Rosemary White Bean Soup (with Dried Beans)
Silky smooth homemade white bean soup with rosemary is comfort in a bowl. This recipe starts with dried beans and the creamy texture comes from blending until smooth. It’s dairy free so you can even make it for your vegan guests!
When it comes to soup you just can’t beat homemade! I think that’s especially true for smooth varieties like tomato soup and butternut squash soup. And this recipe is no different.
White beans like Great Northern or Cannellini, make this a hearty and filling protein-packed main course. Serve it on a soup bar for a ladies luncheon, or pair it with bread and dipping oil and a salad for casual dinner guests.
Ingredient Notes
- Dried white beans. You can use either Northern beans or Cannellini. Remember you will need to soak them overnight so plan accordingly.
- Fresh rosemary. No need to pull the needles off the stem; just toss them in to add the flavor.
- Broth. Use chicken broth for a richer flavor, or vegetable broth for vegetarian friends.
How To Make It
Here’s a quick look at the steps to making the recipe. Full instructions are in the card at bottom.
- Since we’re using dried beans you’ll need to soak them. I always do this overnight since it takes 6 to 8 hours.
- The next day you’ll drain and rinse the beans and begin to build the soup in a large Dutch oven or stock pot.
- Once you’ve got the soup base done, transfer the mixture to a blender. Pulse and then puree until smooth.
- Work in batches using a large bowl to hold the pureed portion while you blend the other half. Then return it all to the large pot to keep warm.
Tips and Tricks
While I’ve made this batch totally smooth, you have the option to give it some texture if you want. All you do is strain out some of the beans before you puree the mixture, and add them back in when you return the blended soup into the pot.
Top your soup for extra flavor. Some ideas are croutons, crumbled bacon, chopped fresh chives, drizzle of olive oil, or shredded parmesan cheese.
What To Serve It With
Serve it with open faced grilled cheese tartines or spinach puff pastry pinwheels. Give your guests options with a DIY sandwich bar and a batch of pumpkin soup. We love choices!
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Smooth White Bean Soup recipe
Smooth white bean soup that's creamy in texture but dairy-free. This hearty blend makes a delicious main dish for cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 pound dried great northern or cannellini beans
- 2 large sweet onions, diced
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed or chopped fine
- 4-5 large (6”) branches of fresh rosemary
- 2 quarts (64 ounces) chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- In a large stock pot or bowl, place the beans and cover with water by at least 1 inch and let them soak for 6 hours or overnight.
- Drain and Rinse the beans. Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large stockpot over low‐medium heat. Sauté the onions until they are translucent, about 12‐15 minutes. Add the garlic and cook over low heat for about 3 minutes.
- Add white beans, rosemary, broth and bay leaves. Cover with the lid slightly ajar and bring to a boil; reduce heat to low and simmer covered for 30 to 40 minutes. Check the beans for firmness and if needed, cook for 5 to 10 more minutes, until they’re soft.
- Remove beans from heat and let cool slightly; remove the rosemary branches and bay leaves.
- Strain out about 2 or 3 cups of beans without the liquid if you want to have some texture in your soup. Then use a large ladle or cup to transfer liquid and beans to a blender, to about half full. Pulse until soup is pureed. Work in batches if needed, using a large bowl as a holding vessel while working through.
- Return the pureed soup to the pot along with the reserved beans and reheat to warm through. Stir in salt + pepper to taste, and serve hot.
Yummy it sounds delicous love the ingredients.
Oooohhhh yummy! This looks perfect for a chilly day! Yum!
Reminds me of a soup I had in Rome – zupa di faggioli (I think it was called?). So yummy – and delicious with hearty, rustic bread!
Will definitely be making this – great recipe xo
This soup sounds delicious!
YUM! Thanks again for another wonderful and truly healthy recipe!