Description
This Creamy White Bean Soup is a rich, hearty, and satisfying Italian-inspired chowder made with white beans, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs. It’s an easy and budget-friendly meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s freezer-friendly, making it ideal for meal prep!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 slices turkey beef, minced
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 1 medium celery stalk, finely diced
- 1 medium carrot, finely diced
- 1/4 medium-large red bell pepper, finely diced
- 3 large cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, minced
- 1 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups vegetable stock (or chicken stock)
- 1 small tomato, finely diced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced
Instructions
- Crisp the Beef:
- Heat olive oil in a 3-quart pot over medium-high heat.
- Add minced turkey beef and cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- Add onion, celery, carrot, and red bell pepper.
- Cook for 3-5 minutes, until vegetables begin to soften.
- Add Aromatics and Flour:
- Reduce heat to medium. Stir in garlic and thyme; cook for 2 minutes.
- Sprinkle in all-purpose flour and stir constantly for 2 minutes.
- Simmer the Soup:
- Pour in vegetable stock, followed by tomato, tomato paste, bay leaf, oregano, salt, pepper, and beans.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer uncovered for 15 minutes.
- Mash some beans against the pot for a thicker texture.
- Finish with Cream and Herbs:
- Turn off heat and stir in heavy cream and parsley.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm.
Notes
- Vegan Option: Omit turkey beef and use smoked paprika for depth. Replace heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk.
- Gluten-Free Option: Omit flour and use a gluten-free vegetable stock. Mash extra beans for thickness.
- Make It Spicier: Add red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño when sautéing vegetables.
- Add More Protein: Stir in cooked shredded chicken or shrimp.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
