Creamy Lemon White Bean Soup Bowl
Highlighted under: Healthy & Light
I love making Creamy Lemon White Bean Soup Bowl during chilly evenings when I crave something warm and satisfying. The blend of white beans and zesty lemon creates a balance that is not only comforting but also refreshing. In just a short time, you can whip this up, making it a fantastic choice for a weeknight meal or a cozy gathering. The creaminess comes from the beans, keeping it healthy yet indulgent. Join me in exploring this delightful soup that's both nutritious and delicious!
When I first created this Creamy Lemon White Bean Soup Bowl, I was inspired by the flavors of Mediterranean cuisine. The creaminess of the beans combined with a bright pop of lemon juice transforms a simple soup into something spectacular. I remember experimenting with herbs, and finding that fresh thyme paired beautifully with the beans without overpowering the lemon. This discovery elevated the soup to a new level of flavor.
One of the tips I learned along the way is to blend a portion of the beans until smooth while leaving some whole. This creates a lovely texture that feels luxurious, while still showcasing those hearty beans. Each spoonful is a satisfying combination of creaminess and bright citrus that'll keep you coming back for more!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Creamy texture that's both comforting and satisfying.
- Zesty lemon adds a refreshing brightness to the rich flavor.
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
Understanding the Ingredients
The white beans in this soup not only provide a creamy texture but also serve as a fantastic source of protein and fiber. Using canned beans cuts down on the preparation time, allowing you to whip up this dish in under thirty minutes. If you're feeling ambitious, you can cook dried beans from scratch; just make sure to soak them overnight and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Lemon zest and juice are crucial in this recipe for balancing the creaminess of the beans. The zest adds an aromatic quality that's often lost when just using juice alone. I recommend using fresh lemons for the best flavor; bottled lemon juice lacks the freshness and brightness essential to this soup's overall profile.
Tips for Perfecting Your Soup
When sautéing the onions, aim for translucence without browning. This ensures that they provide sweetness rather than bitterness. If you find that the garlic is beginning to brown too quickly, lower the heat to prevent any burnt flavors from seeping into your soup.
Using an immersion blender is ideal for maintaining some texture while achieving creaminess. If you don’t have one, you can carefully transfer the soup to a countertop blender in batches. Just be sure to let it cool slightly before blending to avoid splatters, which can be quite messy—and potentially dangerous!
Ingredients
To make this soup, gather the following ingredients:
Ingredients
- 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Once you have all your ingredients ready, you are set to create a delicious soup!
Instructions
Follow these steps to make your Creamy Lemon White Bean Soup Bowl:
Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, or until fragrant.
Add the Beans and Broth
Add the rinsed white beans, vegetable broth, dried thyme, and half of the lemon juice. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil.
Blend the Soup
Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes. Using an immersion blender, blend part of the soup until creamy, leaving some beans whole for texture.
Finish with Lemon
Stir in the remaining lemon juice and lemon zest. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for another 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Enjoy your delightful Creamy Lemon White Bean Soup!
This soup is perfect for a quick hearty meal, paired with your favorite crusty bread!
Pro Tips
- For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
Serving Suggestions
This Creamy Lemon White Bean Soup is versatile enough to pair with a variety of accompaniments. I love serving it with crusty whole grain bread for dipping, which adds a satisfying crunch. You can also enjoy it with a side salad, perhaps dressed with a light vinaigrette to complement the lemony flavor of the soup.
For a more substantial meal, consider adding some sautéed greens like spinach or kale right before serving. Their slight bitterness provides a wonderful contrast to the creaminess of the soup, making every bite a balanced experience.
Storage and Reheating
This soup is perfect for meal prep! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you plan to freeze it, make sure to leave out the parsley garnish until serving, as fresh herbs can discolor during freezing. The soup keeps well in the freezer for up to three months.
When reheating, you may notice the soup thickening. Simply add a little vegetable broth or water to reach your desired consistency. Heat it gently on the stove over medium-low, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or scorching.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat before serving.
→ Can I freeze the leftovers?
Absolutely! Let the soup cool completely before transferring to an airtight container and freezing for up to 3 months.
→ What can I use instead of white beans?
You could use chickpeas or cannellini beans as alternatives for a similar texture.
→ How can I make this soup vegan?
This recipe is already vegan as it uses vegetable broth and no animal products.
Creamy Lemon White Bean Soup Bowl
I love making Creamy Lemon White Bean Soup Bowl during chilly evenings when I crave something warm and satisfying. The blend of white beans and zesty lemon creates a balance that is not only comforting but also refreshing. In just a short time, you can whip this up, making it a fantastic choice for a weeknight meal or a cozy gathering. The creaminess comes from the beans, keeping it healthy yet indulgent. Join me in exploring this delightful soup that's both nutritious and delicious!
Created by: Harriet Collins
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, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish
How-To Steps
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, or until fragrant.
Add the rinsed white beans, vegetable broth, dried thyme, and half of the lemon juice. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil.
Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes. Using an immersion blender, blend part of the soup until creamy, leaving some beans whole for texture.
Stir in the remaining lemon juice and lemon zest. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for another 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Enjoy your delightful Creamy Lemon White Bean Soup!
Extra Tips
- For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 340 kcal
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 360mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 52g
- Dietary Fiber: 14g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 16g