Quick & Heartwarming White Bean and Rosemary Soup Recipe

Nestled in my grandmother’s cherished cookbook, this white bean and rosemary soup recipe whispers comfort from its weathered pages.

Memories of crisp autumn evenings dance through each aromatic spoonful.

Hearty legumes mingle with fragrant herbs, creating a symphony of rustic flavors.

Robust rosemary branches weave their magic into tender white beans, promising warmth with every bite.

Mediterranean kitchens have long celebrated such simple, nourishing dishes that speak directly to the soul.

Humble ingredients transform into something extraordinary when you approach them with love and intention.

Let this soul-satisfying soup become your culinary companion on chilly days.

Questions You Might Ask About This Soup

• What makes white beans a good choice for this soup?

White beans are protein-packed, creamy, and absorb flavors beautifully. They’re also budget-friendly and provide a smooth texture that makes the soup hearty and satisfying.

• Can I use dried beans instead of canned beans?

Yes, but you’ll need to soak dried beans overnight and cook them longer. Canned beans are convenient and save significant cooking time while delivering the same nutritional benefits.

• Is this soup suitable for vegetarians?

Absolutely! This soup is completely vegetarian and can easily be made vegan by ensuring your vegetable broth is plant-based. It’s packed with nutrients from vegetables and beans.

• How can I add more protein to this soup?

Consider adding cooked quinoa, diced tofu, or plant-based sausage crumbles. These additions will boost the protein content and make the soup more filling without changing its core flavor profile.

Why White Bean and Rosemary Soup Feels So Rustic

• Packed with protein-rich white beans and aromatic rosemary, this one-pot meal delivers warm, satisfying flavors without complicated techniques.
• Easily adapt the soup's texture by choosing between chunky or smooth consistency, plus adjust spice levels to suit individual preferences.
• Loaded with vegetables, plant-based protein, and herbs, this recipe offers a balanced, wholesome meal that supports healthy eating goals.

Ingredients That Make This Soup Stand Out

• Onion: Provides a sweet, aromatic foundation for the soup's flavor profile.
• Carrots: Adds natural sweetness and vibrant color to the soup.
• Celery: Contributes a subtle herbal note and depth to the vegetable base.

• White Beans: Creamy protein source that creates a hearty and satisfying soup texture.
• Vegetable Broth: Liquid base that enhances overall soup flavor and provides needed moisture.

• Rosemary: Fragrant herb that adds an earthy, pine-like flavor to the soup.
• Garlic: Powerful aromatic that provides depth and complexity to the dish.
• Bay Leaf: Subtle herb that infuses a delicate background flavor during simmering.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings for balanced taste.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional ingredient for adding a subtle heat.
• Lemon Juice: Bright, acidic element that enhances the soup's overall flavor.
• Fresh Parsley: Fresh herb garnish that adds color and light herbal notes.

Cooking White Bean and Rosemary Soup with Ease

Step 1: Awaken the Aromatics

• Onions
• Carrots
• Celery

Dance these vegetables around until they soften and become translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Sprinkle minced garlic and fresh rosemary, stirring until their fragrance fills the kitchen, roughly 1 minute.

Step 2: Build the Liquid Foundation

• White beans
• Bay leaf
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Crank up the heat to bring everything to a rolling boil, then dial it back to a gentle simmer. Let the ingredients mingle and develop flavor for 15-20 minutes.

Step 3: Create Creamy Texture

For a luxurious, velvety consistency, grab an immersion blender. Partially blend the soup right in the pot, or carefully transfer half to a standard blender. Pulse until smooth, then reunite with the remaining soup.

Step 4: Final Flavor Enhancement

Pluck out the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasonings as your palate desires. Squeeze fresh lemon juice to brighten the entire dish.

Step 5: Serve with Love

Ladle the steaming soup into waiting bowls. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top. Accompany with crusty bread or crisp crackers for a complete meal.

