This vegan cannellini bean soup is a comforting and flavorful meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings. Made with simple pantry staples, it’s surprisingly hearty and satisfying, and comes together in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients for vegan cannellini bean soup
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan cannellini bean soup is:
- Quick and easy: Perfect for weeknight dinners, this soup is ready in just 30 minutes.
- Budget-friendly: Made with pantry staples like canned beans and broth, it’s an affordable and delicious meal.
- Packed with flavor: The combination of herbs, spices, and vegetables creates a depth of flavor that will leave you wanting more.
- Healthy and nutritious: Cannellini beans are a great source of protein and fiber, making this soup a satisfying and nourishing meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 (15-ounce) cans cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Chopping vegetables for vegan cannellini bean soup
How to Make Vegan Cannellini Bean Soup
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Sauté the vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes.
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Add the aromatics: Stir in the garlic, thyme, and bay leaves and cook for 1 minute, or until fragrant.
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Simmer the soup: Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
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Blend the soup: Remove the bay leaves. Using an immersion blender or regular blender (working in batches), blend the soup until smooth.
“For a chunkier soup,” advises renowned vegan chef, Sarah Thompson, “you can leave some of the beans whole and only partially blend the soup.”
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Add the beans: Stir in the cannellini beans and cook for 5 minutes, or until heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Vegan cannellini bean soup simmering on the stove
Tips for the Best Cannellini Bean Soup
- Adjust the consistency: If the soup is too thick, add more broth or water, 1/2 cup at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
- Boost the flavor: For a richer flavor, use homemade vegetable broth or add a Parmesan rind while the soup simmers.
- Don’t overcook the beans: Add the cannellini beans towards the end of cooking to prevent them from becoming mushy.
- Garnish generously: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. You can also top the soup with a drizzle of olive oil, vegan Parmesan cheese, or crusty bread.
“The beauty of this soup is its versatility,” says Chef Thompson. “Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique flavor combinations.”
FAQs
Can I use dried cannellini beans instead of canned?
Yes, you can use 1 cup of dried cannellini beans. Rinse and soak them overnight in cold water. Drain and rinse again before adding them to the soup.
What can I serve with this soup?
This soup pairs well with a simple side salad, crusty bread, or a vegan grilled cheese sandwich.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely, then store in airtight containers.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Follow steps 1-3 in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Continue with steps 4-5 as directed.
Can I use a different type of white bean?
Yes, you can substitute the cannellini beans with other white beans like Great Northern beans or navy beans.
A bowl of creamy vegan cannellini bean soup
This vegan cannellini bean soup is a comforting and flavorful meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. Give it a try, and you’ll see how easy it is to make a delicious and satisfying vegan meal with simple ingredients. For more delicious vegan bean recipes, check out our [vegan white bean soup](vegan white bean soup) and bean soup recipe vegan pages! If you’re looking for other ways to use cannellini beans, explore our collection of vegan white bean recipes.
