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White Bean Soup

Creamy White Bean Soup That Warms Your Soul Effortlessly

This White Bean Soup is a comforting Mediterranean dish, quick to prepare and packed with flavor, perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Soups
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Base
  • 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil Adds healthy fats and flavor; substitute with any light oil for cooking.
  • 1 large Yellow Onion Provides an aromatic base; can be substituted with shallots.
  • 1 small Potato Contributes creaminess; skip or replace with sweet potato.
  • 2 stalks Celery Adds crunch and flavor depth; can substitute with fennel.
  • 2 Carrots Brings natural sweetness; substitute with parsnips for an earthier flavor.
  • 1 Red Bell Pepper Adds sweetness and color; use any bell pepper or omit.
  • 4 cloves Garlic Enhances flavor; use garlic powder (1 tsp) in a pinch.
For the Flavor
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano Offers aromatic herb flavor; any dried herb mix can substitute.
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Coriander Adds warmth; can use cumin for a different depth.
  • ½ teaspoon Mild Red Pepper Flakes Introduces a gentle heat; adjust to taste or omit.
  • Salt To taste; use low-sodium options for healthier cooking.
For the Soup
  • 15 ounces Crushed Tomatoes Gives body and acidity; substitute with fresh tomatoes and tomato paste (2 tbsp).
  • 30 ounces Canned White Beans Provides protein and creaminess; use dried beans (1 cup) if preferred.
  • 6 cups Low-Sodium Vegetable Broth Base of the soup; water can be used as a substitution.
  • 4 sprigs Fresh Thyme Herbal flavor; use tarragon or Italian seasoning as an alternative.
For the Toppings
  • 1 ounce Feta Cheese Adds tanginess; swap with goat cheese or omit for vegan.
  • 2 tablespoons Parmesan Cheese Enhances umami; nutritional yeast can substitute.
  • ¼ cup Fresh Parsley Adds freshness; cilantro can be used for a different flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice Brightens the dish; lime juice is a good substitute.
  • 2 tablespoons Cornstarch Thickener for the soup; use mashed beans for a different method.

Equipment

  • Large Dutch oven

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat for about 2 minutes. Add a chopped large yellow onion and sauté until softened and translucent.
  2. Stir in one small diced potato, two chopped celery stalks, two sliced carrots, and one chopped red bell pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
  3. Add four grated garlic cloves, one teaspoon dried oregano, one teaspoon ground coriander, half a teaspoon of mild red pepper flakes, and salt to taste. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Pour in one 15-ounce can of crushed tomatoes, 30 ounces of drained and rinsed canned white beans, and six cups of low-sodium vegetable broth. Toss in four sprigs of fresh thyme.
  5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and let it simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes.
  6. Stir in one ounce of crumbled feta cheese, two tablespoons of grated Parmesan, two tablespoons of lemon juice, and a quarter cup of chopped fresh parsley.
  7. For a creamier texture, mix two tablespoons of cornstarch with some cooled soup to create a slurry. Stir it back into the soup and cook over low heat for about 5 minutes.
  8. Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with chopped parsley, cheese, and a drizzle of olive oil. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes on top if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 15gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 12gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 1200IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 180mgIron: 3mg

Notes

For a creamier consistency, mash a portion of the beans after simmering. Cut vegetables into even pieces for uniform cooking. Taste and adjust seasoning toward the end.

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