Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with this white bean rosemary soup with croutons and fresh basil recipe. Packed with flavor and easy to prepare, this soup is perfect for a cozy dinner with friends and family. The combination of creamy white beans, fragrant rosemary, crunchy croutons, and fresh basil creates an explosion of taste and texture in every bite.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup croutons
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- Parmesan cheese, optional for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Next, add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
Step 2: Add Beans, Broth, and Rosemary
Add the drained and rinsed cannellini beans to the pot, followed by the vegetable broth. Stir well to combine the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes.
Add the chopped fresh rosemary and season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Continue simmering the soup for another 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 3: Blend the Soup
To achieve a creamy consistency, blend about half of the soup using an immersion blender or a regular blender. If using a regular blender, be sure to let the soup cool slightly before blending and transfer it back to the pot after blending. Stir the blended soup into the remaining soup to combine.
Step 4: Prepare the Croutons
While the soup simmers, prepare the croutons. You can use store-bought croutons or make your own by toasting cubed bread in a pan with a little olive oil and seasoning until crisp and golden brown.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the white bean rosemary soup into bowls and top with a generous handful of croutons. Sprinkle with chopped fresh basil and, if desired, grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy the rich, creamy flavors of this comforting soup.
Variations and Tips
- For a vegan option, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
- If you prefer a chunkier soup, blend only a quarter of the soup instead of half.
- For an added touch of richness, stir in a splash of cream or coconut milk before serving.
- Add diced carrots and celery for extra texture and flavor.
- Substitute cannellini beans with navy or Great Northern beans if desired.
Conclusion
This white bean rosemary soup with croutons and fresh basil recipe is the perfect meal for those chilly evenings when you crave something warm and comforting. The fragrant rosemary and fresh basil provide an aromatic and flavorful twist to the traditional white bean soup, while the crunchy croutons add texture and contrast. Enjoy this delicious soup with a warm, crusty bread and a green salad for a satisfying and wholesome meal.