why make this recipe
White Bean Soup is a delicious and healthy dish perfect for any time of year. It is simple to make and packed with flavor. This soup is not only warm and comforting but also offers a great source of protein and fiber from the beans. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a hearty meal without feeling heavy. Plus, you can customize it to your taste by adding your favorite herbs or spices.
how to make Best White Bean Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried white beans (cannellini or navy beans)
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions:
- Rinse and soak the beans overnight in water. Drain and set aside.
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery; sauté until softened.
- Add the garlic, thyme, and bay leaves; cook for another minute.
- Stir in the soaked beans and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1-1.5 hours or until beans are tender.
- Remove bay leaves, season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
how to serve Best White Bean Soup
To serve White Bean Soup, ladle it into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. You can also offer crusty bread or a side salad to complement the meal. This soup is perfect as a light lunch or a cozy dinner option.
how to store Best White Bean Soup
Store any leftover White Bean Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can stay fresh for about 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
tips to make Best White Bean Soup
- For extra flavor, consider sautéing some bacon or pancetta with the onions, carrots, and celery.
- If you prefer a creamier soup, blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender before serving.
- Adjust the seasoning as you go, tasting the soup to find the perfect balance of flavor.
variation
You can add different vegetables like spinach, kale, or zucchini for more nutrition. If you like a bit of heat, feel free to add some crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
FAQs
1. Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans?
Yes, you can use canned white beans. Just skip the soaking and cooking steps. Add the beans to the pot along with the broth and simmer until heated through.
2. Is this soup vegan?
Yes, this White Bean Soup is completely vegan since it uses vegetable broth and no animal products.
3. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! You can combine all the ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the beans are tender.