Cozy White Bean Soup Recipe
This white bean soup recipe is a cozy, healthy, and delicious one-pot meal! It’s filled with creamy white beans, tender vegetables, and flavorful herbs.
This white bean soup recipe is the perfect cozy meal for a cold day. A savory, garlicky broth surrounds tender vegetables, kale, and creamy, protein-packed white beans. Fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon juice round out its bright, earthy flavor.
This white bean soup comes together in about 30 minutes, making it an ideal easy dinner for a busy weeknight. It’s also fantastic for meal prep. I love to make a big pot on the weekend and enjoy it for lunch throughout the week. The flavors develop beautifully in the fridge and taste even better on days two and three.
Serve it with crusty bread and Parmesan cheese for an extra punch of flavor. Alternatively, skip the cheese to keep it vegan; it’s delicious either way!
White Bean Soup Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this white bean and kale soup:
| Ingredient | Purpose |
|---|---|
| White Beans | Canned cannellini beans are preferred, but Great Northern or navy beans work too. |
| Extra-Virgin Olive Oil | For richness. |
| Onion, Garlic, Carrots, and Celery | Create the flavorful base of the soup. |
| Tomato Paste | Adds savory depth to the broth. |
| Rosemary and Thyme | Use fresh or dried herbs for added flavor. |
| Red Pepper Flakes | Add subtle heat. |
| Vegetable Broth | Store-bought or homemade stock works well. |
| Fresh Kale | Provides vibrancy; Tuscan or curly kale both work. |
| Fresh Lemon Juice | Adds brightness. |
| Salt and Pepper | Enhances flavor. |
Find the complete recipe with measurements below.
Can I use dried beans?
Yes! While canned beans make this recipe quick, dried beans can be delicious as well. Soak the beans overnight, cook as directed, and then add them to the soup.
- Soak beans in water for 8 hours or overnight.
- Drain and prepare them according to a standard cannellini beans recipe.
- Use 3 cups of cooked beans in the soup.
- Tip: Replace some vegetable broth with the flavored cooking liquid.
How to Make White Bean Soup
This easy bean soup recipe involves three key steps:
- Sauté: Begin by sautéing the onion, carrots, and celery for 6 to 8 minutes until tender. Then, add the garlic, tomato paste, red pepper flakes, and herbs.
- Simmer: Add the beans and broth, then simmer for 20 minutes to develop the flavors. Stir in the kale and cook until wilted.
- Season: Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice and salt and pepper to taste.
Enjoy hot with optional Parmesan cheese on top!
Recipe Tips and Variations
- Sauté the base ingredients: Allowing the onions, carrots, and celery to soften enhances sweetness and flavor.
- Add extra garnishes: Top your bowl with chopped parsley, a swirl of olive oil, or croutons.
- Make it your own: Swap in vegetables you have on hand, such as fennel or parsnips, to customize your soup.
How to Store and Reheat White Bean Soup
- In the fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- In the freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months in airtight containers, leaving space for expansion.
- To reheat: Microwave or warm over medium-low heat on the stovetop.
More Healthy Soup Recipes
If you love this bean soup, try one of these healthy soup recipes next: