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Cannellini Bean Soup

Healthy Cannellini Bean Soup Recipe

Cannellini Bean Soup is a simple yet hearty dish madeprimarily with cannellini beans, which are known for their creamy texture andmild flavor. This soup typically includes vegetables like onions, carrots, andcelery, combined with broth, herbs, and greens such as kale or spinach. It's agreat choice for anyone seeking a comforting, nutritious meal that's easy toprepare.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Course: Soup
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 280

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 medium carrots peeled and diced
  • 2 celery stalks diced
  • 1 can 15 oz Cannellini beans (drained and rinsed) or 1 ½ cups cooked dried cannellini beans
  • 4 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup kale or spinach optional for extra greens
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice optional, for brightness
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Equipment

  • Large Pot or Dutch Oven
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Wooden Spoon
  • Measuring Cups & Spoons
  • Can Opener
  • Blender or Immersion Blender

Method
 

  1. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
  2. Add the Beans and Broth: Add the rinsed cannellini beans to the pot along with the vegetable broth. Stir in the dried thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 30-35 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
  3. Blend the Soup (Optional): For a smoother texture, you can use an immersion blender to blend a portion of the soup directly in the pot. Alternatively, you can transfer about half of the soup to a blender, puree it, and then return it to the pot. This step is optional but creates a creamy, velvety texture.
  4. Add Greens (Optional): If you're adding kale or spinach, stir it into the soup during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Let the greens wilt and soften.
  5. Season and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
  6. Garnish and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve with a slice of crusty bread for the perfect meal.

Notes

I cooked this Cannellini Bean Soup on a cozy winter evening and was amazed at how easy and delicious it turned out. The beans add a creamy texture, while the herbs and vegetables provide a comforting flavor. If you’re looking for a simple, healthy soup to warm you up, this recipe is perfect. You can easily customize it with your favorite greens or even add some protein like grilled chicken for a heartier version. My family loved it, and I’m sure yours will too!