Mediterranean White Bean Soup is a dish that brings together simplicity and deep, satisfying flavors. It’s a hearty, wholesome recipe that feels like comfort food but still manages to be light and nourishing.
Loaded with tender white beans, aromatic vegetables, and savory herbs, this soup is perfect for any day of the week. Let me walk you through this delightful recipe, with a few personal tips and tricks to make it truly shine.
1. Mediterranean White Bean Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 yellow onion (2 cups diced)
- 2 carrots (1 cup diced)
- 1-2 celery ribs (¾-1 cup diced)
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning blend (like Mrs. Dash)
- ¼-½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 4-5 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 cans (14.5/15 oz each) white beans (like cannellini), drained and rinsed
- 1 Parmesan cheese rind (optional)
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for topping
- Fresh rosemary and/or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Aromatics
Start by heating the olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and aromatic. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, making sure it doesn’t burn.
Season the Base
Add the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to the pot, stirring to coat the vegetables with the spices. This step builds a flavorful base for your soup.
Simmer the Broth
Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and bring the soup to a gentle simmer. If you have a Parmesan cheese rind, now is the time to add it to the pot—it will infuse the soup with a rich, nutty flavor.
Incorporate the White Beans
Add the drained and rinsed white beans to the pot and let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes. If you enjoy a creamier texture, mash some of the beans with a spoon or use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup while leaving chunks of vegetables intact.
Finish and Serve
Remove the Parmesan rind (if used) and taste the soup, adjusting the seasoning as needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped rosemary or parsley for a fragrant finish.
2. Tips for Perfect Mediterranean White Bean Soup
Take Your Time with the Mirepoix: Sautéing the onion, carrot, and celery slowly allows the natural sweetness of the vegetables to develop, creating a flavorful base for the soup.
Use Fresh Ingredients: While dried herbs work beautifully, fresh garlic, rosemary, and parsley elevate this dish to another level.
Don’t Overlook the Parmesan Rind: Adding a Parmesan rind to the soup is an easy way to enhance the flavor. If you don’t have one, a splash of balsamic vinegar at the end of cooking can provide a similar depth.
Customize the Texture: For a creamier soup, purée part of the batch while leaving some beans and vegetables whole. This balance of textures is what makes the soup so special.
3. Serving Suggestions
Mediterranean White Bean Soup is versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides:
Crusty Bread: A loaf of rustic bread or a baguette is perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth.
Herbed Focaccia: If you’re feeling fancy, serve it with a piece of rosemary focaccia.
Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Pair the soup with a classic grilled cheese sandwich for a comforting meal.
Green Salad: A fresh salad with lemon vinaigrette adds a bright contrast to the richness of the soup.
Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers for added Mediterranean flair.
4. How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
This soup is an excellent option for meal prep since it stores and reheats beautifully.
Storage: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Skip the Parmesan topping when freezing and add it fresh when reheating.
Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If it thickens during storage, add a splash of water or broth to bring it back to your desired consistency.
Mediterranean White Bean Soup is one of those recipes I return to again and again. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet satisfying enough to serve to guests. The combination of tender beans, aromatic vegetables, and savory broth feels like a warm embrace, especially on a chilly day.
So, grab your favorite soup pot, dice some vegetables, and let your kitchen fill with the irresistible aroma of homemade comfort food. Trust me, one bowl of this Mediterranean White Bean Soup, and you’ll be hooked.
