White Bean Soup is a comforting and nutritious dish that warms the soul and satisfies the palate. This hearty soup features tender white beans cooked in a flavorful broth with aromatic vegetables and herbs. Whether enjoyed on a chilly evening or as a wholesome lunch option, this White Bean Soup is a versatile recipe that can be customized with various ingredients to suit your taste preferences.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups dried white beans (such as Great Northern beans or Cannellini beans), soaked overnight and drained
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 4 cups water
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Optional Add-ins:
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1 cup chopped spinach or kale
- 1 cup diced cooked ham or sausage
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beans
- After soaking the dried beans overnight, drain and rinse them thoroughly under cold water.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften.
3. Add Garlic and Beans
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Add the soaked and drained beans to the pot.
4. Simmer the Soup
- Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and water.
- Add the bay leaf and dried thyme to the pot.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.
- Allow the soup to simmer for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the beans are tender and cooked through.
5. Season and Customize
- Once the beans are tender, remove the bay leaf from the soup.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
- At this point, you can add any optional add-ins, such as diced tomatoes, chopped spinach or kale, or diced cooked ham or sausage.
6. Serve
- Ladle the White Bean Soup into bowls.
- Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley.
- Serve the soup hot with crusty bread or a side of your choice.
Enjoy your White Bean Soup!
The comforting flavors of the tender white beans combined with the aromatic vegetables and herbs make this soup a delightful and satisfying meal. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and adaptability, allowing you to create your own version by adding ingredients that appeal to you. Whether enjoyed as a hearty main course or a nourishing appetizer, this White Bean Soup is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
