– 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 medium carrots, chopped
– 2 celery stalks, chopped
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
– 1 bay leaf
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 cup kale or spinach, chopped (optional)
– 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk (for a vegan option)
– Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Creating Creamy White Bean Soup is straightforward if you follow these easy steps:
1. Heat the Olive Oil: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Sauté Vegetables: Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Incorporate Beans and Broth: Add the drained white beans and vegetable broth to the pot. Stir well to combine.
5. Season: Add dried thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
6. Simmer: Reduce heat and let the soup simmer for 20-25 minutes. If using kale or spinach, add it in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
7. Blend the Soup: For a creamy texture, use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. Alternatively, transfer to a blender in batches and blend carefully.
8. Stir in Cream: Return the blended soup to the pot and stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk. Heat through for a few minutes.
9. Taste and Adjust: Taste the soup and add more salt or pepper if needed.
10. Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
These steps will ensure you create a comforting and delicious Creamy White Bean Soup that everyone will love!