5 Delicious Cannellini Bean Soup Recipes You'll Love

Cannellini beans, known for their creamy texture and subtle nutty flavor, are a staple in many cuisines. They are not only delicious but also versatile, making them a perfect ingredient for soups. Whether you're looking for a hearty meal to warm you up on a cold day or a light yet filling lunch, cannellini bean soups can cater to your needs. Here, we'll explore five delectable cannellini bean soup recipes that promise to become favorites in your home kitchen.

Recipe 1: Italian Cannellini Bean Soup

This classic Italian soup is known for its simplicity and rich flavors:

• Ingredients:
  • 2 cans of cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 can of diced tomatoes
  • 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 2 teaspoons dried Italian herbs
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
• Instructions:
  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot. Sauté onions, carrots, and celery until soft.
  2. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
  3. Stir in the tomatoes, beans, broth, and herbs. Bring to a boil.
  4. Reduce heat and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes.
  5. Season with salt and pepper, garnish with fresh herbs, and serve hot.

🍲 Note: This soup thickens as it cools. You might need to add more broth when reheating.

Recipe 2: Creamy Tuscan Cannellini Bean Soup

For those who love a bit of creaminess in their soups, this recipe doesn't disappoint:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 can of cannellini beans, drained
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup spinach or kale
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Parmesan for serving
• Instructions:
  1. Sauté onion and garlic until translucent in a pot with some olive oil.
  2. Add the broth and beans, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer.
  3. Puree half of the soup, then return to the pot.
  4. Add cream, spinach, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook until greens wilt.
  5. Serve hot with a sprinkle of Parmesan.

🥄 Note: If the soup is too thick, thin it out with more broth or water.

Recipe 3: Mediterranean Cannellini Bean Soup

Infused with the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean:

• Ingredients:
  • 2 cans of cannellini beans, drained
  • 1 lemon, zested and juiced
  • 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
  • 1 zucchini, diced
  • 2 tomatoes, diced
  • 4 cups vegetable stock
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • Feta cheese and olives for garnish
• Instructions:
  1. In a pot, combine all ingredients except feta and olives for garnish.
  2. Bring to a boil, then simmer until vegetables are tender.
  3. Serve in bowls, topped with feta cheese and olives.

🍅 Note: For extra flavor, you can add a dash of red pepper flakes.

Recipe 4: Smoky Cannellini Bean and Sausage Soup

Perfect for those craving something with a bit of smoke and spice:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
  • 2 cans of cannellini beans, rinsed
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 cup cream or milk
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Chopped parsley for garnish
• Instructions:
  1. Cook sausage in a large pot until browned. Remove and set aside.
  2. In the same pot, sauté onion and garlic until golden.
  3. Return sausage, add beans, broth, tomatoes, and paprika. Bring to a boil.
  4. Reduce heat, add cream or milk, simmer for 10 minutes.
  5. Season to taste, garnish with parsley before serving.

🍖 Note: For a vegetarian version, replace sausage with smoked tofu or tempeh.

Recipe 5: Cannellini Bean and Quinoa Soup

A nutritious and filling soup ideal for any time of the day:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 can cannellini beans, rinsed
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 cups spinach or kale
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
  1. Sauté onions and carrots until tender.
  2. Add broth, beans, and quinoa. Simmer for 15 minutes.
  3. Add greens and cook until wilted.
  4. Season with cumin, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
  5. Serve hot or warm.

🌾 Note: This soup can be easily turned into a stew by reducing the amount of liquid.

As you can see, cannellini beans are the unsung heroes of the soup world, capable of transforming a simple pot into a bowl of comfort and nutrition. Each of these soups brings out the best in these beans, offering variety in flavor, texture, and cultural influence. From the rustic flavors of Tuscany to the smoky spices of the Mediterranean, there's a cannellini bean soup for every taste.

Can I freeze these soups?

+

Yes, most of these soups freeze well. For soups containing cream or dairy, add these ingredients after thawing to prevent a grainy texture.

What’s the best way to cook cannellini beans from scratch?

+

Soak beans overnight or use the quick soak method. Drain, then cook in water for about 1 to 1.5 hours or until tender. Add salt at the end to prevent the beans from toughening.

Are cannellini beans healthy?

+

Yes, they are an excellent source of protein, fiber, and antioxidants, which can help in managing cholesterol levels, aiding digestion, and supporting heart health.