Creamy White Bean and Rosemary Soup
There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of homemade soup to soothe the soul on a chilly day. This creamy white bean and rosemary soup is a perennial favorite, offering a delightful balance of comforting flavors and nourishing ingredients. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a satisfying starter for a dinner party, this soup is sure to delight.
The combination of tender white beans, fragrant rosemary, and a creamy, velvety broth creates a truly irresistible dish. It’s the kind of soup that warms you from the inside out, leaving you feeling satisfied and content. With its versatility and ease of preparation, it’s no wonder this white bean and rosemary soup has become a staple in so many households.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
This white bean and rosemary soup is a true crowd-pleaser, and for good reason. Not only is it incredibly delicious, but it’s also remarkably easy to prepare, making it the perfect go-to meal for busy weeknights or cozy weekend gatherings. The blend of savory, earthy flavors from the rosemary and creamy, comforting texture of the white beans creates a harmonious balance that’s sure to satisfy.
What sets this recipe apart is its versatility. You can serve it as a light starter, a satisfying main course, or even enjoy it as a leftovers-friendly meal that only gets better with time. Plus, with its nutrient-dense ingredients, this soup offers a nutritional boost that’s hard to beat. Whether you’re looking to warm up on a chilly day or simply crave a nourishing and delicious meal, this white bean and rosemary soup is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire.
🛒 What You Need to Prepare White Bean and Rosemary Soup ❓
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (or non-dairy milk for a lighter version)
The beauty of this white bean and rosemary soup is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of creamy white beans, aromatic rosemary, and savory broth creates the comforting, Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile that has made bean-based soups perennially popular.
📝 How to Make White Bean and Rosemary Soup Step-by-Step ❓
• Step 2: Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
• Step 3: Add the drained and rinsed white beans, vegetable or chicken broth, chopped rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender.
• Step 4: Using an immersion blender (or carefully transfer the soup to a regular blender), blend the soup until it reaches a creamy, smooth consistency. Be careful, as the soup will be hot.
• Step 5: Stir in the heavy cream (or non-dairy milk) and heat through, but do not let the soup boil. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cooking time: 25 minutes
• Total time: 40 minutes
Compared to traditional bean-based soups that can take up to an hour to prepare, this white bean and rosemary soup saves you 20% of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors and a creamy, satisfying texture.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 6 servings):
• Protein: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 29g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 7g
• Sodium: 652mg
These white bean and rosemary soups provide approximately 15% of your daily fiber requirements and 25% of your daily protein needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Substitute half the white beans with cauliflower florets or diced zucchini.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Replace the heavy cream with unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk.
• Added protein: Stir in cooked chicken, turkey, or crumbled tofu for an extra protein boost.
• Boost vegetables: Add diced carrots, celery, or spinach for additional nutrients and fiber.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 20% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the white bean and rosemary soup.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair with a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
• Complement the soup with a side of roasted vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts or sweet potatoes.
• For a heartier meal, serve the soup alongside grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp.
• Create a cozy soup and sandwich platter by serving the white bean and rosemary soup with a variety of savory mini-sandwiches.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Forgetting to blend: Blending the soup is a crucial step to achieve the desired creamy consistency. Don’t skip this important part of the recipe.
• Adding too much liquid: Start with the recommended amount of broth and adjust as needed. Adding too much liquid can result in a thin, watery soup.
• Letting the soup boil after adding the cream: Once the cream is added, be sure to only heat the soup through, as boiling can cause the cream to curdle.
• Neglecting to season properly: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. The right balance of salt, pepper, and rosemary is key to bringing out the best flavors.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These white bean and rosemary soups retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing unbaked: Prepare the soup up to the blending step, allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then heat through on the stovetop.
• Freezing baked: Allow the fully cooked soup to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or milk to restore the desired consistency.
• Reheating: Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Avoid boiling to prevent the cream from curdling.
❓ FAQs
Can I make the white bean and rosemary soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This soup actually improves in flavor after a day or two in the refrigerator. You can make the soup up to 4 days in advance and store it in an airtight container. When ready to serve, simply reheat it gently on the stovetop until warmed through.
Can I substitute the white beans for another type of bean?
Yes, you can use other types of beans in this recipe, such as cannellini beans, navy beans, or even chickpeas. The flavor profile will be slightly different, but the overall dish will still be delicious. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed, as different beans may require varying cooking times.
Is this soup gluten-free and dairy-free?
The base recipe for this white bean and rosemary soup is naturally gluten-free. To make it dairy-free, simply substitute the heavy cream with unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk. You can also omit the cream altogether for a lighter, yet still creamy, version of the soup.
What can I do if my soup turns out too thick?
If your soup ends up being too thick, simply add a bit more broth, a splash at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. Alternatively, you can thin it out by blending in a small amount of additional heavy cream or non-dairy milk.
Can I add any other vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! This white bean and rosemary soup is very versatile and can accommodate a variety of vegetable additions. Try stirring in diced carrots, celery, spinach, or even roasted bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the vegetables are tender.
Conclusion
These creamy white bean and rosemary soups represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a comforting weeknight meal or a sophisticated starter for a dinner party, they’re sure to impress with their velvety texture and soothing, aromatic notes. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these white bean and rosemary soups demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the blending process. So, the next time you’re craving a warm, nourishing, and delicious soup, give this white bean and rosemary recipe a try. It’s sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire.
