Creamy Vegan White Bean Soup Recipe

The Creamiest Vegan White Bean Soup Recipe You’ll Ever Taste

My grandmother’s secret creamy vegan white bean soup recipe has been a comfort staple during chilly winters.

Hearty legumes blend seamlessly with aromatic herbs and gentle spices.

Smooth textures and rich flavors dance across your palate with each spoonful.

Kitchen magic happens when simple ingredients transform into something extraordinary.

Nutritious and warming, this plant-based soup delivers incredible satisfaction without complex techniques.

Minimal effort yields maximum deliciousness, promising a meal that feels like a culinary embrace.

Grab your favorite pot and let’s create something delectable together.

What Makes Creamy Vegan White Bean Soup Comforting

  • Tackle Nutrient-Packed Goodness: Packed with protein-rich white beans, hearty vegetables, and leafy greens, this soup delivers a powerhouse of nutrition in every spoonful.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like different beans, vegetables, or greens to match your taste preferences or pantry availability, making this recipe super adaptable.
  • Master Simple Cooking Techniques: Learn basic skills like sautéing vegetables, blending for creaminess, and balancing flavors with herbs and spices, perfect for home cooks of all levels.
  • Create Comforting One-Pot Wonder: Minimal dishes, straightforward preparation, and a single pot mean less cleanup and more time enjoying a warm, satisfying meal that hugs your soul.

Everything Needed for Vegan White Bean Soup

Main Ingredients:
  • White Beans: A creamy protein source that adds richness and texture to the soup.
  • Vegetable Broth: Provides a flavorful liquid base for the soup's foundation.
  • Potatoes: Contribute to the soup's heartiness and help create a thick consistency.
Vegetables and Aromatics:
  • Onion, Garlic: A classic flavor base that adds depth and aromatic qualities to the soup.
  • Carrots, Celery: Provide additional texture and nutritional value to the dish.
  • Kale or Spinach: Adds a fresh green element and boosts the nutritional profile.
Herbs and Seasonings:
  • Dried Oregano, Thyme, Smoked Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Create a complex and well-balanced flavor profile for the soup.
  • Lemon Juice: Brings a bright, fresh finish to the soup.
Additional Components:
  • Olive Oil: Used for sautéing vegetables and adding a subtle richness.
  • Fresh Parsley: Offers a fresh garnish and additional layer of flavor.

How to Cook Creamy Vegan White Bean Soup

Step 1: Sauté Aromatic Base

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in diced onions and cook until they become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet flavor.

Step 2: Build Vegetable Foundation

Add the following ingredients to the pot:
  • Minced garlic
  • Chopped carrots
  • Chopped celery
  • Diced potatoes

Stir and cook for about 5 minutes, letting the vegetables start to soften and mingle.

Step 3: Spice Up The Mixture

Sprinkle in a blend of warming spices:
  • Dried oregano
  • Dried thyme
  • Smoked paprika
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Stir thoroughly to coat all vegetables with the aromatic spice blend.

Step 4: Create Soup Liquid Base

Pour vegetable broth into the pot and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for 15-20 minutes until vegetables become tender and flavors develop.

Step 5: Introduce White Beans

Add white beans to the pot and continue simmering for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the beans to warm through and absorb the surrounding flavors.

Step 6: Achieve Creamy Texture

Create a luxurious soup consistency using one of two methods:
  • Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup directly in the pot
  • Transfer half the soup to a blender, puree until smooth, then return to the pot

Step 7: Add Fresh Greens And Brightness

Stir in:
  • Chopped kale or spinach
  • Fresh lemon juice

Cook for 2-3 minutes until greens wilt and become tender.

Step 8: Final Flavor Adjustment

Taste the soup and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to suit your preference.

Step 9: Serve And Garnish

Ladle the soup into warm bowls and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Notes for Silky and Satisfying Bean Soup

  • Soak dried white beans overnight to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility, making the soup smoother and easier to digest.
  • Use an immersion blender carefully to maintain some vegetable chunks, creating a rustic and appealing soup texture that's not completely pureed.
  • Add a splash of white wine or apple cider vinegar while sautéing vegetables to introduce a subtle tangy complexity to the soup's taste profile.
  • Swap kale or spinach with other leafy greens like Swiss chard or arugula to introduce different nutrients and flavor variations.
  • The soup tastes even better the next day as flavors meld, so consider preparing it in advance and reheating for an even more delicious meal.

Creative White Bean Soup Variations

  • Protein Power Boost: Replace white beans with chickpeas or lentils for added protein and different texture.
  • Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Swap dried herbs with fresh rosemary, basil, and add sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean flair.
  • Spicy Southwest Style: Incorporate diced green chilies, cumin, and top with cilantro for a zesty southwestern version.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrates and create a lighter soup option.

