White Bean Soup Recipe

Warm up with this comforting White Bean Soup Recipe made with tender cannellini beans, crispy bacon, fresh kale, and a rich Parmesan broth. Packed with hearty vegetables and seasoned to perfection, this easy soup is perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep. Discover tips, variations, and serving suggestions to make this flavorful soup your new favorite!

Ingredients

• For the Soup Base:
  • 6 strips thick-cut bacon
  • ⅓ cup dry white wine or chicken broth (see notes)
  • 2 tablespoons butter (optional if bacon drippings are used)
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • ¾ cup carrots, diced
  • 1 celery rib, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 5 cups chicken broth
• For Added Flavor and Texture:
  • 2 (15.5 oz.) cans cannellini beans (white beans), drained (see notes)
  • 1 ½ cups kale (can substitute spinach)
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• Seasonings:
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • ½ teaspoon each: dried oregano, rosemary, mustard powder
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper
  • 1 pinch red pepper flakes

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Instructions

1. Cook the Bacon:
   • Heat a 4.5-quart soup pot over low heat. Cook the bacon slowly to render the fat. (For even cooking, cut bacon strips in half.)
   • Once crisp, transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Reserve 2 tablespoons of the bacon drippings in the pot. (If needed, use butter instead of drippings.) Chop the bacon once it has cooled.
2. Deglaze the Pot:
   • Over medium heat, add the white wine (or chicken broth) to the pot. Use a silicone spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom, incorporating the bacon’s flavor. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until reduced by half.
3. Sauté Vegetables:
   • Add the reserved drippings, followed by the onions, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened.
4. Add Seasonings and Flour:
   • Stir in the garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings. Cook for 1 minute.
   • Sprinkle in the flour and stir for 1-2 minutes, ensuring the raw flour smell is gone.
5. Build the Soup:
   • Add the drained beans to the pot, then gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring to prevent lumps.
   • Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent beans from sticking to the bottom.
6. Add Greens:
   • Stir in the kale and allow it to soften for about 5 minutes.
7. Finish and Serve:
   • Remove the pot from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese, or sprinkle the cheese over individual serving bowls.
   • Garnish with chopped bacon and serve warm.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Hearty: Packed with protein and vegetables, this soup is comforting and filling.
• Flavorful: The combination of bacon, Parmesan, and aromatic seasonings creates a deeply satisfying taste.
• Customizable: Easily adaptable to suit different diets or preferences.

Tips

• Cooking Bacon: Cook slowly over low heat to render maximum fat and achieve crispness.
• Deglazing: Don’t skip deglazing the pot; it adds depth of flavor to the soup.
• Bean Texture: Mash some of the beans if you prefer a thicker consistency.

Variations and Substitutions

• Substitute kale with spinach or Swiss chard for a milder flavor.
• Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version (omit bacon and use butter).
• Add diced potatoes or pasta for extra heartiness.
• For a smoky twist, use smoked paprika or smoked sausage in addition to or instead of bacon.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A: Yes, this soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove.

Q: What can I use instead of cannellini beans?
A: Great Northern beans or navy beans are excellent substitutes.

Q: Can I freeze this soup?
A: Yes, freeze it without the Parmesan and greens for best results. Add them fresh when reheating.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with crusty bread or garlic toast for dipping.
• Pair with a light side salad for a balanced meal.
• Top each bowl with extra Parmesan, a drizzle of olive oil, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a gourmet touch.