmer for 15 minutes.
- Once potatoes are tender and soup is creamy, adjust seasoning if necessary and serve warm.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
