Why Make This Recipe
Italian White Bean Soup is a comforting dish that warms you from the inside out. This hearty soup is not only delicious but also nutritious. Packed with protein from the beans and vitamins from the vegetables, it’s a wholesome choice for lunch or dinner. Plus, it’s easy to make and comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
How to Make Italian White Bean Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 large garlic clove, minced
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 cans (14 oz/400 grams each) cannellini or other white beans
- 1 (7 oz/200 grams) large potato, diced
- 2 cups (480 ml) low sodium vegetable broth
- ½ – ⅔ teaspoon salt, or according to taste
- A few cracks of black pepper
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 small garlic clove
- 1 handful Italian flat parsley (1 cup lightly packed)
Directions:
- Rinse your beans under running water and drain them to remove the cloudy water.
- In a large soup pot, gently heat 1 ½ tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Add the chopped garlic clove, onion, and red pepper flakes, and cook for about 4 minutes until the onion softens.
- Add the white beans, diced potato, vegetable broth, salt, and some black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot with a lid and cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- When the diced potato is fork-tender, remove the pot from the heat and check the seasoning. Adjust with more salt if needed. If you want a thinner soup, add a bit more broth.
- For the parsley dressing, blend or finely chop the parsley leaves with the small garlic clove. Add it to a bowl and stir in about 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil to make a tasty dressing.
- To serve, ladle the soup into each bowl. Place a small amount of parsley dressing in the center, stir it in, and finish with extra red or black pepper flakes. Enjoy it with crusty bread or croutons.
How to Serve Italian White Bean Soup
Serve the soup hot in bowls. Drizzle the parsley dressing on top for added flavor. Pair it with crusty bread or croutons to make the meal even more satisfying. This soup is great for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends.
How to Store Italian White Bean Soup
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for about 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let it cool before putting it in the freezer.
Tips to Make Italian White Bean Soup
- Make sure to rinse the beans well; this helps in reducing the sodium and any canning residues.
- Adjust the spices according to your taste. If you like it spicy, feel free to add more red pepper flakes.
- If you like a creamy texture, you can blend a portion of the soup and then stir it back in.
- Feel free to add more vegetables like carrots or spinach for extra nutrition.
Variation
You can change the beans in the soup to your liking. Navy beans or chickpeas also work well. Additionally, you can add different herbs and spices, like thyme or oregano, to enhance the flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
Yes, you can use dried beans. Just soak them overnight and cook them until tender before adding them to the soup.
2. Is this soup vegan?
Yes, this soup is vegan as it contains only plant-based ingredients.
3. Can I add meat to this soup?
Absolutely! You can add cooked sausage or diced chicken for a heartier version of the soup. Just cook it with the onions and garlic to incorporate the flavors.
