White Bean Soup Recipe

A velvety, hearty white bean soup that balances earthy cannellini beans with aromatic herbs and vegetables for a comforting, nourishing bowl that warms from the inside out.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
15 mins
Cook Time:
45 mins
Serves:
6 soup bowls
An overhead shot of a rustic ceramic bowl filled with creamy white bean soup, steam rising gently from its surface. The soup's silky texture shows flecks of fresh herbs and tender bean pieces, with a drizzle of olive oil creating a golden sheen across the top. Surrounding the bowl are scattered ingredients—fresh rosemary sprigs, sliced garlic, and a few whole cannellini beans—all arranged on a weathered wooden table. A slice of crusty sourdough bread rests against the bowl's edge, partially dipped into the soup. Soft natural light streams in from a nearby window, highlighting the soup's creamy white color contrasted with the green herbs and golden olive oil swirl.

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">500g dried cannellini beans, soaked overnight and drained (or 900g canned beans, drained)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for drizzling</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 large onion, finely diced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">3 carrots, diced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 celery stalks, diced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">4 garlic cloves, minced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 bay leaves</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 sprigs fresh rosemary</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1.5 liters vegetable stock</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 teaspoon sea salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Freshly ground black pepper</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tablespoon lemon juice</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">60g fresh parsley, chopped</li></ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Dutch oven or large heavy-bottomed pot</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Immersion blender (or standard blender)</li></ul>

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Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Heat the olive oil in your Dutch oven over medium heat until it shimmers. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery (this combination is called mirepoix and forms the flavor foundation of many soups). Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened but not browned. This slow cooking releases the natural sugars in the vegetables and builds depth of flavor.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to let it brown as garlic can quickly become bitter when overcooked.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>If using dried beans (that have been soaked overnight), add them to the pot now. If using canned beans, you'll add them later. Add the bay leaves, rosemary sprigs, and vegetable stock. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 40 minutes if using pre-soaked dried beans, until they're very tender and almost falling apart. This long, slow cooking allows the beans to release their natural starches, which will help thicken your soup.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>If using canned beans, add them now and simmer for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Season with salt and pepper, remembering that canned beans may already contain salt.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Remove the bay leaves and rosemary stems from the soup. Using an immersion blender, partially blend the soup to your desired consistency. For a completely smooth soup, blend thoroughly; for a more rustic texture, pulse just a few times. If using a standard blender, carefully transfer portions of the hot soup to blend, then return to the pot. The starches released from the beans during cooking and blending will create a naturally creamy texture without adding any dairy.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Stir in the lemon juice and taste, adjusting seasonings if necessary. The acid from the lemon brightens the soup's flavors and balances the earthiness of the beans. Let the soup stand for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to fully develop.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Ladle the soup into warm bowls. Drizzle each serving with a bit of good quality olive oil and sprinkle with fresh parsley. The olive oil creates beautiful golden pools on the surface while adding richness, and the parsley adds color and a fresh herbal note. Serve immediately with crusty bread for dipping.</li></ol>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size: 1 serving
🔥 Calories: 245 calories
🥑 Fat: 8 g
🧈 Saturated Fat: 1 g
🍞 Carbohydrates: 32 g
🍭 Sugar: 3 g
🍗 Protein: 12 g
🫀 Cholesterol: 0 mg
🧂 Sodium: 620 mg

Chef’s Notes

A few helpful details for making this recipe.

Can I make this bean soup with other types of white beans?

Absolutely! While cannellini beans create the creamiest texture, you can substitute with navy beans, great northern beans, or butter beans. Each variety will give a slightly different flavour and texture, but all work beautifully in this soup recipe.

How do I achieve a creamy bean soup without using dairy?

The secret lies in the starch from the beans themselves. Cook them until very tender, then partially blend the soup. The released starches create a naturally velvety consistency. For extra richness without dairy, add a final drizzle of quality olive oil before serving.

What's the best way to store and reheat leftover cannellini bean soup?

Store cooled soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. When reheating, warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or stock to loosen the texture, as bean soups naturally thicken when cooled.

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