White Bean And Rosemary Soup Recipe

Cozy White Bean and Rosemary Soup Recipe for Chilly Days

My kitchen always feels magical when crafting this hearty white bean and rosemary soup that captures Mediterranean comfort.

Fragrant rosemary springs to life, dancing through creamy legumes and warm broth.

Rich ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a soul-warming experience that feels both rustic and elegant.

Gentle herbs whisper stories of Italian countryside cooking, inviting memories of slow-simmered meals.

Simple pantry staples combine with unexpected depth, transforming humble ingredients into something extraordinary.

Each spoonful promises warmth and nourishment, connecting you to generations of traditional cooking.

Grab a ladle and let this recipe become your next culinary adventure.

Why White Bean And Rosemary Soup Is Light Yet Satisfying

  • Effortless Comfort in a Bowl: This white bean and rosemary soup delivers pure comfort with minimal cooking skills required, making it perfect for busy home cooks seeking a satisfying meal.
  • Flavor-Packed Nutrition Boost: Packed with protein-rich white beans, aromatic rosemary, and fresh vegetables, the soup provides a deliciously nutritious one-pot wonder that supports healthy eating without sacrificing taste.
  • Flexible Texture Magic: With the optional blending technique, you can easily customize the soup's consistency from rustic and chunky to silky smooth, catering to different preferences and mood swings in just minutes.
  • Quick Weeknight Wellness Solution: Ready in under 30 minutes, this soup offers a speedy, warming dinner solution that feels like a homemade hug, perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a quick, nourishing meal.

What Goes Into White Bean And Rosemary Soup

Base Vegetables:
  • Onion: Aromatic foundation that provides deep, sweet flavor to the soup.
  • Carrots: Adds natural sweetness and vibrant color.
  • Celery: Contributes subtle herbal notes and classic soup base character.
Aromatics and Herbs:
  • Garlic: Intense flavor booster with robust undertones.
  • Rosemary: Fragrant herb that brings earthy, pine-like essence to the soup.
Liquid and Beans:
  • Vegetable Broth: Provides rich, savory liquid base for the soup.
  • White Beans: Protein-packed ingredient creating hearty, creamy texture.
Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Bay Leaf: Subtle background flavor enhancer.
  • Salt: Essential for balancing and heightening overall taste.
  • Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and depth.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spicy element for extra kick.
  • Lemon Juice: Bright, tangy finish to elevate soup's complexity.
Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley: Colorful, fresh topping with light herbal note.
Additional Components:
  • Olive Oil: Cooking fat for sautéing vegetables.
  • Crusty Bread or Crackers: Optional serving accompaniment.

Steps To Make White Bean And Rosemary Soup Easily

Step 1: Kickstart the Flavor Base

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium warmth. Gently transform your vegetables into a delicious foundation by sautéing:
  • Onions
  • Carrots
  • Celery

Cook until the vegetables soften and become translucent, which takes about 5-7 minutes. Stir in fresh garlic and fragrant rosemary, letting them dance together for another minute to release their aromatic magic.

Step 2: Build the Soup’s Soul

Pour in vegetable broth and introduce your protein-packed companions:
  • White beans
  • Bay leaf
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Red pepper flakes (optional for a spicy kick)

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then dial down the heat. Let everything simmer and mingle for 15-20 minutes, allowing flavors to become best friends.

Step 3: Unleash Creamy Potential

For those craving extra smoothness, transform your soup’s texture. You have two awesome routes:

Option 1: Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup right in the pot.

Option 2: Carefully transfer half the soup to a blender, puree until silky, then return to the pot.

Step 4: Final Flavor Enhancement

Remove the bay leaf – its job is done. Taste and adjust seasonings to your heart’s content. Squeeze in fresh lemon juice for a bright, zingy finish that’ll make taste buds dance.

Step 5: Serve with Love

Ladle the steaming soup into waiting bowls. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve alongside crusty bread or crispy crackers for the ultimate comfort meal.

Tips To Make White Bean And Rosemary Soup Full Of Flavor

  • Boost Vegetable Softness: Dice onions, carrots, and celery into uniform small pieces to ensure even cooking and quick softening during sauteing.
  • Enhance Flavor Depth: Toast rosemary and garlic briefly to release their essential oils, intensifying the soup's aromatic profile without burning.
  • Create Texture Variety: Blend only a portion of the soup for a mixed consistency, leaving some whole beans for interesting texture and visual appeal.
  • Customize Dietary Needs: Swap vegetable broth with chicken broth for more richness or use low-sodium options to control salt intake for health-conscious eaters.
  • Maximize Leftover Potential: Store soup in airtight containers for up to 5 days, knowing flavors will develop and deepen overnight in the refrigerator.

How To Store White Bean And Rosemary Soup For Later

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth and maintain soup quality.
  • Freeze: Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. White bean soup freezes beautifully for 23 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Reheat Stovetop: Warm soup over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of vegetable broth if the soup seems too thick. Heat until steaming and thoroughly warmed through.
  • Microwave Option: Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals. Stir between intervals to distribute heat evenly, preventing hot spots.

