Perfect White Bean Soup: Simple, Comforting Recipe

Alright, friend! Let’s chat about one of my go-to, sanity-saving nutrition solutions for my family: white bean soup! It’s a recipe that has evolved in my kitchen through many stages of picky eaters and busy weeknights.

I first decided to make white bean soup when my youngest was going through a “beige food only” phase. Anyone else been there? It felt like I was fighting a losing battle trying to get him to eat anything green. I was desperate for a way to sneak in some nutrients!

So, I stumbled upon a white bean soup recipe. It was simple enough, and the creamy texture seemed promising. The first time I made it, I pureed half of the soup to make it extra smooth, hoping he wouldn’t notice the beans. To my surprise, he loved it! He even asked for seconds! It was a dinnertime nutrition win for this weary mom!

Since then, white bean soup has become a regular in our meal rotation. It’s packed with fiber and protein, keeps us full, and is incredibly versatile. I can add different veggies or spices to switch things up, so it never gets boring. It’s also budget-friendly, which is always a plus!

This white bean soup has supported my family’s nutrition goals by being a reliable source of plant-based protein and fiber. Plus, it’s a sneaky way to get my kids to eat more vegetables, especially during those picky phases. It has made such a difference in our family’s health. I’ve noticed improved digestion and sustained energy levels in my kiddos, which makes me so happy!

If you’re a fellow busy mom seeking simple nutrition solutions, this recipe is for you! I know how overwhelming it can be to juggle everything and still try to feed your family healthy meals. Let’s face it, some days, just getting dinner on the table is a victory! This white bean soup is designed to be easy, nourishing, and family-friendly, so you can spend less time stressing in the kitchen and more time connecting with your loved ones. Let’s get started!

INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of this nutritious white bean soup. Don’t worry if you don’t have everything on hand – I’ll share some easy swaps and shortcuts along the way!

• 2 tablespoons olive oil: This adds healthy fats and flavor.
• 1 medium onion, chopped: Onions are packed with antioxidants.
• 2 carrots, chopped: Carrots add sweetness and beta-carotene for eye health. My family gets extra nutrition when I add more carrots to this white bean soup.
• 2 celery stalks, chopped: Celery is a great source of vitamins and minerals.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic boosts immunity and adds delicious flavor.
• 6 cups vegetable broth: Look for low-sodium options to control the salt content.
• 2 (15-ounce) cans cannellini beans, rinsed and drained: These creamy beans are the star of the show! This white bean soup proves nutritious doesn’t mean expensive since these beans are budget-friendly.
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Thyme adds a warm, earthy flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary: Rosemary complements the thyme and adds another layer of flavor.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Season to your liking!
• 1 cup chopped kale or spinach (optional): Adding greens boosts the nutrient content of this white bean soup.

Trust me, this white bean soup ingredient list is simple because busy moms need nutrition without complexity! You can find these wholesome ingredients at your regular grocery store. Here’s a white bean soup nutrition hack that changed our family’s health: using bone broth instead of vegetable broth for extra protein and collagen. Another easy swap is using pre-chopped veggies to save time on busy weeknights. These small changes make a big difference in getting nutritious meals on the table quickly. This creamy white bean soup is sure to be a family favorite.

Let’s Make it Happen!

Ready to get cooking? Here’s how I make this nutritious white bean soup in my busy kitchen. Don’t worry; it’s easier than you think!

1. Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Then, add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Add broth and beans: Pour in the vegetable broth and add the cannellini beans, thyme, and rosemary. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. In my busy kitchen, this nutritious white bean soup usually takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, which is perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
3. Blend for creaminess (optional): If you prefer a creamier soup, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup. You can also transfer about 2 cups of the soup to a regular blender, blend until smooth, and then return it to the pot. Don’t worry if your white bean soup looks a little chunky at this point; blending will smooth it out beautifully.
4. Add greens (optional): If using, stir in the chopped kale or spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. This is the perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch!
5. Serve and enjoy: Ladle the white bean soup into bowls and serve hot.

Here’s where I used to struggle with my white bean soup: overcooking the vegetables. Learn from my experience and keep an eye on them while they’re sautéing to prevent them from burning. Another tip is to add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end to brighten up the flavors. My family loves it!

While your white bean soup is cooking, take a moment to appreciate nourishing your family! Cooking doesn’t have to be a chore, but instead a way to show love and care. Making this vegetarian white bean soup for my family is my way of taking care of them. This navy bean soup version is another family favorite!

How We Love to Eat This!

Now for the fun part: serving and enjoying this white bean soup! Here are a few ways my family loves to eat it, plus some ideas for healthy side dishes and variations.

The kids devour this nutritious white bean soup when I serve it with grilled cheese sandwiches or crusty bread for dipping. The combination of creamy soup and cheesy goodness is always a hit! Another favorite side dish is a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette. It adds a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.

This white bean soup is perfect for those busy weeknights when we need good nutrition fast! I often make a big batch on Sunday and then reheat it throughout the week for quick and easy lunches or dinners. It’s also great for packing in a thermos for school lunches.

