Bowl of hearty white bean soup garnished with herbs.

White Bean Soup

ByCasey Monroe

why make this recipe

White Bean Soup is a warm, comforting dish that is perfect for any occasion. It’s not only easy to make but also packed with flavor and nutrients. The combination of protein-rich white beans, fresh vegetables, and tasty spices makes this soup a delicious and healthy choice. Plus, this recipe is versatile; you can easily add your favorite toppings to customize it to your liking.

how to make White Bean Soup

Ingredients

  • 4½ cups cooked white beans (3 (14-ounce cans), drained and rinsed, divided)
  • 4 cups vegetable broth (divided)
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion (chopped)
  • 1 poblano pepper (stemmed, seeded, and diced)
  • 1¼ teaspoons sea salt
  • 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chiles
  • 4 garlic cloves (chopped)
  • 1½ teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon ground coriander
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (plus wedges for serving)
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Sliced jalapeño or serrano peppers
  • Diced avocado
  • Sliced scallions

Directions

  1. In a blender, place half the white beans (2¼ cups) and ¾ cup of the broth. Blend until smooth and set aside.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, diced poblano pepper, sea salt, and several grinds of black pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is softened.
  3. Stir in the diced green chiles, chopped garlic, cumin, oregano, and coriander. Cook for an additional 30 seconds while stirring.
  4. Add the remaining 3¼ cups of vegetable broth and the remaining white beans (2¼ cups) to the pot. Simmer for 10 minutes.
  5. Mix in the bean puree and let it simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes.
  6. Remove the pot from heat and stir in the fresh lime juice. Season to taste with more salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot with your favorite toppings and lime wedges on the side for squeezing.

how to serve White Bean Soup

Serve White Bean Soup hot in bowls. You can enhance the flavor further by adding toppings like fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños or serrano peppers, diced avocado, and sliced scallions. A lime wedge adds a nice tang when squeezed over the top.

how to store White Bean Soup

You can store White Bean Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing the soup. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. For reheating, warm it on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.

tips to make White Bean Soup

  • For extra creaminess, blend all or more of the beans instead of just half.
  • If you like a little heat, you can add more diced jalapeños or use a spicier variety of pepper.
  • Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or spinach to boost the nutrition content.

variation

You can easily change this recipe by using different beans, such as chickpeas or black beans. Additionally, you might want to alter the spices based on your preferences, or add in cooked quinoa or rice for extra heartiness.

FAQs

Q: Can I use dried white beans instead of canned?
A: Yes, you can use dried white beans. Soak and cook them according to package instructions before using them in the recipe.

Q: Is this soup vegan?
A: Yes, this recipe is vegan since it uses vegetable broth and no animal products.

Q: Can I make this soup in advance?
A: Absolutely! This soup tastes even better the next day, so making it in advance is a great option. Just store it in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve.