If you’ve been searching for a hearty, healthy, and incredibly comforting dish to add to your weeknight rotation, this White Bean Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. It comes together quickly with simple pantry ingredients, delivering rich flavors thanks to tender white beans, fresh vegetables, and fragrant herbs. Whether you want a light lunch or a cozy dinner, this soup hits the spot every single time, offering a perfect balance of creaminess and earthiness that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this White Bean Soup Recipe so special is how few simple ingredients come together to create such a flavorful, nourishing meal. Each component plays its part, from the sweetness of carrots to the subtle aroma of thyme, enriching both taste and texture.
- Onion: Adds a mellow, savory base that brings depth to the soup’s flavor.
- Carrots: Provide natural sweetness and a lovely pop of orange color.
- Celery stalks: Contribute a crisp, fresh note that balances the heartiness.
- Garlic cloves: Minced for a punch of aromatic warmth.
- Baby spinach: Tossed in at the end to add vibrant color and gentle earthiness.
- White beans: The star ingredient, offering creamy texture and protein.
- Low sodium vegetable broth: The flavorful liquid base that ties everything together.
- Dried thyme and oregano: Classic herbs that infuse the soup with Mediterranean flair.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
- Olive oil: Used for sautéing, bringing richness and helping to meld the ingredients.
- Grated parmesan cheese (optional): A finishing touch that adds savory, salty complexity.
How to Make White Bean Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat and add the chopped onions. Sauté until they turn translucent, about 5 minutes. This gentle cooking releases the onions’ natural sweetness and builds a flavorful base. Then, add minced garlic, carrots, celery, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir often for two to three minutes so the vegetables soften just enough to blend beautifully with the herbs.
Step 2: Simmer with Broth and Beans
Pour in the vegetable broth and add the drained and rinsed white beans. Give it a good stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Lower the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 15 minutes. This step lets all the flavors meld and allows the beans to soak up the fragrant broth while the vegetables become tender but not mushy.
Step 3: Add Spinach
Stir in the fresh baby spinach and continue simmering for about two minutes until the spinach wilts beautifully into the soup. This adds a fresh, healthy pop of green and a subtle flavor that balances the creaminess of the beans perfectly.
Step 4: Final Seasoning and Serve
Remove the pot from the heat and taste to adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Ladle the soup into bowls, and if you like, sprinkle with freshly grated parmesan cheese for that irresistible savory finish. Serve immediately, savoring the heartwarming flavors of your homemade White Bean Soup Recipe.
How to Serve White Bean Soup Recipe
Garnishes
The simplest garnishes can elevate this soup to restaurant-quality. A sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese adds a wonderful salty richness. Fresh chopped parsley or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can add brightness and a touch of elegance. For a little heat, crushed red pepper flakes work beautifully.
Side Dishes
This White Bean Soup Recipe pairs wonderfully with a crusty loaf of bread, perfect for dipping and soaking up all those delicious juices. A light green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette complements the soup’s earthiness and keeps the meal balanced. For a heartier option, roasted vegetables or a grilled cheese sandwich turn this soup into a satisfying dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling creative, serve this soup in a hollowed-out bread bowl for a charming presentation that’s also practical. Layering with a swirl of pesto or a dollop of creamy ricotta adds texture contrasts and builds interest with every spoonful. For gatherings, serve it in individual ramekins topped with crispy chickpeas or toasted nuts for a crunchy surprise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover White Bean Soup Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to four days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve the flavors and prevent it from absorbing any other fridge odors. Give it a gentle stir before reheating as ingredients may settle.
Freezing
This soup freezes extremely well, making it a perfect make-ahead meal. Allow it to cool completely then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some room for expansion. It will keep for up to three months without losing its vibrant taste or texture.
Reheating
For reheating, gently warm the soup over medium-low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results, then heat slowly to maintain that fresh-from-the-pot flavor. You can add a splash of broth or water if the soup thickens too much.
FAQs
Can I use dried white beans instead of canned?
Absolutely! If you prefer dried beans, soak them overnight and cook them until tender before adding to the soup. This can deepen the flavor but does add extra prep time.
Is this soup vegan?
The base recipe is vegan if you skip the parmesan cheese garnish. You can also use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
What can I substitute for baby spinach?
Kale, Swiss chard, or even arugula make excellent alternatives. Add them towards the end of cooking so they stay tender but still vibrant.
Can I make this soup thicker or creamier?
To thicken, blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender, then stir it back in. For extra creaminess, stir in a splash of coconut milk or a spoonful of plain yogurt just before serving.
How can I add more protein to this soup?
You can boost protein by adding cooked sausage, shredded chicken, or tossing in some cooked quinoa or barley alongside the beans.
Final Thoughts
This White Bean Soup Recipe is truly a kitchen gem—simple yet rich, hearty yet fresh, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re a soup lover or just exploring new comfort foods, I encourage you to give this recipe a try. It’s not just a meal; it’s a warm, nourishing embrace that you can enjoy any day of the week.
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
A hearty and nutritious White Bean Soup packed with tender vegetables, baby spinach, and flavorful herbs. This comforting soup is perfect for a quick and wholesome meal, simmered to bring out the rich blend of flavors, and optionally topped with grated parmesan for extra savoriness.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 large carrots, chopped
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 5 ounces baby spinach
Beans and Broth
- 3 (15-ounce) cans white beans, drained and rinsed
- 6 cups low sodium vegetable broth
Seasonings and 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
- Grated parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
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 pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to blend and the vegetables to soften slightly.
- Simmer with Broth and Beans: Pour in the 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 allow the flavors to meld and the vegetables to become tender.
- Add Spinach: Stir in the baby spinach and continue to simmer for about 2 minutes or until the spinach wilts and is fully incorporated into the soup.
- Final Seasoning and Serve: Remove the pot from the heat. Taste the soup and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with freshly grated parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your comforting white bean soup!
Notes
- This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove before serving.
- For a creamier texture, blend a portion of the soup and then stir back into the pot.
- Use vegetable broth with low sodium to control salt levels better.
- Parmesan cheese topping is optional and can be omitted for a vegetarian version.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a bright finish if desired.