Best Pairings For White Bean And Rosemary Soup

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that complements the soup's herbal rosemary notes and cuts through its creamy texture.
  • Serve Alongside Rustic Sourdough: Grab a freshly baked sourdough bread with a crusty exterior and soft interior, perfect for dipping and soaking up the soup's rich flavors.
  • Match with Herbed Goat Cheese Crostini: Top toasted baguette slices with creamy goat cheese blended with fresh herbs like thyme and chives, creating a delightful side that echoes the soup's aromatic profile.
  • Complement with Arugula Salad: Toss peppery arugula with lemon vinaigrette, shaved parmesan, and toasted pine nuts to provide a bright, tangy contrast to the warm, hearty soup.

Tasty Variations Of White Bean And Rosemary Soup

  • Smoky Sausage Bean Soup: Add spicy Italian sausage during vegetable sauteing for a heartier protein-packed version. The sausage brings rich, smoky flavors that complement the white beans perfectly.
  • Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Replace rosemary with fresh thyme and oregano. Stir in crumbled feta cheese and chopped kalamata olives before serving to create a Greek-inspired profile.
  • Spicy Southwestern Remix: Incorporate diced green chiles, ground cumin, and smoked paprika. Top with crispy tortilla strips, fresh cilantro, and a dollop of Mexican crema for extra zest.
  • Creamy Mushroom Enhancement: Saute sliced cremini or porcini mushrooms with the vegetables. Blend in a splash of heavy cream at the end for an earthy, luxurious texture that elevates the soup's complexity.

Common Questions On White Bean And Rosemary Soup

  • What makes white beans so special in this soup?

White beans are protein-packed, creamy, and provide a smooth texture while adding incredible nutritional value. They’re perfect for creating a hearty, filling soup that keeps you satisfied.

  • Can I use dried rosemary instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Use about 1/3 the amount of dried rosemary compared to fresh, as dried herbs are more concentrated. Just crush the dried rosemary between your fingers before adding to release more flavor.

  • Is this soup good for people following specific diets?

Yes! This soup is naturally vegetarian, gluten-free, and can easily be made vegan by ensuring your vegetable broth is plant-based. It’s an excellent option for many dietary preferences.

  • How can I make the soup more protein-rich?

Consider adding cooked, shredded chicken or crumbled tofu during the final simmering stage. These additions will boost the protein content without changing the soup’s fundamental character.

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White Bean And Rosemary Soup Recipe

White Bean And Rosemary Soup Recipe


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4.7 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Comforting white bean and rosemary soup whispers Italian countryside charm on cold winter days. Rustic ingredients blend seamlessly, offering hearty warmth that wraps you in delicious simplicity.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 (15 ounces / 425 grams) cans white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
  • 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for non-vegan)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bay leaf

Herbs, Seasonings, and Garnish:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped (or ½ teaspoon dried rosemary)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
  • ¼ cup chopped parsley (for garnish)
  • Juice of half a lemon (optional, for brightness)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the aromatic base by sautéing diced onions, carrots, and celery in olive oil over medium heat until they become tender and translucent, releasing their subtle flavors. Introduce minced garlic and finely chopped rosemary, allowing them to bloom and create a fragrant foundation for the soup.
  2. Pour vegetable broth into the pot, then add white beans, bay leaf, and a carefully measured blend of salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Elevate the mixture to a rolling boil, then gently reduce the heat, allowing the ingredients to simmer and meld together harmoniously for 15-20 minutes.
  3. Transform the soup’s texture by employing an immersion blender to partially puree the contents, creating a luxurious, creamy consistency. Alternatively, carefully transfer half the soup to a standard blender, processing until smooth, then reintegrate with the remaining liquid.
  4. Eliminate the bay leaf and conduct a thorough taste assessment. Fine-tune the seasoning with precision, incorporating a splash of bright, citrusy lemon juice to awaken the soup’s deeper flavor notes.
  5. Present the soup in warm bowls, adorning each serving with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley. Accompany with rustic, crusty bread or crisp crackers for a complete and satisfying meal.

Notes

  • Customize the soup’s consistency by adjusting the blending technique, from fully smooth to chunky, depending on personal texture preference.
  • Select high-quality white beans like cannellini or great northern for optimal creamy texture and rich flavor absorption.
  • Enhance the soup’s nutritional profile by adding extra vegetables like spinach or kale during the last few minutes of simmering.
  • Transform this recipe into a vegan or gluten-free dish by using plant-based broth and ensuring all ingredients meet dietary requirements.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 8 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
James Mitchell

James Mitchell

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Creation and Testing​, Fusion Cuisine​, Food Styling and Photography​, Culinary Education​

Education

Kendall College, Chicago, IL

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classic and modern cooking techniques, with a specialization in international cuisines.​

The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY

  • Program: Advanced Certificate in Gastronomy
  • Focus: In-depth studies of global food cultures, flavor profiling, and innovative recipe development.​

James Mitchell is the founder and fearless flavor explorer at Cooking Crusade. With a degree in Culinary Arts from Kendall College and advanced training in global gastronomy from The Culinary Institute of America, James has spent over a decade perfecting the art of recipe creation. 

His background includes fine dining, private cheffing, and food styling, but his true joy comes from turning big ideas into doable recipes for home cooks. Every dish he shares is a mix of creativity, culture, and a little kitchen magic, built to bring excitement back to everyday meals.

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