Lemon Rosemary White Bean Soup

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Introduction

When the weather turns chilly, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of soup to bring comfort to the soul. Lemon Rosemary White Bean Soup is the perfect dish for those seeking a nourishing, hearty meal that’s both satisfying and healthy. This flavorful soup combines the creamy texture of white beans with the fresh, citrusy brightness of lemon and the earthy, aromatic touch of rosemary. The result is a delightful balance of flavors that will warm you from the inside out.

In this article, we’ll explore why Lemon Rosemary White Bean Soup is the perfect addition to your recipe collection, walk you through the preparation steps, and offer helpful tips to make this recipe your own. Whether you’re looking for a vegetarian soup or a meal that’s light yet filling, this soup is a fantastic option. It’s versatile, easy to prepare, and makes for a great meal for the whole family or as a starter to a larger feast.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Light Yet Satisfying: The creamy texture of white beans combined with fresh lemon and rosemary offers a rich and filling soup that won’t weigh you down.
• Healthy & Nutritious: Packed with fiber, protein, and vitamins, this soup is a wholesome option that nourishes the body while satisfying your taste buds.
• Easy to Make: With minimal ingredients and simple steps, this recipe comes together quickly, making it a great choice for busy weekdays or a lazy weekend.
• Fresh & Flavorful: The bright notes of lemon, combined with the earthy rosemary and savory beans, create a truly flavorful experience in every bite.
• Customizable: Whether you prefer a vegan, gluten-free, or Halal version, this recipe can easily be adapted to suit your dietary needs.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 1 hour (15 minutes for prep, 45 minutes for cooking)
• Servings: This recipe serves 6-8 people.
• Nutrition Facts (per serving): Calories: 220, Protein: 12g, Carbs: 35g, Fat: 5g.

Ingredients

For the Soup:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used to sauté the vegetables and create the base of the soup. Olive oil provides a rich, healthy fat.
• 1 medium onion, diced: The onion adds depth and sweetness to the soup.
• 3 garlic cloves, minced: Garlic gives the soup a savory and aromatic flavor.
• 4 cups vegetable broth: This forms the liquid base of the soup, providing a light yet flavorful foundation.
• 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans (such as cannellini or great northern beans), drained and rinsed: White beans provide a creamy texture and substantial protein to the soup.
• 1 large carrot, diced: Adds natural sweetness and texture to the soup.
• 2 celery stalks, diced: Celery provides a nice crunch and adds to the soup’s complexity.
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary: Rosemary adds an earthy, aromatic note that perfectly complements the beans and lemon.
• 1 bay leaf: Adds depth to the soup’s flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper: Enhances the overall flavor and provides a little heat.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the flavors in the soup.
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon: The lemon adds a bright, refreshing tang that lifts the flavors of the soup.
• Fresh parsley, chopped: For garnish, adding color and a fresh herbal flavor.
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional): For a creamier texture, although this is optional for a lighter version.

Optional Garnish:

• Lemon wedges: For an extra burst of fresh citrus right before serving.
• Crusty bread: To serve on the side for dipping.

Step-by-Step

Preparation

FIRST STEP: SAUTÉ THE VEGETABLES

1. Heat the Olive Oil: In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Sauté the Onion: Add the diced onion and sauté for about 4-5 minutes, or until it becomes soft and translucent.
3. Add the Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
4. Add the Carrots and Celery: Toss in the diced carrots and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften and develop their flavors.

SECOND STEP: SIMMER THE SOUP

1. Add the Broth and Beans: Pour in the vegetable broth, white beans, and bay leaf. Stir to combine, then bring the soup to a simmer.
2. Season the Soup: Add the rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the soup.
3. Let it Simmer: Allow the soup to simmer for about 30-40 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the vegetables to soften. Stir occasionally.

THIRD STEP: ADD LEMON AND FINISH THE SOUP

1. Add Lemon: Once the soup is done simmering, remove the bay leaf. Add the juice and zest of one lemon to the soup, stirring to incorporate the citrus flavor.
2. Optional Creaminess: For a creamier texture, add the heavy cream at this point. Stir to combine, allowing the cream to enrich the soup. If you prefer a lighter version, you can skip this step.
3. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the salt, pepper, and lemon juice if needed, to suit your preference.

