THE BEST WHITE BEAN SOUP
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If you ever thought that beans are boring, this thick flavor-packed white bean soup will blow your mind! This is a simple, vegan, and budget-friendly recipe that tastes and smells amazing.
Plus, it’s ready in 20 minutes and it only costs about $1 per serving!
All it takes is humble canned white beans, a few vegetables, and two of my favorite secret-weapon ingredients: rosemary and a dash of white wine. And when you add these aromatic ingredients to the pot, something magical happens and takes this simple soup to the next level!
Make it right and this white bean soup gets it all: flavor, texture, color, and amazing nutritional benefits.
It’s thick, comforting, and perfect for dunking crusty whole-grain bread in.
Once you try it, you’ll want more!
What ingredients you need
- White beans (such as cannellini or navy beans)
- Onion, carrot, celery
- Garlic
- Potato
- Spinach (optional)
- Tomato paste
- White wine
- Rosemary
- Olive oil
- Paprika (optional)
- Salt & pepper
How to make it
- Saute’ onion, carrot, celery in olive oil for 5 minutes
- Add beans, garlic, tomato paste, potatoes, rosemary and a pinch of salt and pepper
- Stir in the wine, toss well and simmer until it has evaporated
- Add vegetable broth, frozen spinach and cook until the potatoes are soft
- Taste and adjust the seasoning
- Serve with a drizzle of olive oil, black pepper, and crusty bread. Enjoy!
This easy and budget-friendly white bean soup delivers a healthy and delicious midweek family meal in 20 minutes.
It’s vegan, gluten-free and packed with protein. Always keep a few cans of these handy and inexpensive pulses in your pantry, they are perfect for a last-minute meal.
ARE WHITE BEANS GOOD FOR YOU?
If you’re wondering if white beans are healthy and good for you, the answer is yes!
Cannellini beans are low on calories but loaded with minerals, antioxidants, and fiber.
Plus, these white beans are a terrific source of vegetarian protein and they’re highly filling, making them a very weight loss-friendly food.
Plus, if you enjoy this cannellini soup with some whole grain bread, you’ll get plenty of fiber!
RECIPE NOTES & TIPS
WHITE BEANS
I love cannellini beans, but you can use white beans such as navy beans or Great Northern beans, they work just fine.
WHY DOES THIS WHITE BEAN SOUP TASTE SO GOOD?
Start cooking slowly a mix of diced carrots, celery, onion and garlic in a bit of olive oil. In Italy, this is called “soffritto” and creates a flavorsome base for basically any savory dish.
Then add white beans, potatoes, rosemary and a dash of white wine to this aromatic base. When you add white wine to the pot, you add a that of acidity which brings out the other flavors. And it smells so good!
Serve with freshly ground black pepper and a drizzle of good olive oil or extra virgin olive oil, the best options when it comes to flavor and health benefits.
If you don’t keep it vegan, enjoy it with freshly grated parmesan cheese which adds extra flavor and creaminess!
WHITE WINE
Cooking with white wine adds richness and a new dimension of flavor.
Any leftover of drinkable white wine is suitable for cooking, don’t waste it. And you know what? You can also freeze it in small portions, perfect for home cooking.
TEXTURE
Both starchy potatoes and soft cannellini beans make this soup thick, creamy and yummy. Plus, if you slightly mash the soft potato cubes and beans with a wooden spoon, that makes this white bean soup even thicker.
HOW LONG DOES IT KEEP?
This easy vegan white bean soup keeps well in the fridge, in an airtight container, for up to 3-4 days.
It’s also freezable: divide among airtight containers (leaving 1-inch space at the top), and freeze up to 2 months.
MORE CANNELLINI BEAN RECIPES?
- Italian white bean soup, loaded with big bold flavors
- Smoky beans on toast, the perfect vegan crunchy bruschetta
- Cannellini bean salad, so tasty with a homemade lemon garlic dressing
- Cannellini bean recipes you will love, from creamy soups to salads!
