White bean soup is one of those comforting dishes that never disappoints. With its rich, creamy texture and hearty ingredients, it’s a perfect meal for any season. This white bean soup recipe is not only simple but also vegan, gluten-free, and budget-friendly. Packed with nutritious ingredients like white beans, vegetables, and rosemary, it delivers an irresistible taste that’s sure to become a family favorite. Ready in just 25 minutes, this dish is an easy weeknight dinner option that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
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Why White Bean Soup Is a Great Choice
When you’re in the mood for a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal, white bean soup is the answer. This recipe combines a few simple ingredients to create a robust, satisfying dish that can be enjoyed by anyone, including those on plant-based diets. It’s full of fiber, protein, and antioxidants, making it an excellent option for a balanced meal. Plus, it can easily be customized to fit dietary preferences or what you have in your pantry.
Ingredients for White Bean Soup
To make this delicious white bean soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- White Beans: The star of the dish, these beans are a great source of protein, fiber, and minerals. Cannellini beans or navy beans work wonderfully.
- Onion: Adds a rich, savory flavor to the soup base.
- Carrot: Provides sweetness and texture.
- Celery: A classic aromatic that enhances the soup’s flavor profile.
- Garlic: Infuses the soup with a fragrant, rich depth.
- Potato: Adds creaminess and thickens the soup naturally.
- Spinach (optional): Adds color and a nutritional boost.
- Tomato Paste: Helps to deepen the flavor and add richness.
- White Wine: A splash of white wine enhances the flavors, making the soup more complex.
- Rosemary: Brings a fragrant, earthy aroma that elevates the dish.
- Olive Oil: For sautéing the vegetables and adding richness to the soup.
- Paprika (optional): Adds a hint of smoky flavor.
- Salt & Pepper: For seasoning.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
If you need to make some substitutions for dietary preferences or if you’re missing an ingredient, here are a few helpful swaps:
- Spinach Substitutes: Kale or chard can replace spinach. If using fresh spinach, add it in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Potato Alternatives: If you’re looking for a lower-carb option, try cauliflower or sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes.
- White Wine Alternatives: If you prefer not to cook with wine, vegetable broth or apple cider vinegar can provide a similar acidity and depth of flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making White Bean Soup
Making white bean soup is a breeze. Follow these simple steps for a perfect bowl every time:
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrot, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables soften and the onion turns translucent.
- Add Garlic and Beans: Stir in minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute. Then add the drained white beans, tomato paste, and diced potatoes. Add the rosemary and paprika (if using) and stir to combine.
- Add White Wine and Simmer: Pour in the white wine and let it simmer until the wine has evaporated, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add Broth and Spinach: Pour in the vegetable broth and add the frozen spinach. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Season and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Remove the rosemary sprig and discard. Ladle the soup into bowls, drizzle with olive oil, and garnish with freshly ground black pepper. Serve with crusty whole grain bread for the perfect meal.
Tips & Tricks for Perfect White Bean Soup
- Texture Adjustments: If you prefer a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes and beans with a spoon as the soup cooks. This will create a creamy, velvety texture.
- Seasoning: Be mindful of the salt content, especially if using store-bought vegetable broth. It’s best to add salt toward the end to adjust for taste.
- Wine Substitutions: If you don’t want to use white wine, vegetable broth or a splash of lemon juice can provide similar acidity and balance the flavors.
Pairing Ideas and Variations
White bean soup is perfect on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with several sides and variations:
- Toppings: Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra creaminess, or add a dollop of dairy-free sour cream for a vegan twist.
- Bread: Serve with crusty bread for dunking. A slice of toasted sourdough or a baguette works particularly well.
- Side Dishes: A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette or roasted vegetables can complement the rich, savory flavors of the soup.
Health Benefits of White Bean Soup
White beans are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. They are an excellent source of vegetarian protein and are high in fiber, which aids digestion and keeps you full longer. The inclusion of spinach adds an extra dose of vitamins and minerals, making this soup a great option for a healthy, balanced meal. Whether you’re looking for a filling lunch or a light dinner, this soup provides everything you need for a nutritious, satisfying meal.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this white bean soup is the epitome of comfort food. Its simplicity and versatility make it a go-to recipe that can easily be adapted to suit any taste or dietary preference. Whether you’re looking for a hearty weeknight meal, a nutritious lunch, or a warming dish for chilly days, this white bean soup ticks all the boxes. It’s quick to prepare, packed with flavor, and full of health benefits. With just a few pantry staples, you can create a dish that’s both delicious and satisfying. Try it today and experience the magic of this creamy, savory white bean soup!
FAQs About White Bean Soup
1. Can I use different types of beans for this soup?
Yes, you can! While cannellini beans are the most commonly used for white bean soup, you can substitute them with navy beans or Great Northern beans if needed. Each type of white bean will bring a slightly different texture but will work well in this recipe.
2. Can I make white bean soup in advance?
Absolutely! This white bean soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. You can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. It also freezes well, so you can make a large batch and enjoy it later.
3. How can I make this white bean soup thicker?
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the beans and potatoes as they cook. This will create a creamy, velvety texture. Alternatively, you can add more potatoes or a spoonful of mashed beans to achieve the desired consistency.
4. Is this white bean soup suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Yes, this white bean soup is naturally gluten-free! It’s made with wholesome ingredients like beans, vegetables, and olive oil, so it’s a great option for those following a gluten-free diet. Just make sure to check that your vegetable broth is also gluten-free if you’re using store-bought.
More Relevant Recipes
- Creamy Tuscan White Bean Soup: This soup is a delicious twist on the classic white bean soup. It combines creamy white beans with spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and a hint of garlic for a rich, comforting dish that’s perfect for chilly nights.
- Hearty Lentil and Potato Soup: Another great plant-based soup option, this recipe features lentils and potatoes in a flavorful broth, offering a hearty, filling meal similar to white bean soup. Packed with fiber and protein, it’s a satisfying choice for a nutritious meal.
- Cozy Greek Lemon Chicken Soup: If you’re a fan of light yet flavorful soups, this Greek-inspired lemon chicken soup is a perfect choice. It combines tender chicken with a fresh lemony broth, offering a comforting alternative that still delivers the cozy feel of a white bean soup.
White Bean Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This white bean soup recipe is a creamy, flavorful, and comforting dish that is easy to make and packed with nutrients. It combines cannellini beans, vegetables, and aromatic herbs for a satisfying vegan and gluten-free meal.
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
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add diced onion, carrot, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the onion is soft and translucent.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute, then add the beans, tomato paste, potatoes, rosemary, and paprika (if using). Stir to combine.
- Pour in the white wine and stir well. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes until the wine has evaporated.
- Add frozen spinach, vegetable broth, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until the potatoes are soft and the soup has thickened.
- Remove the rosemary sprig, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, and serve the soup with a drizzle of olive oil and freshly ground black pepper. Optionally, serve with crusty whole-grain bread.
Notes
- For a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes and beans with a spoon as it cooks.
- Use fresh spinach in place of frozen if preferred. Add it in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- If you don’t have white wine, substitute with vegetable broth or a splash of lemon juice for acidity.
- The soup keeps well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days and can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 160 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 57 g
- Fiber: 13 g
- Protein: 19 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg