Description
Creamy White Bean Soup made with cannellini beans, tender vegetables, herbs, Parmesan, leafy greens, and fresh lemon. It is hearty, comforting, vegetarian, and ready in about 35 minutes.
Ingredients
3 (15 oz) cans cannellini beans, divided
4 cups vegetable broth, divided
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 yellow onion, diced
2 medium carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, minced
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Crushed red pepper flakes, to taste
2 cups chopped spinach or kale
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
1. Rinse and drain one can of cannellini beans. Blend it with 1 cup of vegetable broth until smooth. Rinse and drain the remaining beans and keep them whole.
2. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes until tender. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Stir in the blended beans, whole beans, remaining vegetable broth, rosemary, thyme, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes.
4. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Add the spinach or kale and continue simmering for about 10 minutes, until tender.
6. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and Parmesan cheese.
7. Taste and adjust the salt and black pepper as needed.
8. Serve warm with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
Blending one can of beans with broth creates a creamy, thicker soup without adding heavy cream.
Avoid overcooking the beans or greens so they keep their texture and color.
Add extra broth if you prefer a thinner soup.
Fresh lemon juice balances the rich flavor. You can substitute a small amount of vinegar for a milder tang.
Cannellini beans can be replaced with Great Northern or navy beans.
You can use dried beans, but soak and cook them until tender before making the soup.
Vegetable broth keeps the recipe vegetarian. Chicken broth can also be used.
For a vegan or dairy free version, omit the Parmesan cheese.
Optional additions include leeks, parsnips, potatoes, mushrooms, sausage, chicken, bacon, or pancetta.
Cool leftovers before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
For longer storage, cool completely and freeze in a freezer safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup Recipes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 228
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 1576 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 41 g
- Fiber: 12 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 3 mg
