Creamy White Bean Rosemary Soup

Description

A cozy, creamy white bean soup made with tender cannellini beans, fragrant rosemary, garlic, and vegetables. It’s hearty, comforting, and easy to make in one pot.

 Time

• Prep: 10 minutes
• Cook: 25 minutes
• Total: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4–6

 Ingredients

• 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, or 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 cup milk or half-and-half
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan, optional
• Fresh rosemary or parsley for garnish

 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté the vegetables:
   Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–6 minutes until softened.
2. Add garlic and rosemary:
   Stir in garlic and rosemary. Cook for about 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add beans and broth:
   Add white beans and broth. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
4. Simmer:
   Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
5. Make it creamy:
   Remove about 2 cups of the soup and blend until smooth. Return the blended soup to the pot. Alternatively, use an immersion blender and blend part of the soup directly in the pot.
6. Add milk:
   Stir in milk or half-and-half. Heat gently for 3–5 minutes. Do not boil after adding the dairy.
7. Finish:
   Stir in lemon juice and Parmesan if using. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
8. Serve:
   Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh rosemary, parsley, and a little Parmesan.

 Healthy Benefits

• White beans: Rich in plant-based protein and fiber.
• Rosemary: Provides antioxidant compounds.
• Vegetables: Add vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
• Olive oil: Provides heart-friendly unsaturated fats.
• Beans + vegetables: Make the soup filling and satisfying.

 Pro Tip

For an extra-creamy texture without adding more cream, blend one-third to one-half of the soup and leave the remaining beans whole.

 Serving Ideas

Serve with:

• Crusty whole-grain bread
• Garlic toast
• A simple green salad
• Roasted vegetables

 Variations

• Add chopped spinach or kale during the final 3–4 minutes.
• Use coconut milk instead of dairy for a dairy-free version.
• Add cooked chicken or turkey for extra protein.
• Stir in a little Parmesan and extra rosemary for a richer Italian-style flavor.

 Final Thought

This Creamy White Bean Rosemary Soup is simple, nourishing, and perfect for a cozy lunch or dinner. It comes together quickly while still tasting rich and comforting.