FINAL STEP: GARNISH AND SERVE

1. Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and flavor. You can also add a wedge of lemon to each bowl for extra zest.
2. Serve: Serve the soup warm with a side of crusty bread for dipping. Enjoy the comforting and refreshing combination of flavors!

How to Serve Lemon Rosemary White Bean Soup

Lemon Rosemary White Bean Soup is perfect for various occasions, from casual weeknight dinners to holiday meals. Here are some ideas on how to serve this hearty soup:

1. As a Light Meal

This soup makes a perfect light meal on its own. Serve it as a comforting main course for a cozy lunch or dinner. The white beans provide enough protein and fiber to keep you satisfied, while the vegetables and fresh lemon add a wholesome balance.

2. With a Side of Bread

A slice of warm, crusty bread or a baguette makes an ideal accompaniment to this soup. You can dip the bread into the soup to absorb all the rich, flavorful broth.

3. Serve as a Starter

Lemon Rosemary White Bean Soup works wonderfully as a starter for a larger meal. Pair it with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a well-rounded feast.

4. For Meal Prep

This soup is perfect for meal prep! Make a large batch and store it in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months, so you can have a quick and healthy meal ready whenever you need it.

Additional Tips

1. Make Ahead

You can prepare the soup a day in advance, as the flavors will continue to develop overnight. Simply reheat it when you’re ready to serve. If making ahead, it’s a good idea to hold off on adding the lemon juice and zest until you’re ready to serve to maintain the fresh citrus flavor.

2. Customize the Texture

If you prefer a smoother soup, you can use an immersion blender or a regular blender to purée part or all of the soup. This will create a creamy, velvety texture that’s perfect for those who love a silky soup.

3. Add Extra Veggies

Feel free to add other vegetables to the soup for added nutrition and flavor. Zucchini, spinach, or kale are great additions that will complement the lemon and rosemary nicely.

4. Adjust the Lemon

If you love citrus, feel free to add more lemon juice and zest to the soup. Lemon adds a refreshing touch, but it’s easy to adjust according to your taste.

Recipe Variations

While this Lemon Rosemary White Bean Soup is delicious as written, you can easily customize it to suit your taste and dietary preferences. Here are some variations to try:

1. Add Greens

Incorporate leafy greens such as spinach, kale, or Swiss chard into the soup. They will add color and extra vitamins, and their mild flavors will complement the other ingredients.

2. Vegan Version

For a fully vegan version of this soup, simply omit the heavy cream and ensure that the vegetable broth is plant-based. The soup will still be rich and satisfying without the cream.

3. Spicy Kick

For those who love a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes or a chopped fresh chili to the soup for a spicy twist that balances the citrusy and herbal flavors.

4. Halal Version

This recipe is already halal-friendly, but for those who prefer a heartier version, consider adding grilled chicken or lamb for a protein-packed meal that’s still in line with halal dietary practices.

Freezing and Storage

Lemon Rosemary White Bean Soup stores well in the refrigerator or freezer. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

Refrigeration

Store the soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen it up if necessary.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the soup in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Special Equipment

While this soup doesn’t require any special equipment, a few basic kitchen tools will make the process easier:

• Large Soup Pot: A deep pot for sautéing the vegetables and simmering the soup.
• Sharp Knife: For chopping the vegetables and herbs.
• Ladle: For serving the soup.
• Immersion Blender (optional): For blending the soup to your desired texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use dried beans instead of canned beans?

Yes, you can use dried beans, but they will need to be soaked overnight and then cooked before adding them to the soup. This will add extra time to the recipe, so be sure to plan accordingly.

2. Can I make this soup without rosemary?

If you’re not a fan of rosemary, you can substitute it with other herbs like thyme, sage, or oregano. These will bring their own unique flavors to the soup.

3. How can I make the soup spicier?

For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes or a fresh chili pepper during the sautéing step. You can also serve the soup with a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of chili powder.

4. Can I add meat to the soup?

For a meatier version, you can add grilled chicken, turkey, or lamb. Be sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly if you add any meat.

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Conclusion

Lemon Rosemary White Bean Soup is the perfect balance of freshness and comfort. With its rich flavors, wholesome ingredients, and easy preparation, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Whether you’re looking for a healthy, vegetarian meal or just need something cozy to warm you up on a cold day, this soup is a reliable and satisfying option. Enjoy it with your loved ones, and savor the comforting flavors of lemon, rosemary, and creamy white beans in every spoonful!