For presentation, I like to garnish the soup with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of fresh herbs (like parsley or thyme), and a dollop of plain Greek yogurt or sour cream for extra creaminess. It makes the soup look extra appealing, especially to picky eaters!

When it comes to leftovers, this white bean soup is even better the next day! The flavors have had time to meld together, and it’s just as delicious. I often use leftover soup to make a creamy white bean soup dip by blending it with a little extra olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice. It’s a healthy and flavorful appetizer to serve with veggies or pita bread.

For seasonal variations, I like to add roasted butternut squash in the fall or fresh basil in the summer. These additions bring a different flavor profile to this Tuscan white bean soup, making it exciting year-round. My husband loves the version with spicy Italian sausage, while my daughter prefers it with a squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

When friends come over, they always ask for the recipe! They are always surprised at how delicious this healthy white bean soup is.

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Here are some frequently asked questions about this nutritious white bean soup, answered with the kind of support you’d expect from a fellow mom.

Is this white bean soup really nutritious enough for growing kids?

Absolutely! This soup is packed with plant-based protein and fiber from the cannellini beans, which helps keep kids feeling full and energized. The vegetables add essential vitamins and minerals, and the olive oil provides healthy fats for brain development. This Tuscan white bean soup is definitely a nutritious choice!

What if my picky eater won’t try this healthy white bean soup?

I get it! Picky eaters can be tough. Start by offering a small amount of soup alongside something they already enjoy. You can also try blending the soup until it’s completely smooth to hide the beans. Another trick is to add some fun toppings, like croutons or shredded cheese, to make it more appealing.

Can I meal prep this white bean soup for busy weeks ahead?

Yes! This soup is perfect for meal prepping. Make a big batch on the weekend and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it in individual portions for easy lunches or dinners. Just be sure to let it cool completely before freezing.

Can I add meat to this soup?

Definitely! If you’re not strictly vegetarian, you can add cooked sausage, bacon, or shredded chicken to the soup for extra protein and flavor. I like to use Italian sausage for a heartier version.

What if I don’t have cannellini beans?

No problem! You can substitute other types of white beans, such as navy beans or Great Northern beans. The texture and flavor will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes, this white bean soup is naturally gluten-free. However, it’s always a good idea to check the labels of your broth and other ingredients to ensure they are certified gluten-free if you have a severe allergy or sensitivity.

Can I make this in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?

Yes! For the slow cooker, sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. For the Instant Pot, sauté the vegetables using the sauté function, then add the remaining ingredients and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release.

Final Thoughts:

I hope this recipe inspires you to add this nutritious white bean soup to your family’s meal rotation! It’s a simple, satisfying, and budget-friendly way to nourish your loved ones, even on the busiest of days. This recipe is great for my family’s nutrition goals because it has plant-based protein, lots of nutrients, and is easy to make.

My white bean soup Nutrition Hacks:

1. Sneak in extra veggies: Puree cooked vegetables like carrots, spinach, or zucchini into the soup for a hidden nutrient boost.
2. Use bone broth: Substitute vegetable broth with bone broth for added protein and collagen.
3. Add a squeeze of lemon: Brighten up the flavors with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving.

Here are a few family-tested healthy white bean soup variations:

• Spicy Italian Sausage White Bean Soup: Add cooked Italian sausage and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a flavorful kick.
• Lemon and Parmesan White Bean Soup: Stir in lemon juice and Parmesan cheese for a tangy and savory twist.
• Roasted Butternut Squash White Bean Soup: Add roasted butternut squash for a sweet and creamy variation.

My daughter prefers the lemon and Parmesan version, while my husband loves the one with Italian sausage. I enjoy them all!

Remember, the most important thing is to make this recipe your own and adapt it to your family’s preferences. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavors until you find the perfect combination! I’m sending you all my hopes for your family’s nutrition success. I really think this white bean soup recipe will help you.

So go ahead, give this nourishing white bean soup a try! You might just find a new family favorite that makes dinnertime a little bit easier and a whole lot healthier.

This nutritious white bean soup reminds me of another family-healthy favorite, turmeric chicken soup. If your kids love this wholesome recipe, they’ll go crazy for roasted vegetable soup. For more simple nutrition ideas for busy families, check out Tuscan White Bean Soup {Restaurant Style} – The Big Man’s World ®. This creamy white bean soup is sure to be a family favorite! You should also look at Hearty Tuscan White Bean Soup – Kalejunkie for more options to make this amazing white bean soup. I would also look at White Bean Soup w/ Crispy Prosciutto – Shutterbean for more ideas.

white bean soup

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This creamy and comforting white bean soup is a simple and satisfying meal, perfect for a chilly day. Made with cannellini beans, vegetables, and herbs, it’s a healthy and flavorful soup that’s easy to make.

• Author: Juliette
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Skillet
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 2 (15-ounce) cans cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
• Crusty bread, for serving (optional)

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
3. Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
4. Add cannellini beans, thyme, and rosemary. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
5. Using an immersion blender, partially blend the soup until creamy but still with some texture. Alternatively, remove 2 cups of soup and blend in a regular blender, then return to the pot.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and a side of crusty bread, if desired.

Notes

For a richer flavor, add a Parmesan rind while simmering the soup. Remove it before blending.