Velvety Lemon Rosemary White Bean Soup Recipe

Bright Lemon Rosemary White Bean Soup Recipe That Charms

Comfort arrives in a bowl with this silky, aromatic lemon rosemary white bean soup that whispers warmth on chilly evenings.

Fragrant herbs dance through each spoonful, creating a symphony of Mediterranean-inspired flavors.

rosemary sprigs infuse the creamy broth with earthy undertones that transport you to sun-drenched Italian countryside kitchens.

This simple yet sophisticated soup combines humble white beans with bright citrus notes for a nutritious meal that satisfies deeply.

Tender beans melt into a luxurious texture, while lemon adds a zesty spark that cuts through the richness.

Elegant enough for dinner parties yet easy enough for weeknight cooking, this soup promises to become a cherished recipe in your collection.

One spoonful, and you’ll understand why this dish turns ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Preparing Lemon Rosemary White Bean Soup at Home

  • Veggie Foundation

Warm a big cooking pot and gently dance chopped onions, carrots, and celery until they become soft and release their sweet aromatics. Invite garlic and fragrant herbs to join the party, letting them whisper their delightful essence into the mix.

  • Bean Wonderland

Pour in creamy white beans, rich vegetable broth, and a silky touch of tahini. Let everything mingle and bubble softly, creating a harmonious symphony of flavors that will warm your soul.

  • Citrus Finale

Take the pot off the heat and squeeze fresh lemon juice, allowing its bright character to lift the entire dish. Let the soup rest briefly, allowing its personality to develop and the broth to embrace a luxurious, comforting thickness.

Custom Flavor Ideas for Lemon Rosemary White Bean Soup

  • Swap white beans with chickpeas or cannellini beans for a fun twist on protein and texture.
  • Toss in chopped kale or spinach during the last 3 minutes of simmering to add extra vitamins and vibrant green color.
  • Blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender to create a richer, more velvety consistency without adding extra cream.
  • Top with toasted pine nuts, fresh chopped parsley, or a drizzle of good quality olive oil to elevate the soup's presentation and add delightful layers of flavor.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 150 kcal

Servings: 7

What’s in Lemon Rosemary White Bean Soup

For Base Aromatics:
  • Onion: Builds a rich, savory foundation with sweet undertones that complement the bean's earthy flavor.
  • Carrots: Adds natural sweetness and vibrant orange color while boosting nutritional value.
  • Celery: Provides a crisp texture and subtle peppery notes that enhance the soup's depth.
  • Garlic: Delivers a bold, zesty punch and powerful aromatic complexity to the dish.
For Herbs and Seasonings:
  • Thyme: Introduces an elegant, slightly minty herbal essence that pairs beautifully with white beans.
  • Rosemary: Brings a woody, pine-like fragrance that elevates the entire soup's flavor profile.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing and intensifying the overall taste experience.
For Soup Base and Texture:
  • White Beans: Creamy protein-packed legumes that create a luxurious, smooth soup consistency.
  • Vegetable Broth: Provides a light, flavorful liquid base that helps blend all ingredients harmoniously.
  • Tahini: Adds a nutty, rich undertone and helps create a silky, emulsified texture.
  • Lemon Juice: Brightens the entire dish with a tangy, fresh kick that cuts through the richness.
  • Olive Oil: Helps sauté vegetables and adds a subtle fruity undertone to the cooking process.

Tools You’ll Need for White Bean Soup with Lemon & Rosemary

  • Large pot: Essential for sautéing vegetables and simmering soup, with plenty of space for ingredients.
  • Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring and mixing ingredients without scratching the pot's surface.
  • Cutting board: Provides a clean, stable surface for chopping onions, carrots, and celery.
  • Sharp knife: Helps chop vegetables quickly and precisely for even cooking.
  • Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate seasoning with salt, pepper, and herbs.
  • Ladle: Convenient for serving hot soup into bowls smoothly.

How to Serve This Light White Bean Soup

  • Rustic Bread Dipping Companion: Serve alongside crusty sourdough or artisan bread slices, perfect for soaking up the rich, herbal broth and adding delightful texture to each spoonful.
  • Herb Garden Garnish: Sprinkle fresh chopped rosemary or thyme leaves on top, creating a vibrant green accent that enhances the soup's aromatic profile and adds a burst of fresh flavor.
  • Protein Power Bowl: Transform the soup into a hearty meal by topping with crumbled feta cheese, toasted pine nuts, or quick-seared plant-based protein for extra nutrition and satisfying crunch.
  • Mediterranean Mezze Plate: Pair the soup with a small side of olives, roasted red peppers, and a dollop of hummus to create a Mediterranean-inspired dining experience that celebrates fresh, wholesome ingredients.

