Smoky White Bean Soup with Garlic & Herbs
🛒 Ingredients
🫘 Base
- 2 cups cooked white beans (cannellini or navy beans)
(or 1 can, drained and rinsed) - 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 carrot (diced)
- 1 celery stalk (diced)
🌿 Flavor & Seasoning
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (key smoky flavor)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt & black pepper (to taste)
🥣 Liquid
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 tbsp tomato paste (adds depth)
- 1 tsp lemon juice (for finishing brightness)
🌿 Optional Add-ins
- 1 cup spinach or kale (stir in at end)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Crusty bread for serving
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Build the Flavor Base
- Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat
- Add onion, carrot, and celery
- Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute
2. Add Smoky Depth
- Stir in smoked paprika, thyme, oregano, and chili flakes
- Add tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes to deepen flavor
3. Simmer the Soup
- Add white beans, bay leaf, and broth
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer
- Cook for 15–20 minutes
4. Blend (Optional for Creaminess)
- Blend half the soup with an immersion blender
(or mash some beans with a spoon) - This gives a creamy texture without cream
5. Finish
- Remove bay leaf
- Stir in spinach or kale until wilted
- Add lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste
🌟 Flavor Tips
- Add a drizzle of olive oil before serving for richness
- Smoked paprika is essential—don’t skip it
- A pinch of cumin can add extra warmth
- Serve with toasted garlic bread for a full meal 🥖
🥗 Nutrition Highlights
- High fiber + plant protein from white beans
- Low-fat, heart-healthy, and filling
- Packed with antioxidants from herbs and vegetables
- Great for meal prep (tastes better next day)
🔄 Variations
- Spicier version: Add more chili flakes or hot sauce 🌶️
- Creamy version: Add a splash of coconut milk
- Protein boost: Add shredded chicken or turkey
- Vegan-friendly: Already naturally vegan if using vegetable broth
