Hearty White Bean and Rosemary Soup Recipe

Cozy White Bean and Rosemary Soup Recipe to Warm Your Soul

Chilly evenings call for comfort in a steaming bowl of white bean and rosemary soup that warms every fiber of your soul.

Fragrant herbs dance with creamy beans, creating a melody of rustic flavors that transport you to an Italian countryside kitchen.

Robust rosemary weaves its magic through tender white beans, promising a satisfying meal that speaks of simplicity and depth.

Each spoonful carries the essence of slow-cooked goodness and nurturing warmth.

The combination of earthy legumes and aromatic herbs transforms a humble soup into a culinary embrace.

Rich and nourishing, this recipe offers a perfect balance of protein and herbs that will make your taste buds sing.

Prepare to savor a bowl of pure, comforting bliss that nourishes both body and spirit.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 550 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredients You’ll Need for Bean-Rosemary Soup

For Aromatics and Base Vegetables:
  • Onion: Provides a sweet, foundational flavor that builds depth in the soup.
  • Carrots: Adds natural sweetness and vibrant color to the soup base.
  • Celery: Contributes a subtle herbal note and crisp texture to the vegetable mix.
  • Garlic: Delivers intense, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste profile.
For Protein and Liquid Components:
  • White Beans: Hearty protein source that creates creamy texture and provides nutritional richness.
  • Vegetable Broth: Creates smooth liquid base and infuses additional vegetable essence.
  • Bay Leaf: Releases subtle herbal undertones during simmering process.
For Seasonings and Finishing Touches:
  • Rosemary: Introduces robust, pine-like herbal flavor that complements bean profile.
  • Black Pepper: Adds warm, slightly spicy undertone to balance soup's richness.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Optional ingredient for introducing gentle heat and complexity.
  • Salt: Enhances and balances overall flavor spectrum.
  • Lemon Juice: Brightens soup with tangy, fresh accent.
  • Fresh Parsley: Provides fresh, clean garnish with light herbal notes.
  • Olive Oil: Creates smooth sautéing base and adds subtle fruity undertone.

Utensils for Simmering and Serving Comfortably

  • Large Pot: Essential for sautéing vegetables and simmering the entire soup.
  • Cutting Board: Perfect for chopping onions, carrots, and celery with ease.
  • Chef's Knife: Sharp tool for precise vegetable preparation.
  • Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients while cooking.
  • Immersion Blender: Handy for creating creamy texture directly in the pot.
  • Measuring Spoons: Helpful for adding precise amounts of salt, pepper, and herbs.
  • Ladle: Needed for serving the soup into bowls smoothly.
  • Optional Blender: Alternative for pureeing soup if no immersion blender is available.

White Bean Soup That’s All About the Herbs

  • Kickstart the Flavor Base

Warm up olive oil in a hefty pot and toss in chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Let these dance together until they become soft and aromatic, about 5-7 minutes. Sprinkle in minced garlic and fresh rosemary, stirring until a delightful fragrance fills your kitchen.

  • Build the Soup's Foundation

Pour in vegetable broth and add white beans. Drop in a bay leaf for extra depth and season with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then lower the heat and let everything mingle and develop flavor for 15-20 minutes.

  • Create Creamy Texture

Want a velvety consistency? Grab an immersion blender and gently pulse through the soup, creating a dreamy, smooth landscape of flavors. If you prefer, carefully transfer half the soup to a blender and puree until silky.

  • Perfect the Finish

Fish out the bay leaf and do a quick taste test. Adjust seasonings as needed. A splash of lemon juice will brighten the entire dish, adding a zesty spark.

  • Serve with Style

Ladle the warm soup into bowls and shower with fresh parsley. Pair with crusty bread or crispy crackers for a complete meal that hugs your soul.

Subtle Changes That Change the Whole Bowl

  • Easy ways to elevate your white bean and rosemary soup
  • Blend just a portion of the soup to create a creamy-chunky consistency that adds depth and interest without losing the original bean texture.
  • Transform this soup into a complete meal by adding cooked shredded chicken, crispy bacon bits, or diced ham for extra protein and flavor complexity.
  • Replace vegetable broth with homemade vegetable stock and skip any meat additions to keep the recipe 100% plant-based and nutrient-rich.
  • Experiment with different fresh herbs like thyme, sage, or oregano instead of rosemary to create unique flavor profiles while maintaining the soup's core character.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes to match your heat preference – from a gentle warmth to a spicy kick that will awaken your taste buds.

