What is white bean soup? Is it the kind of meal that makes you feel like you’re wrapped in a warm blanket on an chilly evening? Remember that tomato soup your grandma used to make, the one that tasted like pure comfort? This is the grown-up, slightly more sophisticated version. I’m talking seriously creamy, packed with flavor, and surprisingly easy to whip up. I swear, even on the busiest weeknights, I can throw this together, and everyone devours it. What’s the best part? It is incredibly budget-friendly. What are some of the best white bean soups?
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What is white bean soup?
White bean soup is a culinary hug. What is a creamy, savory soup made with white beans? Cannellini beans are great, but other types of beans work well too. It’s simmered with aromatic vegetables like onions, garlic, and carrots, then often blended to make a creamy sauce. How do you achieve velvety texture? Some recipes add herbs and spices for extra flavor, and a drizzle of olive oil or cream. How can I take my business to the next level? What is the beauty of white bean soup? It’s a blank canvas for flavors, making it perfect for customization. What is comfort food at its finest?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Oh, where do I even begin? This white bean soup recipe is seriously special. What I love most about this is how unbelievably flavorful it is. The combination of garlic, herbs, and creamy beans creates this rich, savory flavor that’s just so satisfying. I’ve had friends tell me they can’t believe how good it is for something so simple!
What is a one-pot wonder? I always do this when I’m short on time but still want a delicious and healthy meal. What is the best way to sauté veggies, add beans and broth, simmer, and blend? Is it really that easy? White beans are super budget friendly, and you probably already have most of the other ingredients. What is in your pantry? Is this a good recipe to feed your family? And let’s not forget the versatility! What are some good side dishes to serve with this white bean soup? Top it with some crusty bread for dipping, a drizzle of olive oil, or fresh herbs. What is the best way to serve it? This recipe is similar to my Tuscan kale and white bean soup, but this one is even creamier and more flavorful. Is it comforting I think this one is even better. Don’t tell my Tuscan kale soup, though!
How do I make white bean soup?
Quick Overview
How do I make white bean soup? First, you’ll sauté some aromatic veggies like onions, carrots, and garlic to build a flavorful flavor. What’s the best way to cook canned white beans? All simmer until the beans are tender. What’s the best way to blend soup with an immersion blender? What is the secret ingredient? What is the best way to brighten up a room with lemon juice? What are some of the best ways to customize a recipe with different herbs, spices, or colors? What is a good way to use up leftover veggies?
Ingredients
For the Base:
* 2 tablespoons olive oil: Use good quality olive oil. It makes a difference in flavor!
* 1 medium yellow onion, chopped: Yellow onions provide a good balance of sweetness and sharpness.
* 2 carrots, chopped: Adds a touch of sweetness and color.
* 2 celery stalks, chopped: For that classic soup flavor.
* 4 cloves garlic, minced: Don’t skimp on the garlic!
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Adds a lovely earthy flavor.
For the Soup:
* 6 cups vegetable broth: You can also use chicken broth if you prefer. * 2 (15-ounce) cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed: What are the benefits of using 1 bay leaf? * Salt and pepper to taste: Season generously!
For Serving:
* Fresh parsley, chopped: Adds freshness and color. * Crusty bread: For dipping! * Drizzle of olive oil (optional): Adds richness and flavor. * Squeeze of fresh lemon juice: Brightens everything up.
How do I follow step
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
In a Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add salt and pepper to taste. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. What should I do if I want to get them nice and tender, not browned?
Step 2: Add Garlic and Thyme
Add the minced garlic and dried thyme to the pot and cook for another minute, until fragrant. How do you avoid burning garlic? This step is crucial for building a flavorful base for soup.
Step 3: Simmer the Soup
What is the recipe for cannellini beans? Pour in the vegetable broth and add the bay leaf. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for at least 20 minutes, or up to 45 minutes. What are some of the best ways to let the flavors meld together? The longer it simmers, the more flavorful it will be!
