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White Bean Soup with Parmesan

White Bean Soup with Parmesan
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White Bean Soup with Parmesan is a comforting, creamy, and nutritious dish featuring tender white beans blended with savory Parmesan cheese. This hearty soup is easy to prepare with simple pantry ingredients, perfect for chilly evenings or any time you crave a warm, satisfying meal full of rich flavor and wholesome goodness.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked white beans (such as Great Northern, cannellini, or navy beans), drained if canned
  • 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Fresh Herbs & Optional Additions

  • 1–2 teaspoons fresh thyme or rosemary (or a combination), chopped
  • Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
  • Optional: fresh spinach or kale (1 cup, added near the end)
  • Optional: red pepper flakes or cayenne for spice (to taste)
  • Optional: diced smoked sausage or smoked paprika for smoky flavor
  • Optional: nutritional yeast or vegan cheese alternative (for vegan version)

Instructions

  1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes, creating the flavor base for the soup.
  2. Add Broth and Beans: Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and add the drained white beans. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer to allow the flavors to meld and beans to soften further if needed.
  3. Season and Simmer: Sprinkle in salt, pepper, and fresh herbs such as thyme. Let the soup simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to develop a comforting texture.
  4. Blend for Creaminess (Optional): If a smooth consistency is preferred, use an immersion blender to puree part or all of the soup directly in the pot. For a chunkier texture, skip this step.
  5. Stir in Parmesan: Turn off the heat and fold in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese slowly, allowing it to melt into the warm soup, adding a rich and savory finish.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for better melting and richer flavor.
  • Do not overcook the beans to avoid mushy texture unless desired for creaminess.
  • Briefly sauté fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme with onions for enhanced aroma.
  • Adjust the soup thickness by adding more broth for thinner soup or blending more beans for thickness.
  • Serve the soup warm, freshly made or gently reheated, to preserve flavor and texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: white bean soup, parmesan, creamy soup, hearty soup, vegetarian soup, gluten free, easy soup recipe

Find it online: https://marybaking.com/white-bean-soup-with-parmesan/