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White Bean Soup with Parmesan

White Bean Soup with Parmesan

White Bean Soup with Parmesan is a comforting and creamy dish combining tender white beans and rich Parmesan cheese, perfect for any season. It offers a simple yet flavorful meal made with pantry staples, enriched by fresh herbs and a bright touch of lemon juice. This versatile soup can be customized with greens, spices, or proteins, making it a nourishing and satisfying option for weeknights or guests.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 cups white beans (canned and rinsed or cooked from dry)
  • 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 23 sprigs fresh rosemary or thyme
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat and add finely chopped onion and garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes, creating a flavorful base for the soup.
  2. Add Broth and Beans: Pour in your vegetable or chicken broth, then add rinsed white beans. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to meld the flavors and soften the beans further if using canned.
  3. Infuse with Herbs: Drop in fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs, letting their aromas infuse the broth while it simmers for about 15-20 minutes.
  4. Blend for Creaminess: Remove the herb sprigs and use an immersion blender to puree part of the soup right in the pot, or transfer to a blender carefully. This step makes the soup luxuriously creamy without adding cream.
  5. Stir in Parmesan: Lower the heat and gradually whisk in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and fully incorporated, enriching the soup’s savory character.
  6. Season and Brighten: Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and adjust salt and pepper to taste, giving the soup a bright, balanced finish.

Notes

  • Use quality freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture.
  • Don’t overblend; leave some beans whole for texture contrast.
  • Simmer gently to develop flavors without breaking down beans too much.
  • Reserve some beans to add after blending for extra body.
  • Adjust consistency by adding broth to thin or cooking uncovered to thicken.

Nutrition

Keywords: white bean soup, parmesan soup, creamy bean soup, comfort food, easy soup recipe, gluten free soup