If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that’s both nourishing and bursting with flavor, this White Bean Soup Recipe will become your new go-to. Combining tender white beans, vibrant fresh spinach, and a medley of aromatic vegetables, this soup simmers away to create a velvety, satisfying bowl that’s perfect for any season. Whether you’re looking to warm up on a chilly evening or simply enjoy a wholesome lunch, this recipe delivers simplicity and warmth in every spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this White Bean Soup Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each bringing something unique to the pot. These essentials come together to create incredible depth of flavor, inviting textures, and a pleasing color palette that makes this soup as beautiful as it is delicious.
- 1 large onion, chopped: Provides a sweet and savory base for the soup’s flavor.
- 3 large carrots, chopped: Adds natural sweetness and a subtle earthy note.
- 3 celery stalks, chopped: Delivers a fresh, aromatic crunch that balances the richness.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses a warm, robust undertone throughout the soup.
- 5 ounces baby spinach: Brings vibrant color and a mild, fresh green flavor at the end.
- 3 (15-ounce) cans white beans, drained and rinsed: The hearty protein foundation that makes this soup filling and creamy.
- 6 cups low sodium vegetable broth: Creates a flavorful cooking liquid without overpowering the other ingredients.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Adds a subtle, herbaceous warmth.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Offers an earthy, slightly bitter note that complements the beans.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste: Enhances all the flavors in the soup.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste: Gives just the right amount of gentle heat and complexity.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Essential for sautéeing and adding richness.
- Grated parmesan cheese for serving (optional): Adds a salty, creamy finish if you want an extra layer of indulgence.
How to Make White Bean Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Toss in the chopped onions and cook until they turn translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes. This gentle cooking develops a sweet base flavor. Then add the minced garlic, carrots, celery, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir the mixture for 2 to 3 minutes. This step softens the veggies just enough to release their flavors while maintaining their slight bite, which adds wonderful texture later on.
Step 2: Simmer with Broth and Beans
Next, pour in the vegetable broth and stir in the rinsed white beans. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to let the soup simmer uncovered for 15 minutes. The slow simmer allows the beans to soak up the lovely herby broth and the vegetables to become tender, creating that cozy, comforting texture you want from a good soup.
Step 3: Add Spinach
The final touch before finishing the soup is folding in the baby spinach. Continue simmering for just about 2 minutes, until the spinach wilts beautifully into the broth. This step adds a fresh pop of green and subtle earthiness, balancing the creamy beans and soft vegetables perfectly.
Step 4: Final Seasoning and Serve
Once the spinach is incorporated, remove the pot from the heat. Give your soup a taste and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. Ladle the steaming soup into bowls, and if you want to elevate it even more, sprinkle freshly grated parmesan cheese on top for a luscious, savory finish. Serve immediately and savor each spoonful of this soul-soothing white bean soup.
How to Serve White Bean Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a garnish can elevate your White Bean Soup Recipe from simple to spectacular. Think freshly grated parmesan for a savory kick or a drizzle of good quality olive oil to add richness. You can also sprinkle some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to brighten the flavors and add a lovely visual contrast. A small pinch of crushed red pepper flakes works beautifully if you want a little subtle heat.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, perfect for dipping and soaking up every bit of the comforting broth. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the soup and keeps the meal fresh and balanced. For heartier appetites, roasted vegetables or a grilled cheese sandwich makes a fulfilling accompaniment.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving guests or want to make this soup feel extra special, try presenting it in individual ramekins or rustic bread bowls. Garnishing each bowl with a swirl of crème fraîche or a handful of crunchy toasted nuts adds an exciting texture contrast. Serving with a side of homemade garlic knots or parmesan crisps can also turn a humble soup into a fabulous centerpiece for your table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover white bean soup keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve all that comforting flavor and freshness. It’s perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners later in the week, allowing you to enjoy the wholesome goodness without extra effort.
Freezing
If you want to keep this nourishing White Bean Soup Recipe on hand longer, it freezes very well. Allow the soup to cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It will keep for up to 3 months, making it a fantastic make-ahead option for busy days.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the soup has thickened too much in the fridge or freezer, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to loosen it up to your preferred consistency. Avoid boiling it to preserve the fresh flavors and creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use dried white beans instead of canned?
Absolutely! If you have dried white beans on hand, soak them overnight and cook until tender before adding them in. This will enhance the flavor and texture even more, but keep in mind that it adds extra prep time compared to canned beans.
Is this soup suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes! This White Bean Soup Recipe is naturally vegan as long as you skip the optional parmesan cheese garnish or use a vegan alternative. The vegetable broth and beans create a rich, satisfying taste without any animal products.
Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in diced potatoes, zucchini, or even kale to customize the soup to your liking. Just adjust the simmering time if you add vegetables that require longer cooking to reach tenderness.
How can I make this soup thicker or creamier?
If you want a creamier consistency, gently mash some of the white beans against the side of the pot while the soup simmers, or use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup. This creates a luscious texture without needing any cream or dairy.
What is the best way to spice up the soup?
For a flavor kick, add crushed red pepper flakes when sautéing the vegetables or a splash of hot sauce when serving. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can also brighten the flavors and add a zesty finish that complements the beans wonderfully.
Final Thoughts
This White Bean Soup Recipe is one of those comforting dishes that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s easy to make, packed with wholesome ingredients, and endlessly versatile—perfect for sharing with family or enjoying on a cozy night in. I can’t wait for you to try it and have it become a staple in your kitchen just like it is in mine!
Print
White Bean Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This comforting White Bean Soup recipe is a hearty and nutritious dish perfect for any season. Packed with tender white beans, fresh vegetables, and fragrant herbs, this soup is both flavorful and satisfying. With a quick 30-minute preparation, it makes an ideal weeknight meal that can be enjoyed with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for an extra touch of richness.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 large carrots, chopped
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 5 ounces baby spinach
Beans & Broth
- 3 (15-ounce) cans white beans, drained and rinsed
- 6 cups low sodium vegetable broth
Seasonings & Oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Optional
- Grated parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Then add the minced garlic, chopped carrots, chopped celery, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, for another 2-3 minutes to develop the flavors and soften the vegetables.
- Simmer with Broth and Beans: Pour in the low sodium vegetable broth and add the drained and rinsed white beans. Stir well to combine all ingredients, then bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the soup simmer uncovered for 15 minutes to meld flavors and tenderize the vegetables.
- Add Spinach: Stir in the baby spinach and continue to gently simmer the soup for about 2 minutes, until the spinach wilts and incorporates fully into the soup.
- Final Seasoning and Serve: Remove the pot from heat. Taste the soup and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and optionally top with freshly grated parmesan cheese. Serve immediately to enjoy a warm and nourishing meal.
Notes
- Use low sodium vegetable broth to control the salt content and adjust seasoning at the end to your preference.
- For a creamier texture, you can puree part of the soup and stir it back in.
- Parmesan cheese topping is optional; for a vegan option, omit the cheese.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Feel free to substitute fresh herbs instead of dried for a more vibrant flavor.
