Indulge in the elegance of a velvety white bean soup, a refined yet accessible dish that warms the soul. This exquisite recipe showcases creamy, tender beans infused with aromatic herbs and spices, creating a harmonious blend of flavor and texture. Unique in its simplicity, this soup highlights the noble white bean, elevating it to a star that captivates both the palate and the heart.
Why Make This Recipe
- Effortless Yet Elegant: With minimal hands-on time, this dish effortlessly shines at any gathering.
- Minimal Ingredients: Craftsmanship over complexity; just a handful of fresh ingredients work in beautiful synergy.
- Impressive Flavor: Each spoonful reveals depth and warmth, a comforting embrace with a sophisticated touch.
What distinguishes this white bean soup from ordinary versions is its harmonious simplicity paired with delicate flavors, making it a sublime choice for any occasion.
Ingredients
Base
- 2 cups dried white beans (such as cannellini or Great Northern)
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth (low-sodium preferred)
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
- 1 bay leaf
Topping
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped for garnish
How to Make White Bean Soup
- Prepare the Beans: Soak the dried white beans overnight in cold water. Drain before cooking to improve texture.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large, heavy pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Take care not to brown them—this maintains the soup’s light color.
- Add Garlic and Herbs: Stir in the minced garlic, thyme, and a pinch of salt. Cook for an additional minute. The fragrance will envelop the kitchen, a delightful prelude to your masterpiece.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the soaked beans, vegetable broth, and bay leaf to the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Cook: Allow the soup to cook uncovered on low heat for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender and creamy. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking; this enhances the flavors by allowing the ingredients to deglaze the pot.
- Blend: Once the beans are soft, remove the bay leaf and use an immersion blender to puree the soup to your desired consistency. For a silkier texture, blend thoroughly.
- Season: Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Add lemon zest for a bright finish.
How to Serve White Bean Soup
Present this elegant soup in shallow, wide-rimmed bowls. A swirl of high-quality olive oil can add a touch of sophistication. Garnish with finely chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. A lemon wedge on the side allows guests to customize their brightness, enhancing their experience.
How to Store White Bean Soup
Allow any leftover soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer preservation, freeze portions in resealable bags. When reheating, gently warm over low heat on the stove, adding a splash of broth or water to maintain creaminess.
Tips to Make White Bean Soup
- Soak Beans Properly: Ensuring the beans soak long enough enhances their creaminess and aids digestion.
- Use High-Quality Broth: A rich, well-seasoned vegetable broth elevates the flavor profile tremendously.
- Finish with Acidity: Adding a splash of white wine or vinegar at the end brightens the soup and balances the richness.
- Blend in Batches: For a smoother texture, blend the soup in batches if using a traditional blender—this prevents splatters.
Variation
Experiment with ingredient upgrades such as adding butternut squash for sweetness or smoked paprika for a subtle, smoky flavor. For a luxurious presentation, serve with a dollop of crème fraîche or a sprinkle of truffle oil.
FAQs
Can I use canned beans for this recipe?
Yes, canned beans can be used for a quicker preparation. Rinse and drain them first, and adjust cooking time accordingly to just heat the soup through.
How can I make this soup vegan?
This recipe is naturally vegan using vegetable broth. Ensure any garnishes, such as oil or extra toppings, are plant-based.
How long can I keep leftovers?
Stored properly, the soup lasts up to three days in the refrigerator or up to three months in the freezer, always retaining its delightful flavor.
Conclusion
This white bean soup encapsulates the essence of elegance and simplicity, inviting an air of sophistication to your dining experience. Its creamy texture, combined with vibrant flavors, presents a sophisticated option for any meal. Share your thoughts below, and let others discover this culinary gem. How would you make this dish your own?
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Velvety White Bean Soup
- Total Time: 135 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A refined yet accessible white bean soup featuring creamy, tender beans infused with aromatic herbs and spices.
Ingredients
- 2 cups dried white beans (such as cannellini or Great Northern)
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
- 1 bay leaf
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Soak the dried white beans overnight in cold water. Drain before cooking.
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic, thyme, and a pinch of salt. Cook for an additional minute.
- Add the soaked beans, vegetable broth, and bay leaf to the pot. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Cook uncovered on low heat for 90-120 minutes, or until the beans are tender. Stir occasionally.
- Once the beans are soft, remove the bay leaf and use an immersion blender to puree the soup to your desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Add lemon zest for a bright finish.
Notes
For a smoother texture, blend the soup in batches if using a traditional blender. Consider adding butternut squash or smoked paprika for variation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 120 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 0mg