Tricks for a Rich and Herby Soup

• Customize Soup Thickness: Control the consistency by adjusting liquid quantities or blending techniques. Use an immersion blender for partial blending, creating a rustic texture with some whole beans intact.
• Boost Protein Power: Enhance nutritional value by stirring in cooked quinoa, shredded chicken, or crumbled tofu after simmering. These additions make the soup more filling and satisfying.
• Maximize Flavor Depth: Toast rosemary and garlic briefly before adding other ingredients to unlock richer, more intense aromatics. Gently crush dried rosemary between fingers to release essential oils.
• Make It Dietary Friendly: Swap vegetable broth for homemade or low-sodium versions to control salt intake. For gluten-free option, serve with gluten-free bread or skip croutons entirely.
• Storage Smart Strategy: Refrigerate soup in airtight containers for up to 5 days. Beans absorb flavors over time, making leftovers potentially more delicious. Freeze without garnishes for best texture preservation.

Storing White Bean Soup the Right Way

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent absorbing other food odors.
• Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label containers with the date for easy tracking.
• Pour soup into a pot and warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of vegetable broth or water if the soup seems too thick. Heat until steaming and thoroughly warmed.
• Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Check temperature to ensure even heating throughout.

What Tastes Best with Rosemary Bean Soup

• Light, herbal white wine complements the soup's delicate rosemary notes and fresh vegetable base.
• Toasted bread slices topped with grated parmesan add crunch and rich, salty flavor that enhances the soup's creamy texture.
• Peppery greens and bright citrus dressing create a refreshing contrast to the soup's hearty, warm profile.
• Salty, thin cured meat wrapped around crispy breadsticks provides a delightful protein-rich side that balances the vegetarian soup.

Flavor Options to Make This Soup Your Own

• Vegan Powerhouse: Replace vegetable broth with homemade vegetable stock and use plant-based butter for sautéing. Skip blending for a chunky texture packed with whole bean protein.
• Gluten-Free Comfort: Ensure vegetable broth is certified gluten-free. Serve with gluten-free crackers or quinoa toast for a safe, hearty meal.
• Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Add fresh thyme and oregano alongside rosemary. Incorporate diced tomatoes and a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese for extra Mediterranean flavor.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Swap rosemary with ground cumin and chili powder. Stir in roasted corn kernels and top with fresh cilantro and a dollop of Greek yogurt for a zesty southwestern variation.

White Bean and Rosemary Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Warming white bean and rosemary soup brings comfort straight from Italian kitchens. Fragrant herbs and creamy beans combine in a simple yet elegant recipe perfect for chilly evenings when comfort calls you home.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 (15 ounces/425 grams) cans white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
• 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for non-vegan)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Extras:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped (or ½ teaspoon dried rosemary)
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• ¼ cup chopped parsley (for garnish)
• Juice of half a lemon (optional, for brightness)

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Instructions

1. Begin the culinary journey by gently heating olive oil in a spacious pot over moderate warmth, inviting the aromatic dance of diced onions, carrots, and celery to soften and release their delicate flavors.
2. Introduce minced garlic and fragrant rosemary to the vegetable medley, allowing them to bloom and intensify the sensory experience for approximately one minute.
3. Pour in vegetable broth, carefully tumble white beans into the liquid, and add bay leaf, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to create a harmonious flavor foundation.
4. Elevate the mixture to a robust boil, then reduce the temperature, allowing the soup to simmer and meld ingredients, transforming into a comforting culinary embrace for 15-20 minutes.
5. For those desiring a more luxurious texture, employ an immersion blender to partially puree the soup, or carefully transfer half the volume to a blender, returning the silky mixture to the pot.
6. Extract the bay leaf, taste and calibrate seasonings with precision, potentially brightening the profile with a whisper of lemon juice.
7. Artfully ladle the soup into serving vessels, adorning with delicate fresh parsley sprigs, and present alongside rustic crusty bread or crisp crackers for a complete gastronomic experience.

Notes

• Swap beans for a protein-packed variation by using cannellini, great northern, or navy beans for unique textures and subtle flavor differences.
• Create a gluten-free version by ensuring vegetable broth is certified gluten-free and serving with gluten-free bread or crackers.
• Boost nutrition by adding extra vegetables like kale or spinach during the last 5 minutes of simmering for added vitamins and minerals.
• Enhance creaminess without blending by mashing some beans with a potato masher, creating a rustic, hearty soup texture that retains more bean chunks.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 70 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg