This Smoky White Bean Soup with Garlic and Herbs is the perfect blend of creamy texture, earthy herbs, and a gentle smoky flavor that warms you from the inside out. It’s simple, hearty, and full of nourishing ingredients that make every spoonful deeply satisfying. Whether you’re curled up on a chilly evening or just craving a wholesome homemade meal, this soup delivers cozy comfort in every bite.
Ingredients
- 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups kale, chopped
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the white beans, vegetable broth, smoked paprika, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Lower the heat and simmer for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
- Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth, or leave it chunky if you like a rustic texture.
- Stir in the kale and cook for 5 minutes, until tender.
- Remove from heat, add lemon juice, and stir well.
- Ladle into bowls and top with fresh parsley before serving.
Variation
- Creamy Coconut Twist – Stir in ½ cup of coconut milk before serving for a velvety texture and a hint of tropical flavor.
- Spicy Kick Version – Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño while sautéing the onions for extra warmth.
- Hearty Veggie Boost – Mix in diced carrots, celery, or potatoes during the simmering step for a thicker, more filling soup.
Cooking Notes
- Use low-sodium vegetable broth to better control the salt level, especially since the beans may already contain some salt.
- If you prefer a smoother texture, blend the entire batch — or just half of it for a balance of creaminess and chunkiness.
- The smoked paprika gives this soup its signature flavor — don’t skip it! It’s what makes it truly “smoky.”
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side of crusty artisan bread or garlic toast to soak up every drop of that flavorful broth.
- Top each bowl with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan for added richness.
- Pair it with a light green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette for a fresh, balanced meal.
Tips
- For an even creamier consistency, mash a few beans before blending.
- This soup stores beautifully keep leftovers refrigerated for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Add the lemon juice right before serving to keep the flavors bright and the kale vibrant.
Prep Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Protein: 10g
- Sodium: 680mg
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
Yes! Just soak 1 cup of dried white beans overnight and cook them until tender before adding them to the soup. -
How can I make this soup thicker?
You can blend more of the soup or add a small amount of mashed potatoes or blended white beans to naturally thicken it. -
Is this soup freezer-friendly?
Absolutely. Let the soup cool completely, then store it in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. -
What herbs can I substitute if I don’t have thyme or rosemary?
Dried Italian seasoning or herbes de Provence work wonderfully as substitutes for a similar savory flavor profile.
Conclusion
This Smoky White Bean Soup with Garlic and Herbs is the kind of cozy comfort that feels like a warm hug on a cold day. It’s nourishing, full of flavor, and simple enough for any weeknight dinner. Serve it with fresh bread, share it with loved ones, and savor each spoonful of smoky, herby goodness.
Smoky White Bean Soup with Garlic and Herbs
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Smoky White Bean Soup with Garlic and Herbs is the perfect blend of creamy texture, earthy herbs, and a gentle smoky flavor that warms you from the inside out. It’s simple, hearty, and full of nourishing ingredients that make every spoonful deeply satisfying. Whether you’re curled up on a chilly evening or just craving a wholesome homemade meal, this soup delivers cozy comfort in every bite.
Ingredients
- 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups kale, chopped
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the white beans, vegetable broth, smoked paprika, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Lower the heat and simmer for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
- Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth, or leave it chunky if you like a rustic texture.
- Stir in the kale and cook for 5 minutes, until tender.
- Remove from heat, add lemon juice, and stir well.
- Ladle into bowls and top with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, add a splash of coconut milk or a spoonful of Greek yogurt before serving.
- A sprinkle of smoked sea salt enhances the smoky flavor even more.
- This soup thickens as it cools add a little extra broth when reheating if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American / Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: smoky white bean soup, garlic herb soup, kale soup, vegetarian comfort food