How to Store Leftover Lemon Rosemary White Bean Soup

  • Refrigerator Fresh Zone: Store this hearty soup in an airtight container for 4-5 days. Cool completely before sealing to maintain maximum flavor and prevent moisture buildup.
  • Freezer Friendly Option: Transfer soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space at top. Freeze up to 3 months for quick future meals. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
  • Smart Portion Control: Divide soup into individual serving containers for grab-and-go lunches. Glass containers work best for maintaining taste and preventing flavor transfer.
  • Reheat with Care: Warm soup gently on stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add small splash of vegetable broth if soup seems too thick. Avoid microwave to prevent uneven heating and potential texture changes.
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Velvety Lemon Rosemary White Bean Soup Recipe

Velvety Lemon Rosemary White Bean Soup


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4.7 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Hearty Lemon Rosemary White Bean Soup brings Mediterranean comfort to winter dining. Fragrant herbs and zesty citrus create a satisfying meal packed with protein and warmth you’ll crave on chilly evenings.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cans (15 oz/425 g) white beans (cannellini, great northern, or chickpeas), drained and rinsed
  • 45 cups low sodium vegetable broth
  • 2 tbsps olive oil or ¼ cup water
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 large carrots, sliced or diced
  • 2 stalks celery, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsps tahini
  • 12 lemons, juice of 1
  • ½ tsp dried thyme
  • ½ tsp dried rosemary
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh chopped parsley, to serve

Instructions

  1. Foundation: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, creating a flavorful base for the soup.
  2. Vegetable Sauté: Add onions, carrots, and celery, gently cooking until vegetables soften and release their aromatics, approximately 5-6 minutes.
  3. Herbal Enhancement: Introduce garlic, thyme, and rosemary, stirring to distribute herbs evenly and awaken their intense flavors without scorching.
  4. Liquid Composition: Combine white beans, vegetable broth, and tahini, seasoning with salt and black pepper to build depth and complexity.
  5. Cooking Process: Bring the mixture to a vigorous boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer, covering partially to concentrate flavors and allow slight reduction.
  6. Flavor Development: Simmer for 10-12 minutes, occasionally stirring to ensure even cooking and harmonious blending of ingredients.
  7. Finishing Touches: Remove from heat, splash with fresh lemon juice to brighten the soup’s profile and add a crisp, citrusy dimension.
  8. Final Refinement: Let the soup rest briefly, allowing broth to slightly thicken and flavors to meld, then taste and adjust seasonings as needed for a perfectly balanced result.

Notes

  • Herb Infusion Tip: Crush rosemary and thyme between your fingers before adding to release maximum aromatic oils and enhance the soup’s flavor profile.
  • Bean Texture Trick: Gently mash a portion of white beans against the pot’s side to create a creamier, more luxurious soup consistency.
  • Lemon Brightness Technique: Add fresh lemon juice only at the end of cooking to preserve its vibrant citrus notes and prevent potential bitterness.
  • Serving Enhancement: Drizzle high-quality extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle fresh herbs on top just before serving to elevate the soup’s sensory experience.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 6 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 6 g
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Mia Reynolds

Mia Reynolds

Food Writer & Home Cooking Specialist

Expertise

Easy Home Baking, Recipe Writing and Storytelling, Local and Seasonal Ingredients, Baking for Beginners

Education

New England Culinary Institute (NECI), Montpelier, Vermont

  • Certificate: Baking and Pastry Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Hands-on baking skills, pastry basics, and creating delicious, approachable baked goods.

Community College of Vermont, Winooski, Vermont

  • Degree: Certificate in Food and Beverage Management
  • Focus: Essential knowledge of recipe development, ingredient sourcing, and food business basics.

Mia Reynolds fell in love with baking as a teenager experimenting in her family kitchen. Her passion took her to New England Culinary Institute, where she learned practical pastry techniques, and later to Community College of Vermont to deepen her understanding of food management.

Mia combines clear, simple baking instructions with heartwarming stories, making home baking approachable for everyone.

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