There’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty bowl of soup to soothe your soul and warm you up on a chilly day. This Creamy Cannellini Bean Tomato Soup is the perfect combination of comfort and flavor. Packed with tender white beans, fire-roasted tomatoes, and a medley of aromatic herbs, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite. Plus, it’s versatile, easy to make, and loaded with wholesome ingredients that will nourish your body and soul. Let’s dive into the step-by-step process to create this creamy delight!
Why Cannellini Bean Tomato Soup is the Ultimate Comfort Food
Soup has always been the go-to comfort food, but this recipe takes things to the next level. The creamy texture from the cannellini beans pairs beautifully with the zesty fire-roasted tomatoes, creating a balanced flavor that’s hearty yet light. Not to mention, the addition of Italian seasoning and a touch of red pepper flakes gives it a subtle warmth that feels like a hug in a bowl.
Ingredients: The Stars of the Dish
Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients that make this soup shine:
- Cannellini Beans: These creamy white beans are the heart of this soup. They’re rich in protein, fiber, and have a buttery texture that blends beautifully with the broth.
- Fire-Roasted Tomatoes: These add a smoky, tangy flavor that enhances the overall taste of the soup.
- Italian Seasoning & Herbs: A blend of oregano, thyme, and basil brings authentic Italian flavors to the dish.
- Parmesan Rind: Though optional, this ingredient infuses the soup with a nutty, savory depth that’s hard to beat.
- Heavy Cream (Optional): A splash of cream adds richness and makes the soup luxuriously smooth.
How to Make Creamy Cannellini Bean Tomato Soup
1. Sauté the Vegetables
Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced carrots and sauté for about 3 minutes. This step begins to release their natural sweetness. Next, reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the diced shallots. Cook for another 2 minutes, allowing them to soften and enhance their flavor.
2. Add Aromatics and Tomato Paste
Once your veggies are soft, add minced garlic, Italian seasoning, dried thyme, crushed red pepper flakes, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. Cook for about a minute until fragrant. Stir in the 1 tablespoon of tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes to caramelize and intensify its flavor.
3. Deglaze the Pot
Pour in 4 cups of chicken or vegetable stock (or bouillon water) to deglaze the pot. Scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom with a wooden spoon. This step ensures maximum flavor in your broth.
4. Incorporate Beans, Tomatoes, and Bay Leaf
Add the cannellini beans (along with their liquid), fire-roasted diced tomatoes, a bay leaf, and the Parmesan rind if you’re using it. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Simmer for Depth of Flavor
Once boiling, lower the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and let the soup cook for about 10 minutes. Uncover and continue simmering for another 10 minutes to thicken and meld the flavors.
Tips for Perfect Soup
- Blend for Creaminess: For an ultra-smooth texture, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup. This creates a creamy consistency while keeping some of the beans whole for texture.
- Enhance with Garnishes: Top your soup with freshly grated Parmesan, a dollop of pesto, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for added flavor and presentation.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this creamy soup with:
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for dipping into the flavorful broth.
- Italian Chopped Salad: A refreshing side to balance the hearty soup.
- Cooked Grains: Serve over quinoa, farro, or barley for added texture and nutrition.
Variations to Try
- Vegetarian Version: Use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock and skip the Parmesan rind for a vegan-friendly option.
- Spicy Kick: Add extra crushed red pepper flakes for a bold, spicy flavor.
- Protein Boost: Stir in cooked chicken or Italian sausage for a heartier meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freeze: This soup freezes beautifully. Portion it into zip-top bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat: Gently warm the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
Nutritional Benefits of Cannellini Bean Tomato Soup
This soup isn’t just delicious; it’s also packed with nutrients:
- High in Fiber: Thanks to the beans and vegetables, this soup supports digestive health.
- Rich in Antioxidants: The tomatoes and herbs provide vitamins and antioxidants that boost immunity.
- Low in Calories: A light yet satisfying meal option, especially if you skip the cream.
Why This Soup Stands Out
What makes this soup truly special is its ability to bring together simple ingredients and elevate them into something extraordinary. The combination of creamy beans, tangy tomatoes, and aromatic herbs creates a flavor profile that is both comforting and sophisticated.
Conclusion: A Bowl of Comfort
There’s no better way to warm up than with a steaming bowl of Creamy Cannellini Bean Tomato Soup. With its rich flavors, creamy texture, and endless versatility, this dish is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Whether you’re serving it for a casual weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering, this soup will leave everyone asking for seconds. So grab your pot, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to this deliciously comforting meal.
Don’t forget to pair it with your favorite bread and garnish generously with Parmesan. Bon appétit!
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Warm Up with Creamy Cannellini Bean Tomato Soup!
Description
Cozy Comfort in a Bowl: Creamy cannellini beans, fire-roasted tomatoes, and aromatic herbs create a hearty, flavorful soup perfect for any chilly day.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced (about 1 ¼ cups)
- 2 large shallots, peeled and diced (about ¾ cup)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ⅛ to ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable stock (or 4 chicken bouillon cubes dissolved in boiling water)
- 2 (14-ounce) cans white beans (cannellini or great Northern), undrained
- 1 (14-ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 Parmesan rind (optional, but adds depth of flavor)
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: ¼ cup heavy cream, freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Garnish Options: Croutons, fresh herbs (parsley or basil), pesto, white balsamic vinegar, or lemon wedges
- Serving Suggestions: Garlic bread, Italian salad, or cooked grains
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced carrots and sauté for 3 minutes, stirring frequently. Reduce heat to medium-low and add the shallots. Cook for another 2 minutes until softened.
- Add Aromatics and Tomato Paste:
- Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, thyme, red pepper flakes, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add tomato paste and cook, stirring constantly, for 1–2 minutes until it caramelizes.
- Deglaze the Pan:
- Pour in the stock (or bouillon water) and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add Beans, Tomatoes, and Flavor Enhancers:
- Add the white beans (along with their liquid), fire-roasted tomatoes, bay leaf, and Parmesan rind. Increase heat to high and bring the soup to a boil.
- Simmer the Soup:
- Once boiling, lower the heat and simmer covered for 10 minutes. Then, uncover the pot and simmer for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Finish with Cream and Cheese:
- Remove the bay leaf and Parmesan rind using tongs. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan, if desired. Adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, lemon juice, or white balsamic vinegar. Optionally, add baby spinach or fresh herbs for extra freshness.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with croutons, fresh herbs, a dollop of pesto, and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Pair with garlic bread, a fresh Italian salad, or grains for a complete meal.