Winter is the perfect time to curl up with a warm, comforting bowl of soup. While many people might think of classic chicken noodle or tomato-based soups as the go-to comfort food, there’s a whole world of plant-based options that can be just as satisfying. Enter the hearty white bean soup — a recipe that combines simple, budget-friendly ingredients with deep, savory flavors to create something truly special.
This white bean soup isn’t your average bean soup. It’s packed with rich, bold flavors thanks to the use of fresh herbs, garlic, and miso, making it a standout dish that will leave you craving more. Whether you're looking for a cozy meal during the colder months or want to prep meals for the week, this soup is a must-try.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. The primary ingredients include a mirepoix (onions, carrots, and celery), dried white beans, fresh herbs, garlic, and olive oil. These are all staples you can find in any grocery store, making this recipe accessible to everyone.
But don’t let the simplicity fool you — the flavor is anything but ordinary. The combination of miso, Better than Bouillon, and garlic creates a deep savoriness that rivals even the most traditional soups. As one recipe tester noted, “It has ‘chicken noodle soup vibes’ without the chicken.”
Nourishing but Indulgent
Beans are often referred to as the "superfood" of the plant-based world, and for good reason. They’re loaded with fiber, protein, and essential minerals like potassium and magnesium. When paired with vitamin-rich carrots and antioxidant-packed garlic and herbs, this soup becomes a powerhouse of nutrition.
Despite being incredibly healthy, the soup also has a rich, indulgent mouthfeel. This is thanks to the addition of extra virgin olive oil and the slow braising of whole garlic cloves, which infuse the soup with a creamy, savory depth.
Great for Meal Prep
With 1 pound of dried beans, this soup makes a generous quantity that can last several days. You can also freeze half the soup for 3 to 6 months, making it an excellent option for busy weeks or unexpected emergencies.
The cooking process is also hands-off after the initial 20 minutes, allowing you to enjoy other activities while the soup simmers to perfection.
Ingredient Notes
Dried White Beans
While canned beans are convenient, using dried beans really elevates the flavor and texture of the soup. Any type of white bean works, such as Great Northern, cannellini, or navy beans. Just remember to soak them beforehand — this ensures they cook through properly without extending the cooking time too much.
If you're short on time, you can quickly soak the beans using a method like the one described in the FAQ section.
Mirepoix
A mirepoix is a French term for a mixture of onions, carrots, and celery, lightly sautéed to form the base of many dishes. In this soup, it adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
Fresh Herbs
Fresh herbs like rosemary, sage, and bay leaves bring a fragrant, earthy quality to the soup. If you don’t have fresh herbs, you can use a pre-packaged "poultry herb" mix or substitute with dried versions, though fresh is always preferred for maximum flavor.
Garlic
Instead of mincing garlic, this recipe uses whole garlic heads that are braised inside the soup. This technique gives the soup a mellow, sweet garlicky flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Olive oil is key to achieving a rich, velvety texture in this soup. Don’t skip it — it enhances both the flavor and mouthfeel.
White Miso
Miso is a fermented soybean paste that adds a deep, umami-rich flavor. For this recipe, white or yellow miso is ideal, as darker varieties may overpower the soup.
Better Than Bouillon No-Chicken Base
This ingredient provides an extra layer of savory depth, giving the soup a "chicken noodle soup vibe." If you don’t have it, you can substitute with low-sodium vegetable broth.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sauté the mirepoix: In an oven-safe pot, sauté onions, carrots, and celery for about 10 minutes until softened.
- Add red pepper flakes: Cook for 30 seconds to add a bit of heat.
- Add water and beans: Pour in water, scrape up any browned bits, and add soaked dried beans along with salt and pepper.
- Bring to a boil: Cover the pot and bring to a boil.
- Prepare herbs and garlic: Tie the herbs into a bouquet garni, remove the outer layers of the garlic, and slice off the top to expose the cloves.
- Add Better than Bouillon: Stir in the broth base once the soup comes to a boil.
- Bake: Transfer the pot to a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake until the beans are tender.
- Add miso: Once the soup is done, whisk miso into a ladle of hot broth and stir it back into the soup.
- Finish with garlic and oil: Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves into the soup and drizzle with additional olive oil.
- Season and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Tips for Making This Recipe
- Don’t use old beans: Older beans won’t soften properly and can ruin the texture of the soup.
- Use baking soda and salt: Soaking beans in a salty solution with baking soda helps them soften faster and improves their texture.
- Don’t skip the flavor boosters: Olive oil, miso, and Better than Bouillon are crucial for achieving that deep, savory flavor.
Variations
- Mirepoix variations: Swap celery for fennel, onions for leeks, or carrots for bell peppers.
- Bean variations: Try different types of white beans or even specialty beans like Rancho Gordo’s mayocoba or flageolet.
- Herb variations: Substitute thyme for rosemary or add oregano for a different flavor profile.
- Flavor twists: Add cumin, coriander, or harissa for a Middle Eastern twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use canned beans instead of dried? Yes, but the texture and flavor may not be as rich.
- What if I don’t have Better than Bouillon? Use low-sodium vegetable broth instead.
- How do I store leftovers? Store in the fridge for up to five days or freeze for 3 to 6 months.
Final Thoughts
This hearty white bean soup is a testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly remarkable. With its rich, savory flavor and nourishing qualities, it's a perfect addition to any winter menu. Whether you're meal prepping for the week or simply looking for a cozy dinner, this soup is sure to satisfy.
So why not give it a try? You might just find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again.
