Cozy White Bean Soup (Printable Version)

Creamy white beans and vegetables simmered with herbs for a cozy, nourishing bowl any time of year.

# What You'll Need:

→ Base Ingredients

01 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
02 - 2 cans (14 ounces each) white beans, drained
03 - 1 white onion, diced
04 - 1 carrot, sliced
05 - 1 celery stalk, diced
06 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
07 - 1 bay leaf
08 - 1 tablespoon tomato paste
09 - 1/3 cup white wine
10 - 2 cups vegetable stock

→ Seasonings & Herbs

11 - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
12 - 1 sprig fresh rosemary, chopped
13 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
14 - Salt, to taste
15 - Black pepper, to taste
16 - Pinch of red pepper flakes

→ Finishing Touches

17 - Chopped kale, as needed
18 - Juice of 1/2 lemon
19 - 3/4 ounce Pecorino cheese, grated

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, sliced carrot, and diced celery. Sauté for 7 to 9 minutes, stirring regularly, until softened. Deglaze with a splash of water if vegetables start to adhere to the pan.
02 - Add minced garlic, tomato paste, bay leaf, Italian seasoning, chopped rosemary, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1 to 2 minutes to release fragrance.
03 - Pour in white wine to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits. Allow wine to reduce slightly, about 2 to 3 minutes.
04 - Stir in vegetable stock and drained white beans. Mix thoroughly to integrate all components.
05 - Using a hand blender, purée roughly one-third of the soup directly in the pot to achieve a creamy yet textured consistency. Blend further for a smoother result if desired.
06 - Simmer gently over low heat for 5 to 8 minutes, allowing flavors to deepen and the broth to thicken.
07 - Stir chopped kale into the soup and cook until just wilted. Adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, and the juice from half a lemon.
08 - Ladle soup into bowls. Top with grated Pecorino cheese, a drizzle of olive oil, and extra red pepper flakes as desired.

# Additional Notes:

01 - Blending a portion of the soup provides a creamy base without sacrificing a hearty, rustic texture.