Mediterranean White Bean Soup

This soup brings a bit of the Mediterranean to your table, combining fresh veggies and aromatic herbs in a way that’s both tasty and nourishing. 

Whether you’re just starting to find your way around the kitchen or you’re already a pro at the stove, you’ll find this recipe a breeze. It’s a comforting, nutrient-packed meal that’s sure to have you coming back for seconds.

Loaded with healthy white beans and fresh vegetables, this Mediterranean White Bean Soup is a powerhouse of nutrition. It’s the kind of meal that not only fills you up but also keeps your energy levels high.

If you’re into meal prepping, this soup is a dream. With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have a batch ready for the whole week. It’s ideal for anyone with a busy schedule – parents, students, or anyone who appreciates a good meal with minimal fuss.

What’s not to love about such a delicious and easy-to-make soup recipe that’s hearty, delicious, and made with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry?

So, let’s grab those ingredients and get cooking – a bowl of delightful Mediterranean White Bean Soup is waiting!

Why You’ll Love This Mediterranean White Bean Soup

• Satisfying Flavors: Mediterranean White Bean Soup combines basic, wholesome ingredients to create a dish bursting with Mediterranean flavors, showcasing the beauty of simplicity in cooking.
• Packed With Nutrients: This winter soup is packed with nutrient-rich white beans, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs, making it a delicious and healthy choice for a satisfying meal.
• Versatile Recipe: It’s a versatile recipe that can be customized with your favorite toppings, protein such as Italian sausage, herbs, or a drizzle of olive oil.
• Simple ingredients. This delicious white bean soup recipe is made with basic pantry staples you probably already have in your kitchen.
• Crowd-pleaser recipe. Whether you’re serving it to family, friends, or guests, this Mediterranean soup is a guaranteed hit.
• Budget-Friendly: It’s an economical choice as it relies on readily available ingredients, and you can use canned white beans for added convenience.
• Perfect for meal prep. You can make a batch of this soup in advance and store it for quick and convenient meals throughout the week.

What is Mediterranean White Bean Soup

Mediterranean White Bean Soup is a delicious and nourishing soup dish inspired by the Mediterranean cuisine. It typically features white beans as the main ingredient, along with a variety of fresh vegetables, herbs, and spices that are commonly used in Mediterranean cooking. 

This soup is known for its simplicity and wholesome ingredients, making it a hearty and healthy choice. It’s often customizable with additional toppings or a drizzle of olive oil to enhance its Mediterranean flavors. Mediterranean White Bean Soup is loved for its quick and easy preparation, making it a convenient meal option for busy days. It’s a comforting and budget-friendly dish that brings the delightful tastes of the Mediterranean region to your table.

Ingredients and Substitutions

Here is the list of the ingredients that we need to make this comforting and delicious white bean soup recipe:

• Onion – Used to add a savory and aromatic base to the soup.
• Carrots – are used to bring a natural sweetness and vibrant color to the soup and provide essential vitamins and a hearty texture.
• Celery Ribs – add a fresh, crisp element to the soup.
• Garlic Cloves – used to enhance the savory, aromatic nature of the soup.
• Olive Oil and butter – provide a flavorful base for sautéing the vegetables.
• Italian Seasoning – infuses the soup with Mediterranean flavors, making it taste authentically Italian.
• Salt and pepper – to taste. Used to enhance all the flavors in this soup recipe.
• Vegetable Broth – serves as the liquid base of the soup, providing depth and richness.
• White Beans – White beans, such as cannellini beans, are the star of the show, offering protein and creaminess to the soup.
• Spinach – adds a burst of color and a boost of nutrients to the soup.
• Canned Tomatoes – canned tomatoes are a fantastic addition to Mediterranean White Bean Soup, as they bring delicious flavor and a rich, delectable color.

How To Make

Now that we know all the ingredients that we need to create this easy white bean soup recipe, let’s discover the simplicity of creating white bean soup by following these easy steps:

Prepare Your Vegetables

Start by prepping your veggies. You’ll want to peel and trim the onion, celery, and carrots. For the garlic, simply peel it.

Now, dice those onions, carrots, and celery into bite-sized pieces – remember, consistent sizes mean even cooking!

Mince the garlic finely; it’s going to add a wonderful aroma to your soup. A little tip: use a garlic press if you have one for quick and easy mincing.

Gather Your Ingredients

Before you start cooking, it’s always a good idea to have everything measured and ready to go. This is what chefs call ‘mise en place’, and it’s a real game-changer in cooking. Make sure to drain and rinse the white beans – this step removes excess sodium and any canning liquids, giving your soup a fresher taste.

Sizzle Those Aromatics

Now, let’s turn up the heat. Grab a Dutch oven or a large pot and warm it over medium-high heat. Add your oil and butter – this duo is great for flavor. Once hot, toss in the diced onions, celery, and carrots.

Cook them until they’re tender and fragrant; this usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute – this helps unlock the flavors of the spices. The aroma is going to be amazing!

Add the Broth

Next, pour in your vegetable broth.

