If you’re craving a bowl that feels like a warm Mediterranean hug in every spoonful, this Mediterranean White Bean Soup Recipe is your perfect go-to. It combines tender cannellini beans, vibrant greens, and a flavorful blend of herbs and spices that deliver layers of comforting taste and satisfying texture. Whether you want a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy meal to share with loved ones, this soup locks in fresh, wholesome ingredients that celebrate simple, vibrant Mediterranean flavors beautifully.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Mediterranean White Bean Soup Recipe relies on straightforward, fresh ingredients that each play a crucial role in creating its rich, hearty character and inviting aroma. Every element adds not just taste but also depth and color to the final dish.
- Extra virgin olive oil: The foundation for sautéing, it adds a fruity richness that is essential to Mediterranean cuisine.
- Medium yellow onion: Provides a sweet and savory base when finely chopped and cooked gently.
- Garlic cloves: Minced garlic infuses warmth and a subtle bite.
- Tomato paste: Adds a deep umami undertone and a vibrant red hue to brighten the soup.
- Large carrots: Chopped carrots contribute natural sweetness and a pleasant texture.
- Celery stalks: Offer a mild earthiness and crunch to balance the flavors.
- Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that evoking Mediterranean herbs and sunshine.
- Sweet paprika: Adds warmth and a gentle smoky flavor without overpowering.
- Red pepper flakes or Aleppo pepper: For a subtle heat that lifts the soup and keeps your palate interested.
- Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning to bring out all the flavors perfectly.
- Vegetable broth: The soup’s liquid base, rich and savory, enhancing every ingredient.
- Cannellini beans: These creamy white beans add substance and protein, making the soup satisfying.
- Fresh spinach: Stirred in last for a bright, tender green pop that keeps the soup fresh and light.
- Fresh dill: Chopped for a fragrant, herbal note that complements the beans beautifully.
- Fresh parsley: Used as a fresh garnish to add color and a hint of vibrancy to each bowl.
- White wine vinegar: A splash at the end to balance flavors with a gentle acidic lift.
How to Make Mediterranean White Bean Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Your Aromatics
Start by warming the extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking for about 2 to 3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. This step is crucial for building the perfect flavor base for your soup, releasing those sweet and savory aromatics into the oil to mingle with the rest of the ingredients.
Step 2: Add Tomato Paste, Vegetables, and Spices
Next, stir in the tomato paste along with the chopped carrots, celery, Italian seasoning, sweet paprika, and red pepper flakes. Cooking these together for about 5 minutes allows the tomato paste to caramelize slightly and the spices to bloom, enhancing the soup’s complexity and inviting aroma. It’s where the flavor layers begin to deepen and the kitchen fills with warmth.
Step 3: Combine Broth and Beans, Then Simmer
Pour in the vegetable broth and add the rinsed and drained cannellini beans. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes. This simmering lets the flavors meld together beautifully, softening the vegetables and allowing the beans to absorb the fragrant herb and spice notes for a truly hearty consistency.
Step 4: Freshen with Greens and Herbs
Just before finishing, stir in the fresh spinach and chopped dill along with the white wine vinegar. Cook only until the spinach wilts, preserving its tender texture and vibrant green color. The vinegar brightens the dish, balancing its richness and accentuating the fresh herbs for a delightful finish.
Step 5: Taste and Garnish
Finally, taste your soup and adjust the seasoning with kosher salt and black pepper as needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving generously with chopped fresh parsley and a pinch of Aleppo pepper. These garnishes bring a pop of freshness and a hint of spice that will have you savoring every spoonful of this Mediterranean White Bean Soup Recipe.
How to Serve Mediterranean White Bean Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a lovely herbal brightness and a clean finish, while Aleppo pepper lends a mild fruity heat that complements the warm spices in the soup perfectly. You might also enjoy a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for a luxurious touch right before serving.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty artisan bread, perfect for dunking in the rich broth. A light green salad with lemon vinaigrette or a simple side of roasted vegetables also complements the soup’s Mediterranean profile beautifully, making the meal balanced and exciting.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in rustic bowls to highlight its homestyle charm, or present it in small cups as an elegant starter for a dinner party. Adding a dollop of Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts can elevate the texture and add an extra layer of indulgence for guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Mediterranean White Bean Soup Recipe keeps exceptionally well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to meld, often tasting even better the next day.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep well for up to 3 months, making it a fantastic option for meal prepping or saving for a busy week.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the soup has thickened too much in the fridge or freezer, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to loosen the consistency and bring it back to the perfect comforting texture.
FAQs
Can I use dried beans instead of canned for this Mediterranean White Bean Soup Recipe?
Absolutely! If you prefer dried beans, soak them overnight and simmer until tender before adding them to the soup. This will deepen the bean flavor, but be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is this soup vegetarian and vegan-friendly?
Yes, this Mediterranean White Bean Soup Recipe is completely vegetarian and vegan as long as you use vegetable broth. It’s naturally plant-based and packed with nutrients.
What can I substitute for the white wine vinegar?
If you don’t have white wine vinegar, a splash of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar works well to brighten the flavors without overpowering the soup.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Definitely! Start by sautéing the aromatics on the stovetop, then transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Add the spinach, dill, and vinegar at the end to keep them fresh.
How spicy is the soup with the red pepper flakes or Aleppo pepper?
The heat is gentle and warming rather than overpowering, making it accessible for most palates. You can always adjust the amount to suit your preference or omit it entirely for no spice.
Final Thoughts
This Mediterranean White Bean Soup Recipe is a true celebration of simple, wholesome ingredients coming together to create something deeply satisfying and comforting. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for any season. Give it a try—you might find it becoming one of your favorite go-to recipes for cozy nights and friendly gatherings alike!
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Mediterranean White Bean Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A hearty and flavorful Mediterranean White Bean Soup featuring cannellini beans, fresh vegetables, and vibrant herbs simmered in a savory vegetable broth. This nutritious soup offers a perfect balance of Mediterranean spices and fresh ingredients making it a comforting, easy-to-make meal ideal for any season.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 large carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes or Aleppo pepper
- Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
- 4 cups (32 oz) vegetable broth
- 2 cans cannellini beans, rinsed & drained
Finishing Touches
- 2 heaping cups fresh spinach
- ¼ cup chopped fresh dill
- 2 tbsp white wine vinegar
- 1 bunch parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat Olive Oil and Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 2–3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Add Tomato Paste, Vegetables, and Spices: Stir in the tomato paste along with the chopped carrots, celery, Italian seasoning, sweet paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Cook the mixture for about 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften and the flavors to meld.
- Add Broth and Beans, Simmer: Pour in the vegetable broth and add the rinsed and drained cannellini beans. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook uncovered for 15–20 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the flavors are well combined.
- Incorporate Spinach, Dill, and Vinegar: Stir in the fresh spinach, chopped dill, and white wine vinegar. Cook just until the spinach wilts, about 1–2 minutes, to preserve its bright color and fresh flavor.
- Adjust Seasoning and Garnish: Taste the soup and adjust salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as desired. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and an optional pinch of Aleppo pepper for extra flavor and color.
Notes
- This soup can be made ahead and reheated; flavors improve after sitting for a day.
- For a creamier texture, blend a portion of the soup and stir it back in.
- Use fresh herbs whenever possible for the brightest flavor.
- Adjust red pepper flakes based on your heat preference or omit for a milder soup.
- Leftover soup freezes well for up to 3 months.