If you try this delicious soup, let me know! Leave a comment, rate it, or tag a photo #theclevermeal on Instagram.
I would love to hear from you!
THE BEST WHITE BEAN SOUP
Ingredients
- 2 cans (28oz - 800 grams) cannellini beans or white beans, drained
- 1 medium-size onion, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1 large carrot, diced
- 1-2 garlic cloves, diced or pressed
- 1 cup (7 oz - 200 grams), frozen spinach * (optional)
- 2 medium-size potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 Tbsp olive oil, plus more for serving
- 1 Tbsp tomato paste
- 1/3 cup (80 ml) white wine
- 1 sprig rosemary (or 1 Tbsp of chopped fresh leaves/1/2 tsp of dried)
- 2 cups (500 ml) vegetable broth or hot water
- 1/2 tsp paprika (optional)
- 1/2 tsp fine salt, plus more to taste
- 1/8 tsp black pepper, plus more to taste
Instructions
- Warm the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the diced onion, carrot, and celery. Cook, stirring often, until the onion has softened and is turning translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the garlic, beans, tomato paste, potatoes, rosemary (whole sprig, chopped, or dried, whatever it's easier for you) and paprika (if you use it). Cook stirring frequently, about 1 minute.
- Add the wine, stir well and let it simmer until it has evaporated, cooking for another minute.
- Then add the frozen spinach, the vegetable broth and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Raise the heat and bring the mixture to a boil, then cover the pot, reduce heat and cook gently for 15 minutes.
- When the potatoes are soft and the soup is thick and creamy, remove the pot from heat, then remove the sprig rosemary*. Taste and season with salt and pepper. (I usually add a pinch of salt at the beginning + 1/2 tsp later. You might need more salt, depending on your vegetable broth and on your personal preferences.)*
- Divide into bowls, drizzle with olive oil or extra virgin olive oil, and more freshly ground black pepper if you like. Serve with crusty whole grain bread and, if you don't keep it vegan, add freshly grated parmesan cheese for extra flavor. Enjoy!
Notes
-
- I usually make my own vegetable broth cooking for about 5-10 minutes vegetable scraps and herbs. However, when I'm short on time I go for hot water and vegan low salt vegetable broth cubes.
- Seasoning: If you use a broth that tastes quite salty on its own, it's important to adjust the seasoning at the end and not at the beginning as you never really know how strong the salt from the broth is.
I would start only with a good pinch of salt, no more than that. - Leftover: it keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. t’s also freezable: divide among airtight containers (leaving 1-inch space at the top), and freeze up to 2 months.
- Rosemary: I've got a massive bush of rosemary in my garden, and I always use a fresh sprig. If you use a fresh rosemary sprig, keep in mind it will lose its leaves into the soup. They don't bother me, but you might want to take them off before serving, or to chop them before cooking : )
- Vegetables: I usually go for frozen spinach, it really comes in handy.
If you prefer, you could swap the spinach for greens such as chopped kale or chard. However, if you use fresh spinach, add them to the pot in the last 5 minutes of cooking. Chard or kale might take a bit longer, between 5 and 10 minutes. - Frozen spinach: the weight is from frozen, but you can swap frozen spinach for a 10-oz bag of fresh spinach if you prefer.
I made this soup tonight and it was fabulous. I used smoked paprika instead of regular, which gave it a smoky flavor. I used sherry instead of white wine too. The taste of the soup was divine. No meat is necessary.
You’ve just made my day, Helaine! : )
I’m so happy to hear it turned out fabulous – and no meat was necessary. Thank you so much for sharing. x
Needed a meatless soup. Made it for a church function. Made it for 30 servings. Enjoyed by all with members requesting seconds. Next time will make it thicker. Meatless soup. Would be great with sausage or ham the next time.
Awesome! I’m very happy to hear that, Bernie.
