Creamy White Bean Delight

$- 2 cups canned white beans (cannellini or great northern), rinsed and drained - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 2 medium carrots, diced - 2 celery stalks, diced - 4 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup coconut milk - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Each ingredient plays a key role in the flavor and texture of the soup. The white beans provide creaminess and protein. The onion, garlic, carrots, and celery add depth and sweetness. The vegetable broth gives a rich base. Coconut milk adds a creamy finish while thyme and smoked paprika bring warmth. You can swap canned beans for dried beans. Just soak and cook them first. If you prefer a different broth, use chicken broth instead. Almond or cashew milk can replace coconut milk for a nutty taste. For a kick, add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. This soup is packed with nutrients. One serving contains about 250 calories. It has 8 grams of protein, 10 grams of fiber, and healthy fats from the coconut milk. It’s low in cholesterol and high in vitamins. This makes it a great choice for a filling meal. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by gathering all your ingredients. You will need: - 2 cups canned white beans, rinsed and drained - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 2 medium carrots, diced - 2 celery stalks, diced - 4 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup coconut milk - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh parsley, chopped Having everything ready makes cooking easier. Chop the onion, carrots, and celery first. This saves time and helps you focus on cooking. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Stir and cook for 5-7 minutes. You want the vegetables soft and the onion clear. Next, add the minced garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes until you smell its lovely aroma. This step builds great flavor. Then, add the rinsed white beans, vegetable broth, dried thyme, and smoked paprika. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, lower the heat. Let the soup simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes. This helps all the flavors mix together nicely. After simmering, it’s time to blend. Use an immersion blender to mix the soup. Blend until creamy but leave some chunks for texture. If you don’t have an immersion blender, pour 2 cups of soup into a regular blender. Blend until smooth, then return it to the pot. Now, stir in the coconut milk. Taste and season with salt and pepper. Simmer for another 5 minutes to heat through. Your soup is now ready to serve! Ladle it into bowls and sprinkle with fresh parsley for a bright finish. Enjoy your creamy white bean soup! To boost the flavor of your white bean soup, consider adding herbs and spices. Fresh herbs like thyme and parsley add brightness. You can also try rosemary for a woodsy note. A splash of lemon juice can brighten the soup. You might also add a bay leaf while simmering for depth. Lastly, a hint of chili flakes can give a gentle kick. Using the right tools can make your cooking easier. A large pot is key for sautéing and simmering. An immersion blender helps you achieve a creamy texture without transferring soup. A good cutting board and sharp knife make chopping veggies quick and safe. Measuring cups and spoons ensure you get the right amounts every time. One common mistake is overcooking the garlic. It can turn bitter if you let it brown too much. Another issue is not rinsing the beans. Rinsing removes excess salt and improves taste. Be careful not to blend the soup too much; you want some texture. Lastly, taste before serving. Adjust the seasoning to make the flavors shine. Pro Tips Enhance Flavor: Consider adding a splash of lemon juice or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for added depth and brightness to the soup. Bean Variability: Feel free to experiment with different types of white beans or even mix in some chickpeas for a unique texture and flavor profile. Texture Control: For a creamier texture, blend more of the soup, or add additional coconut milk. Adjust according to your preference! Garnish Ideas: Besides parsley, try topping the soup with roasted pumpkin seeds or a drizzle of chili oil for added crunch and flavor. {{image_2}} This white bean soup is already vegetarian and vegan-friendly. The base is rich and creamy thanks to coconut milk. If you want to add even more plant power, try adding kale or spinach. These greens add nutrients and color. You can also throw in some diced potatoes for extra heartiness. Think about what you like! You can add diced tomatoes for a fresh twist. Chopped mushrooms give a nice umami flavor. If you want crunch, sprinkle some toasted nuts on top. A drizzle of olive oil can add richness. Fresh herbs like basil or cilantro can brighten up each bowl. If you enjoy heat, spice it up! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes while cooking. You can also stir in some diced jalapeños for a kick. For a smoky flavor, try adding chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. These small changes can make your soup exciting and bold. After you make the soup, let it cool down first. Transfer the soup to an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to four days. This keeps the soup fresh and tasty. Make sure to stir it well before serving. It helps mix the flavors again. You can freeze the soup for longer storage. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. Leave some space at the top, as the soup will expand when frozen. It stays good for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, pour the soup into a pot. Heat it on low to medium heat. Stir it often to avoid sticking. You can also use a microwave. Place it in a microwave-safe bowl and cover it loosely. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. Enjoy warm, and add fresh parsley for a nice touch! Yes, you can use dried beans. First, soak them overnight. After soaking, cook the beans until soft. This step takes about 1-2 hours. Then, you can follow the recipe as usual. Using dried beans makes the soup more flavorful. To thicken the soup, you have a few options. First, blend more of the soup. This adds creaminess without extra ingredients. Another way is to add a bit of starch. Try mixing cornstarch with cold water, then stir it in the soup. Let it simmer until it thickens. Yes, white bean soup is very healthy. It has high fiber from the beans, which helps digestion. The soup also has vitamins from the veggies. Using coconut milk adds healthy fats. Overall, it’s a nourishing meal that keeps you full. In this article, we explored essential ingredients for a hearty soup, including substitutions. I provided clear steps for preparation, cooking, and blending. You learned tips to enhance flavor and avoid mistakes, plus variations for different diets. I also shared storage tips and answered common questions. Soup can be simple, yet enjoyable, and nutritious. Remember, cooking is a chance to experiment. Cook with joy, and share your creations with others!$

A comforting and creamy soup made with white beans and vegetables, perfect for a cozy meal.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Course Main Course

Cuisine Vegetarian

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups canned white beans (such as cannellini or great northern), rinsed and drained
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium carrots, diced
2 stalks celery, diced
4 cups vegetable broth
1 cup coconut milk
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
to taste salt and pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the rinsed white beans, vegetable broth, dried thyme, and smoked paprika. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Lower the heat and let it simmer uncovered for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until creamy but still slightly chunky for texture. If you don’t have an immersion blender, transfer 2 cups of the soup to a standard blender and blend until smooth; then return it to the pot.
Stir in the coconut milk and season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to heat through.
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Keyword creamy, healthy, soup, vegetarian