Ingredients
2 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
2 carrots, peeled and diced
2 celery stalks, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 sprig fresh rosemary (or 1/2 tsp dried)
1 sprig fresh thyme (or 1/2 tsp dried)
2 (15-ounce) cans cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
6 cups vegetable broth (low sodium preferred)
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained (optional)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
Instructions
Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 8-10 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and translucent.
Step 2: Stir in the minced garlic, fresh rosemary, and fresh thyme. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 3: Add the rinsed and drained white beans, vegetable broth, and diced tomatoes (if using). Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 4: For a creamier soup without adding dairy, use an immersion blender to blend about 1-2 cups of the soup directly in the pot until smooth. Alternatively, carefully transfer a portion to a regular blender, blend, and return to the pot. This thickens the soup naturally.
Step 5: Season the white bean soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Adjust seasonings as needed.
Step 6: Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Serve immediately with crusty bread if desired.
Notes
For an even richer flavor, you can sauté 2 slices of chopped bacon or pancetta before adding the vegetables, then proceed with the recipe. Ensure to drain excess fat before adding vegetables. For a vegan option, simply omit any meat additions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Healthy Dinner
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 15g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: white bean soup, cannellini bean soup, vegetarian soup, healthy soup, easy soup recipes, comfort food, winter soup, bean soup, mediterranean soup

