Creamy Lemon White Bean Soup Bowl
Highlighted under: Healthy & Light
I absolutely love how this Creamy Lemon White Bean Soup Bowl comes together in just 30 minutes! The combination of creamy white beans and the bright tang of lemon creates a delightful balance that warms your soul. Every spoonful is packed with flavor and feels comforting, making it an ideal dish for chilly evenings. I can’t wait to share this delightful recipe with you. Get ready to enjoy a simple yet satisfying bowl of soup that's perfect for any occasion!
When I first tried making this Creamy Lemon White Bean Soup, I was amazed at how quickly it came together. The secret is using canned white beans, which not only add creaminess but also save a ton of time. I always blend half of the soup to achieve a thick texture while keeping some whole beans for a delightful bite, creating a harmonious blend in every spoonful.
The addition of fresh lemon juice at the end is an absolute game-changer. It brightens up the whole dish and elevates the flavors, making it refreshing and not just your average soup. I like to garnish with fresh herbs, which adds a lovely pop of color and a burst of flavor, creating a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The perfect blend of creamy and tangy flavors
- Nutritious and satisfying for any meal
- Quick and easy to prepare, ready in just 30 minutes
The Role of Herbs and Seasoning
In this Creamy Lemon White Bean Soup Bowl, fresh parsley serves as a bright garnish that not only enhances the presentation but also adds a fresh herbal note that complements the soup's creamy texture. While parsley is a great choice, you can also experiment with other herbs like thyme or dill. Just remember to add any fresh herbs near the end of cooking to retain their vibrant flavors.
Salt and pepper play a crucial role in balancing the dish's flavors. Adjust the seasonings towards the end while tasting, ensuring the lemony brightness is balanced with the richness of the beans. If you find the soup a bit sharp, a pinch of sugar can help round out the acidity from the lemon.
Texture Tips for a Perfect Soup
Achieving the right texture in your soup is key. When blending the soup, using an immersion blender gives you control over the consistency. Blending only half of the mixture leaves some whole beans for a satisfying bite. If you prefer a completely smooth soup, feel free to blend it all, but be cautious not to over-blend, as this can lead to a gluey texture.
If you’re looking to make the soup heartier, consider adding diced potatoes or a handful of leafy greens like spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking. Just ensure that these are cooked until they're tender but still vibrant; this typically takes about 3-5 minutes once added.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create a deliciously creamy soup.
Ingredients
- 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- 1 medium celery stalk, diced
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Ensure to have everything prepped for a smooth cooking experience.
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your creamy soup.
Sauté the Vegetables
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Add Broth and Beans
Pour in the vegetable broth and add the drained white beans. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer for about 10 minutes.
Blend and Season
Using an immersion blender, blend half of the soup until smooth, leaving some beans intact for texture. Stir in the lemon juice and zest, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, zesty goodness!
Enjoy your warm bowl of creamy soup!
Pro Tips
- For extra flair, drizzle a bit of olive oil on top just before serving, and consider adding a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for a hint of heat.
Make-Ahead and Storage
This Creamy Lemon White Bean Soup Bowl is perfect for meal prep! You can make the soup in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just remember that the flavors deepen as it sits, making it even more delicious on the second day. If the soup thickens too much upon refrigerating, simply stir in a splash of vegetable broth or water when reheating to reach your desired consistency.
For longer storage, this soup freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion, and it can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your soup experience, consider serving it with crusty whole-grain bread or a side salad for a complete meal. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese over the hot soup can add an additional layer of flavor and richness. If you enjoy a bit of spice, a dash of red pepper flakes or a swirl of chili oil can bring an exciting kick to the dish.
For a gourmet touch, you can also turn this soup into a delightful appetizer by serving it in small cups alongside a variety of toppings such as croutons, sliced avocado, or a dollop of sour cream. This way, it can be a crowd-pleaser at dinner parties or gatherings!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
Yes, but you'll need to soak and cook the dried beans beforehand, which will add more time to the recipe.
→ Can I freeze the soup?
Absolutely! This soup freezes well. Just be sure to store it in airtight containers and consume within 3 months.
→ What can I use instead of vegetable broth?
You can substitute with chicken broth or make your own broth at home for a richer flavor.
→ Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, this recipe is already dairy-free as it uses white beans to create the creamy texture without any dairy products.
Creamy Lemon White Bean Soup Bowl
I absolutely love how this Creamy Lemon White Bean Soup Bowl comes together in just 30 minutes! The combination of creamy white beans and the bright tang of lemon creates a delightful balance that warms your soul. Every spoonful is packed with flavor and feels comforting, making it an ideal dish for chilly evenings. I can’t wait to share this delightful recipe with you. Get ready to enjoy a simple yet satisfying bowl of soup that's perfect for any occasion!
Created by: Margaret Hill
Recipe Type: Healthy & Light
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- 1 medium celery stalk, diced
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
How-To Steps
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Pour in the vegetable broth and add the drained white beans. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer for about 10 minutes.
Using an immersion blender, blend half of the soup until smooth, leaving some beans intact for texture. Stir in the lemon juice and zest, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, zesty goodness!
Extra Tips
- For extra flair, drizzle a bit of olive oil on top just before serving, and consider adding a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for a hint of heat.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 700mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 50g
- Dietary Fiber: 12g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 12g