What to Serve With Vegan White Bean Soup

Slice a warm, rustic sourdough or whole grain baguette to soak up the creamy soup’s rich flavors and provide a delightful textural contrast.

Select a light, refreshing Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the soup’s creaminess and enhance its herbal notes.

Create a simple side salad with mixed greens, fresh parsley, dill, and a light lemon vinaigrette to mirror the soup’s bright, zesty undertones.

Brew a soothing chamomile or mint tea to balance the soup’s warmth and provide a gentle, cleansing finish to the meal.

Storing Vegan White Bean Soup for Later

  • Transfer cooled soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Seal tightly to prevent absorption of other food odors.
  • Pour soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
  • Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap with a small vent. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

FAQs

  • What makes this soup vegan-friendly?

This soup uses plant-based ingredients like vegetable broth, white beans, and no dairy products, ensuring a completely vegan meal that’s packed with protein and nutrients.

  • Can I use different types of white beans?

Absolutely! Cannellini, Great Northern, or navy beans work perfectly in this recipe, so feel free to use what you have available in your pantry.

  • Is this soup nutritionally balanced?

Yes, the combination of white beans, vegetables, and leafy greens provides a rich mix of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making it a wholesome and satisfying meal.

  • How can I make the soup more filling?

Add more vegetables, increase the bean quantity, or serve with a slice of crusty bread to make the soup more substantial and hearty.

Print
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Creamy Vegan White Bean Soup Recipe

Creamy Vegan White Bean Soup Recipe


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4.5 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Comforting “creamy vegan white bean soup” brings Mediterranean warmth to kitchen tables with its silky smooth texture and rich herbal notes. Nutritious ingredients blend perfectly, offering hearty satisfaction that nourishes both body and soul without compromising delicious flavor.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cans (15 ounces / 425 grams) white beans, drained and rinsed
  • 4 cups (960 milliliters) vegetable broth
  • 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large carrot, peeled and chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 2 cups (120 grams) chopped kale or spinach (optional)

Herbs, Spices, and Seasonings:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Juice of half a lemon
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Warm olive oil in a spacious cooking vessel over medium-high temperature, introducing diced onions and sautéing until they become translucent and soft, approximately 4-5 minutes.
  2. Incorporate minced garlic, chopped carrots, celery, and diced potatoes into the pot, allowing vegetables to soften and develop aromatic flavors for 5-6 minutes while stirring intermittently.
  3. Sprinkle a harmonious blend of dried oregano, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and freshly cracked pepper across the vegetables, thoroughly coating each piece to distribute spices evenly.
  4. Cascade vegetable broth into the pot, elevating heat to generate a robust boil, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer, covering and allowing vegetables to tenderize for 15-18 minutes.
  5. Gently fold white beans into the simmering mixture, continuing to cook for an additional 4-5 minutes to ensure complete heating and flavor melding.
  6. Transform the soup’s consistency by utilizing an immersion blender to partially puree directly in the pot, creating a luxurious texture with both smooth and chunky elements.
  7. Introduce chopped kale or spinach and a splash of bright lemon juice, allowing greens to wilt and integrate for 2-3 minutes while maintaining vibrant color and nutritional integrity.
  8. Conduct a final taste assessment, adjusting seasonings to achieve perfect balance and depth of flavor.
  9. Elegantly portion soup into serving bowls, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley to enhance visual appeal and provide a crisp, herbaceous finish.

Notes

  • Customize texture by deciding how much of the soup to blend, creating a range from chunky to silky smooth.
  • Use dried beans instead of canned for deeper flavor and lower sodium, just soak overnight and cook until tender before adding to soup.
  • Add nutritional yeast for extra cheesy, umami flavor without dairy, enhancing the soup’s richness for those missing cheese.
  • Swap kale with other hearty greens like Swiss chard or collards to keep the nutritional profile high and add variety to your meal.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 200 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 350 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 8 g
  • Protein: 10 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Jess Martinez

Jess Martinez

Contributing Recipe Writer & Nutrition Consultant

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cooking, Nutritional analysis and healthy recipe planning, Cultural food traditions, Modifying traditional dishes for better health

Education

Santa Fe Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focused on mastering the flavors and cooking methods of traditional Southwestern cuisine.


Jess’s love for bold, homegrown flavors led her straight into the world of Southwestern cooking and cultural nutrition.
After completing her Certificate in Culinary Arts at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to show that good-for-you food can still taste incredible.
At saltytart.com, Jess shares vibrant, health-conscious recipes with roots in tradition but a fresh, modern twist. When she’s not testing new recipes, you’ll find her at local growers’ markets, tending her herb garden, or digging into food history books.

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