This Tomato & White Bean Soup is the ultimate comforting bowl for chilly days. Creamy white beans and fire-roasted tomatoes come together with fragrant herbs and a touch of cream to create a rich and hearty texture. Topped with freshly grated Parmesan, crispy croutons, and a hint of fresh basil, this dish is both rustic and elegant. What makes this soup special is its versatility keep it vegan by skipping the cream and Parmesan, or make it extra indulgent with a generous drizzle of heavy cream. Pair it with crusty garlic bread or a fresh Italian salad for a complete meal. Simple, satisfying, and bursting with flavor, this soup will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 large shallots, peeled and diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 4 chicken bouillon cubes dissolved in 4 cups boiling water (or 4 cups vegetable/chicken stock)
- 2 (14-ounce) cans white beans (cannellini or great Northern), undrained
- 1 (14-ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 1 dry bay leaf
- 1 Parmesan rind (optional)
- Kosher salt & ground black pepper to taste
- ¼ cup heavy cream (optional)
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh herbs (Italian parsley or fresh basil) for garnish
- Croutons for serving
- Lemon wedges for a fresh squeeze of acidity
Directions:
- Sauté the vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced carrots and sauté for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Lower the heat to medium-low, add the shallots, and cook until soft, about 2 minutes.
- Add aromatics and tomato paste: Stir in the garlic, Italian seasoning, dried thyme, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the tomato paste and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until caramelized.
- Deglaze with bouillon or stock: Pour in the bouillon water (or stock) and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any bits stuck to the bottom of the pan.
- Add beans, tomatoes, and bay leaf: Stir in the white beans (with their liquid), fire-roasted tomatoes, bay leaf, and Parmesan rind (if using). Bring the soup to a boil.
- Simmer the soup: Once boiling, reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 10 minutes, then uncover and stir. Let simmer uncovered for another 10 minutes.
- Finish with cream and cheese (optional): Remove and discard the bay leaf and Parmesan rind. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan if using. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs, croutons, a dollop of pesto, or a squeeze of lemon juice. Serve with crusty bread or a fresh salad. Enjoy!
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes Kcal: 98 kcal | Servings: 4
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Simple and Quick to Make
One of the biggest advantages of this recipe is how effortlessly it comes together. With just 10 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of cooking time, you can have a delicious and nutritious meal ready to serve. Unlike some soups that require hours of simmering, this one delivers rich flavors in a relatively short amount of time.
2. Healthy and Nutritious
This soup is not just about comfort it’s also packed with nutrients. White beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein and fiber, helping to keep you full and satisfied. They also contain essential vitamins and minerals, such as iron, magnesium, and folate.
The fire-roasted tomatoes bring a robust depth of flavor while providing a healthy dose of vitamin C and antioxidants like lycopene, which is known for its potential health benefits, including heart health and reduced inflammation. The combination of these ingredients creates a balanced, nourishing dish that supports overall well-being.
3. Perfect for Any Diet
Another reason to love this Tomato and White Bean Soup is its dietary flexibility. It’s naturally vegetarian and gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions. If you want to make it vegan, simply omit the optional heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. You can also adjust the spices and add extra vegetables like spinach or kale to enhance its nutritional value.
4. A Versatile and Customizable Dish
One of the best aspects of this soup is how adaptable it is. You can easily modify the recipe to suit your taste preferences or to use up ingredients you have on hand. Here are some variations to consider:
- Add leafy greens – Stir in fresh spinach, kale, or Swiss chard during the last few minutes of cooking for an extra boost of vitamins and minerals.
- Include more protein – If you’d like to make the soup even heartier, add shredded rotisserie chicken, crumbled sausage, or crispy pancetta.
- Enhance the flavor – For a deeper umami flavor, toss in a Parmesan rind while the soup simmers. This trick infuses the broth with a rich, cheesy taste without making it heavy.
- Make it spicy – If you love a bit of heat, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Use fresh tomatoes – If you have fresh garden tomatoes, roast them in the oven before blending them into the soup for a more natural, homemade touch.
Serving Suggestions
While this soup is delicious on its own, it pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides and toppings. Here are some ideas to elevate your dining experience:
Bread Pairings
- Serve the soup with a slice of crusty garlic bread to soak up the flavorful broth.
- Pair it with buttery dinner rolls or toasted sourdough for an added crunch.
- Try it with grilled cheese sandwiches for the ultimate cozy meal.
Garnish and Toppings
- A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese adds a delicious savory note.
- A dollop of pesto enhances the herbaceous flavors and adds richness.
- Freshly chopped basil or parsley gives the dish a pop of color and freshness.
- A squeeze of lemon juice or white balsamic vinegar brightens up the flavors.
- For extra texture, top the soup with homemade croutons or crispy chickpeas.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
This soup is an excellent option for meal prep since the flavors deepen and develop even further after a day in the fridge. Here’s how to store and reheat it for best results:
Refrigeration:
Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezing:
For longer storage, freeze the soup in individual portions for easy reheating. Be sure to leave some room in the container for expansion. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheating:
- Stovetop: Warm the soup over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, covering it with a lid or damp paper towel to prevent splattering. Stir halfway through for even heating.
If the soup thickens after storage, add a splash of water or broth to bring it back to your desired consistency.
Conclusion:
Tomato and White Bean Soup is more than just a simple meal it’s a comforting, nourishing dish that brings warmth to any table. With its combination of creamy white beans, flavorful tomatoes, and aromatic herbs, this soup is a testament to the beauty of simple, wholesome ingredients.
Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner, meal prepping for the week, or looking for a cozy dish to enjoy on a cold evening, this soup is a fantastic choice. It’s quick to make, highly customizable, and packed with nutrition, making it a must-have in your recipe collection.