Here’s a tip: adjust the broth quantity to your liking. Use 4 cups for a thicker, stew-like texture or add a bit more for a soupier consistency. Bring everything to a nice boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Let it cook gently for about 15 minutes, or until the vegetables are just right – tender but not mushy.

Beans, Beans

Now for a burst of color and flavor – add the canned tomatoes. Their tangy, tomatoey goodness is what gives this soup a lovely depth of flavor.

Finally, once everything’s nice and hot, turn off the heat. Add your spinach and give everything a good stir. The spinach will wilt from the heat of the soup, keeping its color and nutrients.

And voilà, your Mediterranean White Bean Soup is ready! Serve it hot, perhaps with a slice of crusty bread. This soup is perfect for those cozy nights in or as a nutritious meal any day of the week.

Tips For Success

• Try Using Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh, high-quality ingredients, including fresh vegetables and herbs, for the best flavor and texture.
• Sauté Aromatics: Sautéing onions, celery, carrots, and garlic in olive oil and butter before adding the broth and beans helps build layers of flavor in the soup.
• Broth Consistency: Adjust the amount of vegetable broth to achieve your desired soup consistency – thicker for a stew-like soup or more broth for a thinner, soupier texture.
• Taste and Adjust: Taste the soup as it cooks and adjust the seasonings, herbs, or spices to suit your preferences.
• Bean Variety: Select the right type of beans for your soup. Cannellini beans are a common choice for Mediterranean White Bean Soup, but you can also use Great Northern beans or navy beans with a similar creamy texture.
• Canned or Dried: While canned white beans are convenient and time-saving, you can also opt for dried beans. If using dried beans, soak them overnight before cooking to reduce their cooking time.
• Rinse Canned Beans: If using canned beans, always rinse them thoroughly under running water to remove excess salt and starch.

How To Serve

Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your enjoyment of Mediterranean White Bean Soup:

• Crusty Bread: Serve the soup with a side of crusty bread or toasted baguette slices. It’s perfect for dipping and sopping up the delicious broth.
• Fresh Herbs: Garnish the soup with a handful of freshly chopped herbs like parsley, basil, or oregano for freshness and color.
• Olive Oil Drizzle: A drizzle of high-quality extra-virgin olive oil just before serving can enhance the Mediterranean flavors and add a luxurious touch.
• Red Pepper Flakes: For those who enjoy a little heat, offer red pepper flakes at the table, allowing diners to adjust the spice level to their liking.
• Side Salad: Complement the soup with a simple Mediterranean side salad, such as a Greek salad with feta cheese, olives, and cucumbers.
• Sliced Avocado: A few slices of ripe avocado can provide a creamy, indulgent contrast to the soup’s warmth and depth of flavor.
• Homemade Croutons: Make your croutons by toasting bread cubes with olive oil, garlic, and herbs. They add a delightful crunch to your soup.
• Fresh Spinach: If you enjoy extra greens, toss a handful of fresh spinach into the hot soup before serving. It wilts quickly and adds vibrancy.

Storing Ideas

Before storing the leftovers from this white bean soup, we have to pay attention to a few things to make everything perfect:

• Cool to Room Temperature: Let the soup cool completely before storing it to prevent condensation from forming inside the container.
• Use the Right Container: This type of soup needs to be stored in a large, lidded container or divided into smaller individual portions in separate containers.

• Fridge: Transfer the leftovers to the airtight container and store them in the fridge for about 5 days.
• Freezer: Transfer the soup into airtight freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Once thawed, you can reheat this soup in the microwave for about 5 minutes or until heated through or on the stovetop, ensuring the internal temperature reaches a safe level.

Troubleshooting

Here are some common issues you might encounter when preparing Mediterranean White Bean Soup and how to troubleshoot them:

• Soup is Too Thin: If your soup turns out thinner than desired, you can thicken it by simmering uncovered for a little longer to allow excess liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, you can use a slurry made from a mixture of water and cornstarch or flour to thicken the soup. Add it gradually while stirring until the desired consistency is reached.
• Soup is Too Thick: If your soup becomes too thick, add more vegetable broth or water to reach the desired consistency. Adjust the seasonings accordingly, as dilution may reduce the flavor intensity.
• Vegetables are Overcooked: To prevent overcooked vegetables, ensure you cook them just until they’re tender but still have a slight bite. You can also add the vegetables in stages, starting with the ones that take longer to cook, like carrots, and adding quicker-cooking vegetables, like spinach, later in the process.
• Beans are Tough: If your white beans are not as tender as you’d like, it could be due to undercooking or the age of the beans. Ensure you cook the beans until they are fully heated through and tender. If using dried beans, make sure they are well-soaked before cooking.

Recipe Variations

• Proteins: To make the soup more filling, include protein sources like diced leftover chicken, turkey, or sausage. They pair well with the Mediterranean flavors.
• Fresh Herbs: Stir in fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or oregano for a burst of aromatic freshness just before serving.
• Lemon Zest and Juice: A touch of lemon zest and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can brighten up the flavors of the soup.
• Spicy Heat: If you enjoy some heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to your liking.
• Roasted Red Peppers: Diced roasted red peppers contribute a sweet and smoky flavor, enhancing the overall taste.

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• Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup
• Creamy Ham and Potato Soup