Serve with Bread or on Its Own

  • Rustic Bread Companion: Serve with warm, crusty artisan bread or toasted sourdough slices to soak up the delicious broth and add a delightful textural contrast.
  • Mediterranean Topping Twist: Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese, chopped kalamata olives, or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil on top for an elevated Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
  • Protein Power-Up: Add shredded rotisserie chicken, crispy pancetta bits, or sautéed shrimp to transform this soup into a more substantial main course meal that satisfies hearty appetites.
  • Herbal Fresh Finish: Garnish with additional fresh chopped rosemary, thyme, or parsley just before serving to enhance the aromatic herb notes and provide a bright, fresh visual appeal.

Chill It Right and Heat When Ready

  • Keep leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days, ensuring the soup stays fresh and delicious. Cool completely before refrigerating to maintain optimal flavor and texture.
  • Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for 23 months, making meal prep super convenient for busy weeks.
  • Gently warm the soup on stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of vegetable broth if the soup seems too thick, restoring its original creamy consistency.
  • Divide soup into individual serving containers for quick grab-and-go lunches or single-serving meals. Label with date and contents to track freshness and enjoy hassle-free meal planning.
Print
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Hearty White Bean and Rosemary Soup Recipe

Hearty White Bean and Rosemary Soup Recipe


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4.7 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Creamy white bean and rosemary soup brings rustic Mediterranean charm to your kitchen. Silky herbs and hearty legumes combine in a comforting bowl that warms souls and satisfies hunger with simple, elegant flavors you’ll crave.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 (15 oz) cans white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
  • 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for non-vegan)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped (or ½ teaspoon dried rosemary)
  • ¼ cup chopped parsley (for garnish)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
  • Juice of half a lemon (optional, for brightness)

Instructions

  1. Aromatic Base Preparation: Warm olive oil in a substantial pot over medium heat. Gently sauté onion, carrots, and celery until they turn tender and translucent, releasing their delicate flavors. Introduce minced garlic and fragrant rosemary, allowing them to bloom and intensify the aromatic profile for approximately one minute.
  2. Liquid Integration and Simmering: Pour vegetable broth into the pot, combining it with white beans, bay leaf, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Elevate the mixture to a vigorous boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Allow the ingredients to meld and soften for 15-20 minutes, developing a rich, harmonious flavor.
  3. Texture Transformation: For a velvety consistency, utilize an immersion blender to partially puree the soup directly in the pot. Alternatively, transfer half the mixture to a blender, creating a smooth, creamy texture. Reincorporate the blended portion, stirring to ensure uniform integration.
  4. Final Refinement: Discard the bay leaf. Assess and calibrate seasoning to personal preference. Brighten the soup with a splash of lemon juice, adding a subtle citrusy note that enhances the overall taste profile.
  5. Presentation and Serving: Elegantly ladle the soup into serving vessels. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, creating a vibrant visual and flavor accent. Accompany with crusty artisan bread or crisp crackers for a complete culinary experience.

Notes

  • Dice vegetables uniformly for even cooking and quicker softening, ensuring consistent texture throughout the soup.
  • Use immersion blender sparingly to maintain some bean and vegetable chunks, creating a balanced creamy-chunky texture.
  • Toast rosemary briefly with garlic to release essential oils and intensify the herb’s aromatic profile before adding liquid ingredients.
  • Substitute vegetable broth with low-sodium versions for reduced salt intake, or use chicken broth for added protein in non-vegetarian diets.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 400 mg
  • Fat: 3 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 6 g
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
William Hawkins

William Hawkins

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

  • Modern American and Southern Cuisine
  • Farm-to-Table Practices
  • Restaurant Concept Development
  • Culinary Education and Mentorship​

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, KY

  • Degree: Associate of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on mastering culinary methods and food science, immersive externships, hands‑on training in industry‑standard kitchen labs, and equipping graduates for roles in restaurant operations.

William Hawkins isn’t just a chef, he’s a storyteller through food. From his hometown of Louisville, KY, he’s spent years refining his craft, turning local ingredients into something extraordinary. 

With classical training from Sullivan University and a career marked by innovation, mentorship, and Southern soul, William approaches every recipe with purpose. His kitchen is where old techniques meet fresh ideas, and where comfort food gets a thoughtful, modern twist. 

When he’s not building dishes from the ground up, he’s out gathering inspiration from nature, markets, and the stories people share around the table.

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