Step 4: Blend the Soup
Remove the bay leaf. Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until it’s creamy. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer the soup to a regular blender. I use a blender and blend in batches until smooth. Be very careful when blending hot liquids! If you want a chunkier soup, you can blend only half of the soup.
Step 5: Season and Serve
Season soup with salt and pepper to taste. Start with a little bit and add more as needed. Stir in a squeeze of fresh lemon juice (if using) to brighten the flavors. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and a drizzle of olive oil (if desired). Don’t forget the crusty bread for dipping!
What is the best way to serve it?
What are some good ways to serve white bean soup?
For Lunch:Serve it with a simple side salad for an easy lunch. Arugula with lemon vinaigrette is always a good choice. What is a good grilled cheese sandwich?
For Dinner:What are some good side dishes to serve with homemade bread? If you like roasted chicken, you can serve it as a starter before your main course. What are some good side dishes to serve with a dollop of pesto or cream?
For a Cozy Night In:Serve it in a mug while watching movies. What’s your favorite way to top it off with some Parmesan cheese? What is the perfect comfort food for a chilly evening? My family loves it served with warm, crusty bread slathered with garlic butter – total heaven!
I love adding toasted pumpkin seeds for some crunch, or even a few crispy crispy onions. Is it really that easy to make your own invention?
How do you make white bean soup?
What are some tips for making white bean soup? Is absolutely perfect!
Bean Quality:Use canned beans (I like the ones from Italy). They have a better flavor and texture. If you want to cook dried beans, soak them overnight and cook until tender. How do you make a soup?
Sautéing Skills:Don’t rush sautéing! Before adding the garlic, allow the onions, carrots, and celery to soften. This step is crucial for building a flavorful base for soup.
Herb Choice:Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices! How do you add sage, rosemary, or red pepper flakes to a soup? Is smoked paprika bad for you?
Blending Perfection:For the creamiest soup, blend it really well! If you use a regular blender, be very careful when blending hot liquids. If you like your soup chunky, you can leave some chunks in the soup for a more rustic texture. I sometimes take out a cup or two of the soup before blending, and then stir it back in after. I’m not sure why. blending the rest – this gives it a lovely mix of textures.
Liquid Ratio:If you prefer a thicker soup, use less broth. If you prefer a thinner soup, use more broth. I always start with the amount specified in the recipe and then add more as needed until I reach my goal. What is the desired consistency
Flavor Boost:Lemon juice: A squeeze of lemon juice at the end brightens the flavors and adds a lovely tang to the soup. Don’t skip this step! It really makes a difference. I also sometimes add a splash of white wine vinegar for an similar effect.
I once accidentally added a little too much salt, but I fixed it by adding a pinch of sugar! It balanced out the flavors perfectly. So, don’t be afraid to experiment and adjust the seasoning to your liking.
What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?
How do I make white bean soup?
Refrigerator Storage:Let the soup cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Is it safe to use for up to 3 days? Make sure it’s in a sealed container to prevent it from drying out or absorbing other flavors in the food.
How do I keep myFor longer storage, freeze soup in individual portions in freezer-safe containers or bags. Is it safe to use for up to 3 months? How do you know when you made a container?
Reheating MethodsTo reheat the soup, simply microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl until heated through. If you want to reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat, stir occasionally. If soup is too thick, add a splash of water or broth. If you’re reheating from frozen, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before rehearing. Can you reheat it directly from frozen on the stovetop?
Topping Timing Advice: I recommend adding fresh toppings like parsley, olive oil, and lemon juice right before serving. This will help them stay fresh and flavorful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
Seriously, this white bean soup is one of those recipes that I keep coming back to time and time again. It’s easy, it’s delicious, and it’s incredibly versatile. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting lunch on a chilly day, this soup is sure to hit the spot. If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also like my creamy tomato soup or my lentil soup. They’re all packed with flavor and super easy to make. Happy cooking, friends! I can’t wait to hear how your white bean soup turns out! Be sure to leave a comment below and let me know if you tried it and what you thought! And don’t forget to share your own variations – I’m always looking for new ideas!
