Save to Pinterest This White Bean Soup with Tomato is a comforting, creamy dish that combines a velvety bean base with bright tomato notes. It's the perfect easy meal for chilly days, offering a Mediterranean flair that is both nutritious and satisfying. With its rich texture and vibrant colors, this soup proves that simple pantry staples can be transformed into a gourmet-style meal with minimal effort.
Save to Pinterest Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, this soup delivers a boost of plant-based protein and fiber, making it as healthy as it is delicious.
Ingredients
- Beans & Base: 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 medium yellow onion (diced), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 2 cans (15 oz each) cannellini or great northern beans (drained and rinsed), 4 cups vegetable broth
- Tomatoes & Seasonings: 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices), 1 tablespoon tomato paste, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional), Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- Finishing Touches: 1/4 cup heavy cream or coconut cream (optional), 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil
Instructions
- Step 1
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Step 2
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3
- Stir in beans, diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato paste, thyme, oregano, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Step 4
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 20 minutes.
- Step 5
- Remove from heat. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth and creamy, or transfer in batches to a blender.
- Step 6
- Stir in the cream if using. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Step 7
- Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or basil.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For the best consistency, use an immersion blender directly in the pot. If you prefer a chunkier soup, only blend half of the mixture. Ensure you use a large soup pot to prevent splattering during the pureeing process.
Varianten und Anpassungen
To make this recipe strictly vegan, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or omit it entirely. You can also boost the nutritional value by stirring in a handful of chopped spinach or kale at the end of the cooking process. While cannellini beans provide the creamiest base, navy or great northern beans are excellent substitutes.
Serviervorschläge
Serve this hearty soup hot with a side of crusty bread or a crisp green salad. For those who enjoy dairy, a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of heavy cream adds a lovely finishing touch.
Save to Pinterest Whether you're looking for a quick lunch or a nourishing dinner, this White Bean Soup with Tomato is sure to become a kitchen staple. Enjoy the balance of rich creaminess and bright tomato acidity in every spoonful.
Questions & Answers
- → Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely. This soup actually develops deeper flavors when made ahead and refrigerated overnight. Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed.
- → What type of beans work best?
Cannellini (white kidney beans) offer the creamiest texture and hold their shape beautifully during cooking. Great northern beans make an excellent substitute with similar results. Navy beans work too but may break down more during blending.
- → How do I achieve the smoothest texture?
Use an immersion blender directly in the pot for easiest results. For ultra-smooth consistency, transfer cooled soup to a high-speed blender in batches. Blend for 2-3 minutes until completely velvety, then strain through a fine-mesh sieve if desired.
- → Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, freeze for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers. Cool completely before freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Note that the texture may separate slightly after freezing—simply reheat while whisking to restore creaminess.
- → What can I serve with this soup?
Crusty bread or garlic crostini make perfect dipping companions. A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness. For protein, add grilled chicken or serve alongside a light quinoa dish.