Thanks a million for sharing and have a great weekend. x
I made your soup last night for dinner and it was excellent! The recipe was easy to follow and came out so good. I am not a patient cook and don’t have good results with complicated recipes. But this one was perfect. Thank you for providing it! I look forward to more recipes on this site! Regards
You’re welcome, Helen! Thank you for making it and thanks for sharing your lovely feedback.
Have a great weekend. x
Want to know if you rinse the beans?
No, I drain them. : )
I admit I was skeptical about this soup because I wondered how all the ingredients could possibly cook in such a short period of time! But this is a truly delicious soup, the potatoes, carrots, and spinach all done to perfection. I did leave it simmering a bit longer than it called for, but not much. Super good recipe!!
Thanks for taking the time to share your wonderful feedback, it’s so appreciated, Susan! : )
Hi! I was so excited to try this recipe which I’ve done twice now. For some reason, my soup is turning out more like a vegetable mush… the liquid keeps drying out. I used the suggested 15 minute cook time. Any guidance on why this is happening?
HI Dani! If it looks like a stew, it’s easy to thin it out if you wish, next time just add a bit more broth until it reaches the desired consistency. Trust your judgment, allows extra 5 minutes of cooking time if the soup is not nice and creamy enough for your liking. I’m sure it will be perfect next time! x
This soup is amazing! And the high potassium content is just what I need!
Do you think that pureeing the beans – to trick my daughter, LOL- would alter this soup terribly?
Thank you so much, Joan… your feedback is so much appreciated!
I think an ultra creamy white bean soup will taste nice. ; ) xx
Quick question – is it 28 total oz if beans, like 2 14 oz cans or 2 28 oz cans?
It’s the total, Karen. : )
This soup is my favorite!! I’m not the best cook and being vegetarian, I am always looking to to add to my small go recipes that I can make really well and this made the list. Hearty, delicious and lots of leftovers to enjoy. Thank you for this amazing recipe.
You’re welcome, Elizabeth! I’m very pleased you love this soup, thanks so much for sharing.
Have a great weekend. xx
Amazing! First time with one of your recipes and I’m in to try more. Didn’t have a couple of items but read the comments and kept going. It was sooo good with sweet potato and fresh green beans (instead of the second and of cannellini beans) plus some thyme and bay leaves.
What a great feedback, Dianne!
I’m very glad it turned out amazing, thanks so much for sharing. xx
Loved this soup and the calorie count! Easy to make also. One question, how much is a serving size?
Thanks so much for sharing, Lauren! : )
I made this soup for dinner tonight on a cold Florida evening and it was delicious. I added a little leftover ham that I had. The soup was flavorful and hearty. This recipe is a keeper, will definitely make it again.
Thanks so much for sharing, Susie! I’m so glad it was delicious.
Greetings from London! x
Could you use sweet potato instead of russets?
Hi Faith! Sweet potatoes are fine. x
This is the one of the easiest and most delicious soups!! The only ingredient change I made was to sub the rosemary for thyme. Once the soup is finished simmering, I broke up the potatoes into the soup to give it a creamier consistency.
What a wonderful feedback, Erin!
I’m so pleased you loved it, thanks and happy New Year! xx
Really delicious. I swapped thyme for rosemary and left out the tomato paste due to my husband’s dietary restrictions. Also used chicken broth I had made. Thanks so much for sharing this recipe!
You’re very welcome, Ellen! I’m so glad it turned out delicious, and thanks for taking the time to share your feedback. x
The BEST white bean soup recipe. Made it a couple of times now. Quick easy delicious and nutritious. Will be making over and over.
Great, you’ve made my day, Dani! : )
Thanks so much for your lovely feedback. x
I made this soup exactly to the recipe and it was delicious. It was really easy and the ingredients were things I always have in my fridge and pantry. 😍
That’s fantastic, Tess! Thanks so much for taking the time to share, I’m so happy to hear that. : )