White Bean Soup With Tomato

This White Bean Soup with Tomato is a comforting, creamy dish that brings a touch of the Mediterranean to your kitchen. Featuring a velvety base of pureed white beans paired with the bright, savory notes of diced tomatoes, it is the perfect meal for a cozy night in.

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With a short preparation time of 15 minutes and using mostly pantry staples, this soup is as convenient as it is delicious. The combination of smoked paprika and dried herbs creates a deep flavor profile that tastes much more complex than its easy preparation suggests.

Ingredients

• Beans & Base: 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 medium yellow onion (diced), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 2 cans (15 oz each) cannellini or great northern beans (drained and rinsed), 4 cups vegetable broth
• Tomatoes & Seasonings: 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices), 1 tablespoon tomato paste, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional), Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
• Finishing Touches: 1/4 cup heavy cream or coconut cream (optional, for extra creaminess), 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil

Instructions

Step 1

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 2

Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3

Stir in beans, diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato paste, thyme, oregano, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 4

Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 20 minutes.

Step 5

Remove from heat. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth and creamy, or transfer in batches to a blender.

Step 6

Stir in the cream if using. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 7

Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or basil.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Using an immersion blender directly in the pot is the most efficient way to achieve a smooth and creamy texture. If you prefer a chunkier soup, you can blend only half of the mixture and leave the rest whole. Always remember to taste and adjust the salt and pepper after blending, as the flavors can shift once the beans are pureed.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a completely vegan version, simply use coconut cream or omit the cream entirely; the beans themselves provide plenty of creaminess. While cannellini beans are recommended for their soft skin and creamy interior, great northern or navy beans are excellent substitutes. You can also add extra greens like chopped spinach or kale at the end of simmering for added nutrition.

Serviervorschläge

Serve this soup warm with a side of crusty bread for dipping. For those who enjoy dairy, a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top adds a wonderful savory depth. A final drizzle of high-quality olive oil and a pinch of fresh herbs will make the dish look and taste restaurant-quality.

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This easy Mediterranean soup is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. Nutritious, satisfying, and full of flavor, it proves that simple ingredients can create a truly spectacular meal.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed to adjust consistency.

→ What beans work best for this soup?

Cannellini beans are ideal for their creamy texture, but great northern beans or navy beans also work beautifully. Avoid kidney beans as they have a different texture and flavor profile.

→ How can I make this soup thicker?

Blend more of the soup for a thicker consistency, or reduce the amount of vegetable broth slightly. You can also simmer uncovered for an additional 10 minutes to evaporate excess liquid.

→ Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, substitute 2 cups of chopped fresh tomatoes for the canned diced tomatoes. You may need to cook the soup a bit longer to break down the fresh tomatoes and develop deeper flavor.

→ What can I serve with this soup?

Crusty bread, garlic toast, or a simple green salad complement this soup perfectly. For a heartier meal, add a grilled cheese sandwich or serve with focaccia.

→ Is this soup spicy?

The soup has mild warmth from optional red pepper flakes and a subtle smokiness from paprika. Omit the red pepper flakes entirely for a completely mild version, or increase them for more heat.