Canned Cannellini Bean Soup Recipe

Cannellini beans are often regarded as the "white kidney beans" of the legume world, renowned for their creamy texture and nutty, mildly earthy flavor. These beans are not only nutritious but also versatile, fitting perfectly into a variety of dishes, from hearty stews to light salads. But one of the simplest yet most satisfying ways to enjoy them is in a warm, comforting Cannellini Bean Soup.

The beauty of this soup lies in its simplicity-canned cannellini beans are used to cut down on prep time, but the flavor doesn’t suffer one bit. This recipe is a breeze to prepare, offering a soul-soothing experience in less than an hour. It’s hearty, filling, and an ideal meal for both busy weeknights and relaxed weekends. Plus, it’s a perfect base for customization, allowing you to experiment with different herbs, spices, and vegetables.

Let’s dive in and make this savory, cozy bowl of bean goodness!

Canned Cannellini Bean Soup Recipe

This recipe is designed to be simple yet packed with flavor, offering all the rich, warming benefits of a classic bean soup without the need for hours of simmering. By using canned cannellini beans, we can skip the lengthy soaking and cooking process, making this a go-to meal for anyone in a rush, but still craving something hearty and homemade.

Ingredients Needed

• 2 cans of Cannellini Beans (15 oz each, drained and rinsed)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary (or 1 tbsp fresh)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (for brightness)
• 1 handful fresh spinach (optional, for greens)
• Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare Your Ingredients

   • Begin by draining and rinsing the canned cannellini beans. Set them aside.
   • Dice your onion, mince the garlic, and chop the carrots and celery. The uniformity of your chopping helps with the even cooking and the overall texture of the soup.

2. Sauté The Vegetables

   • Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes until they start to soften and the onion turns translucent. This will bring out their natural sweetness.

3. Add The Liquids And Beans

   • Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), vegetable broth, and the bay leaf. Bring everything to a simmer. As it heats, the kitchen will start to smell absolutely divine.

4. Season

   • Add the dried thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper to the pot. Let the soup simmer for another 10 minutes so that all the flavors meld together.

5. Add The Cannellini Beans

   • Stir in the rinsed cannellini beans. Allow the soup to simmer for another 10-15 minutes, letting the beans heat through and soak up the flavors from the broth.

6. Finishing Touches

   • Just before serving, add a splash of lemon juice to brighten the soup and toss in some fresh spinach if you’re using it. The spinach will wilt quickly, adding a nice touch of greenery.

7. Serve

   • Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley if desired.

Ingredient Insights

• Cannellini Beans: These beans are a rich source of plant-based protein, fiber, and essential nutrients like iron, folate, and magnesium. They have a slightly nutty flavor and creamy texture, which makes them the perfect base for soups and stews.
• Carrots and Celery: Together, they form the classic mirepoix base (a French cooking term for this aromatic trio), which provides depth and sweetness to the soup. Both vegetables are also packed with vitamins A and K, which contribute to immune health and vision.
• Herbs and Spices: Thyme and rosemary are aromatic herbs that complement the earthy beans and vegetables. They help elevate the soup with a comforting, rustic flavor. Rosemary is particularly known for its anti-inflammatory properties, while thyme is rich in antioxidants.
• Lemon Juice: The acidity from the lemon juice helps balance out the richness of the beans and broth, giving the soup a refreshing lift without overpowering the other flavors.

Expert Tips

• Use Quality Broth: Whether you’re using vegetable or chicken broth, make sure it’s a good quality one. A well-seasoned broth will form the backbone of the flavor profile in this soup, so it’s worth opting for a flavorful homemade or high-quality store-bought option.
• Beans Texture: If you prefer a thicker, creamier soup, mash some of the beans against the side of the pot with a spoon before serving. This will naturally thicken the broth without needing to add any flour or cornstarch.
• Simmer for Depth: The longer you simmer this soup, the deeper the flavors will become. Even though it’s ready to serve in about 30 minutes, letting it simmer for 45-60 minutes can result in an even richer taste.
• Customize Your Greens: If spinach isn’t your thing, feel free to swap it out for kale, Swiss chard, or any other leafy green. Kale will add more texture and heartiness, while Swiss chard has a mild flavor that will blend seamlessly into the soup.

Recipe Variations

• Add Meat: If you want to make this soup a bit heartier, you can add cooked sausage, bacon, or ham. Ground Italian sausage, for instance, adds a savory, slightly spicy flavor that contrasts nicely with the creamy beans.
• Spicy Kick: If you like a bit of heat, toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing the vegetables or add a finely chopped fresh chili.
• Vegetarian/Vegan: To make this soup fully plant-based, simply swap out any non-vegan ingredients like chicken broth or Parmesan cheese for vegetable broth and dairy-free alternatives.
• Toppings: For extra texture, consider serving your soup with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, crunchy croutons, or a sprinkle of fresh basil. You could even add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for creaminess.

Final Words

Cannellini Bean Soup is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s simple to prepare, packed with wholesome ingredients, and flexible enough to adapt to whatever you have in your pantry. The heartiness of the beans, combined with the freshness of the vegetables and herbs, makes this an incredibly satisfying meal, whether you’re enjoying it on a cold winter evening or simply craving a quick, nutritious lunch.

Not only does this recipe allow you to experience the versatility of canned beans, but it also demonstrates how a handful of pantry staples can come together to create something truly delicious.