Cream Of Bean Soup Recipe

Let’s talk comfort food, the kind that’s warm, nourishing, and full of flavor. One such dish is Cream of Bean Soup, a velvety, satisfying bowl of goodness that’s not just tasty but also packed with nutrients. Whether you’re looking for a hearty meal to serve on a cold day or just craving something easy to whip up for a light dinner, this soup is perfect.

The beauty of cream of bean soup lies in its simplicity. You don’t need an army of exotic ingredients, just a few pantry staples and some fresh produce. It’s rich and creamy, but surprisingly light, making it suitable for just about anyone-whether you’re vegan, gluten-free, or just love a good bowl of soup. Ready to dive into the recipe? Let’s break it down!

This is an incredibly easy recipe that yields a creamy, smooth texture with the perfect balance of savory and earthy flavors. You’ll notice that the soup is made with simple ingredients you can keep on hand, but when combined, they create a dish that feels far more luxurious than the sum of its parts. Ready to cook?

Ingredients Needed

You probably already have most of these in your kitchen, making this recipe a total win for those last-minute cravings. Here’s what you’ll need:

2 cups of dry white beans (such as navy beans or cannellini beans): These are the base of the soup, offering a mild, creamy texture when blended.
4 cups of vegetable or chicken broth: Choose your broth based on whether you want a vegan or non-vegan version. The broth is essential for flavor depth.
1 medium onion, chopped: Adds that savory, aromatic base flavor.
2 cloves garlic, minced: You can never go wrong with garlic! It brings an extra layer of fragrance and depth.
2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped: Carrots offer subtle sweetness and texture.
2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing the veggies and adding richness.
1 teaspoon dried thyme: This herb infuses the soup with a savory warmth.
1 teaspoon dried rosemary: Complements the thyme with its earthy, pine-like aroma.
Salt and pepper to taste: Don’t skip this-seasoning is key!
1/2 cup of heavy cream or coconut milk: This is where the creaminess comes from, making the soup luxuriously smooth.
Fresh parsley for garnish: A pop of color and freshness to finish things off.

Cooking Instructions

Now that we have everything, let’s get cooking. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be on your way to a bowl of creamy, delicious bean soup in no time.

Prep the beans: Start by soaking your dry beans overnight in cold water (this helps soften them). If you’re in a rush, you can skip this step and use canned beans-just drain and rinse them well before using.
Cook the vegetables: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and carrots. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are translucent and the carrots are softened.
Add the broth and beans: Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and add your soaked (or canned) beans. Stir in the dried thyme and rosemary, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 20 minutes, or until the beans are tender and fully cooked through. If you’re using canned beans, you can reduce the cook time to around 10 minutes.
Blend the soup: Once the beans are cooked, use an immersion blender directly in the pot to blend the soup until it reaches a smooth, creamy consistency. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender.
Finish with cream: Once the soup is blended, return it to the heat and stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk. Let it cook for another 5 minutes to ensure everything is well-combined and heated through.
Season: Taste your soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.

Ingredient Insights

Understanding the key ingredients not only makes the cooking process easier but also gives you a deeper appreciation for the flavors and textures of this soup. Let’s dive into a few of them:

Beans: Beans are the unsung heroes of the culinary world. They are high in fiber, protein, and essential minerals like potassium and magnesium. Using white beans in this recipe offers a neutral base that perfectly absorbs the flavor of the broth and spices. Plus, they create that smooth, creamy texture that defines this soup.
Carrots: These little orange gems are rich in beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A. They add a subtle sweetness that balances out the savory elements of the broth and beans, making the soup even more satisfying.
Olive Oil: Not just for sautéing, olive oil is full of healthy monounsaturated fats, which are known to support heart health. It also adds a nice richness to the soup.
Heavy Cream or Coconut Milk: This is the magic ingredient that takes the soup from good to great. Heavy cream brings an indulgent, smooth texture, while coconut milk offers a dairy-free alternative with a slightly sweet, tropical undertone.

Expert Tips

Want to elevate this recipe? Here are a few expert tips to ensure your cream of bean soup turns out perfect:

Use a good-quality broth: The broth is one of the main flavors of the soup, so it’s worth investing in a flavorful, low-sodium option. Homemade broth, if you have it, works wonders.
Soak the beans: If you’re using dry beans, soaking them overnight will help them cook faster and more evenly. Plus, it helps to reduce the natural gas-producing compounds in beans.
Blend half the soup: For an interesting texture, try blending only half of the soup. This gives you a mix of creamy liquid and chunky bean pieces, which adds a nice mouthfeel.
Flavor boost: For extra depth, you can add a splash of lemon juice or a teaspoon of white wine vinegar at the end to brighten the flavors.
Storage: Cream of bean soup stores really well in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just be sure to cool it completely before storing.

Recipe Variations

While the original recipe is already wonderful, there are several ways you can customize this soup to fit your tastes:

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or a finely chopped jalapeño for a little heat.
Herb Swap: Try fresh basil or sage in place of thyme and rosemary. Fresh herbs will give the soup a lighter, brighter flavor.
Smoked Beans: Use smoked beans or add a few drops of liquid smoke to give your soup a smoky depth. It pairs beautifully with the creamy texture.
Vegetarian/Vegan: Swap out the heavy cream for coconut cream or use a dairy-free alternative like cashew cream. Make sure the broth is vegetable-based.
Add Greens: Throw in a handful of spinach, kale, or Swiss chard near the end of cooking for an added nutritional boost.

Final Words

Cream of bean soup is a versatile dish that can adapt to your flavor preferences, dietary needs, and whatever you have on hand in the kitchen. It’s comforting, nourishing, and deceptively simple to make. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy dinner or prepping meals for the week, this soup is a reliable go-to.

Cream Of Bean Soup Recipe