How to cook Summer Vegetable White Bean Soup

As the sun reaches its zenith and the days stretch long and languid, there’s an undeniable allure to the vibrant bounty that summer brings. The markets brim with a kaleidoscope of fresh produce, each vegetable telling a story of sun-soaked days and nature’s generosity. In this season of abundance, a bowl of Summer Vegetable White Bean Soup becomes not just a meal but a celebration of the harvest.

Imagine a light yet satisfying broth, teeming with the sweetness of just-picked tomatoes, the tender crunch of green beans, and the earthy comfort of carrots. Each spoonful feels like a homage to the garden’s yield. The white beans, with their creamy texture, add a heartiness to the soup that satisfies without overwhelming, making it a perfect dish for those balmy evenings when something nourishing yet light is desired.

The reasons for gravitating towards this soup are manifold. It’s a way to honor the seasonal produce, to create a dish that’s both healthful and mindful of the environment. It’s also an opportunity to gather around the table with friends and family, to share in the simple joy of a meal made with care and served with love.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the delicate flavors and simple pleasures of Summer Vegetable White Bean Soup—a dish that encapsulates the essence of summer in every bite.

Summer Vegetable White Bean Soup Recipe

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Summer Vegetable White Bean Soup is a vibrant and nourishing dish that encapsulates the essence of summer. It’s a light yet hearty soup that celebrates the abundance of fresh produce available during the warmer months. The combination of crisp vegetables like tomatoes, green beans, and carrots with the creamy texture of white beans results in a satisfying meal that’s full of flavor and nutrients.

This soup is not only a joy to eat but also a pleasure to prepare, as it allows for the flexibility to incorporate a variety of seasonal vegetables. It’s an excellent way to make use of the garden’s bounty or to take advantage of the freshest ingredients from the local farmers’ market. The inclusion of white beans adds a good source of protein and fiber, making the soup a complete and balanced meal.

With its simplicity and adaptability, Summer Vegetable White Bean Soup is perfect for a casual family dinner or as a wholesome option for meal prepping. It can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a slice of crusty bread for dipping. Each bowl serves as a reminder of the simple pleasures that come from eating foods that are in season and prepared with care—a true celebration of summer’s generosity.

Summer Vegetable White Bean Soup

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Soup
Cuisine American
Servings 8 people
Calories 982 kcal

Equipment

  • 1  large soup pot

Ingredients
  

  • 2 T extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion diced
  • 2-3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
  • 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
  • a couple pinches of red pepper flakes optional
  • ¾ cup celery diced (approx. 2-3 stalks)
  • ½ cup carrot peeled and diced (approximately 1 large carrot)
  • 4 cups tomatoes diced (approx. 4 or 5 large – I like to use a mix of yellow & red. heirloom are great too)
  • ½ cup dry white wine I used Pinot Grigio but feel free to use whatever you have on hand
  • 6 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 bay leaf
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • A few twists of freshly ground pepper
  • 2 15 oz. cans of cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
  • chopped basil and/or parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the onion and a pinch of salt and sauté for about 5-7 minutes – until they are translucent. Add in the garlic, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for another minute or two when the onions just begin to brown.
  • Next, add the celery, carrot, and tomatoes and sauté for another 5 minutes. Add the white wine to deglaze and cook for about 5 more minutes until the wine has reduced slightly.
  • Next, add the vegetable broth, cannellini beans, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Mix until coated then bring to a boil then reduce heat to low and simmer for about 30 minutes to let flavors meld.
  • When the 30 minutes is up, ladle half of the soup into a high-speed blender (or a regular one will do) making sure to remove the bay leaf first. Start on a low speed and slowly work up to high so the hot soup doesn’t splatter. Blend the soup until smooth. Return the pureed soup back to the pot mix together and adjust seasoning to taste.
  • Top with chopped fresh herbs such as basil and/or parsley. You can also add a tablespoon or two to the soup when you’re pureeing for additional flavor.

Video

Keyword Vegetable

Cooking Tips

Summer Vegetable and White Bean Stew | Up Beet Kitchen

Creating Summer Vegetable White Bean Soup is a joyful ode to the season’s freshest produce. My personal approach is to let each vegetable shine, sautéing them just enough to enhance their natural flavors without overshadowing their delicate textures. The white beans should be simmered until they reach a creamy consistency, which melds seamlessly into the light broth, providing a satisfying depth.

I find that a splash of lemon juice or a dash of vinegar added at the end of cooking can brighten the entire dish, lifting the flavors and bringing a subtle zing that dances on the palate. It’s important to season thoughtfully, as the right amount of salt and pepper can make the difference between a good soup and a great one.

This soup is a canvas for the season’s best, and in preparing it, we celebrate not only the taste but also the fleeting beauty of summer’s gifts. Each bowl served is a reminder to savor the moment and the simple pleasures that come from cooking with heart and eating with gratitude.

Serving suggestion

Summer Vegetable and White Bean Stew | Up Beet Kitchen

Serving Summer Vegetable White Bean Soup is like presenting a canvas of summer’s splendor. I adore garnishing each bowl with a sprig of fresh basil or parsley, which adds a pop of color and an aromatic lift. A light grating of Parmesan or a swirl of olive oil can introduce a subtle richness that complements the soup’s bright flavors. For those who enjoy a bit of texture, a handful of homemade croutons scattered on top can add a delightful crunch. This dish is a celebration, not just of the season’s harvest but also of the care we take in preparing food for ourselves and our loved ones. It’s a gentle reminder of the joy found in simplicity and the shared pleasure of a meal that’s both healthful and heartwarming.

Top 5 FAQs about Summer Vegetable White Bean Soup

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  • What are the nutritional benefits of Summer Vegetable White Bean Soup? This question is central for those looking to understand how this soup can fit into a healthy diet. The soup is typically rich in fiber, plant-based protein, vitamins, and minerals due to its combination of fresh vegetables and legumes.
  • Can I use different vegetables than what the recipe calls for? Flexibility in recipes is important for home cooks who might have varying produce available. This question allows for guidance on how to substitute vegetables while maintaining the integrity and flavor of the soup.
  • What are some tips for achieving the perfect texture and flavor balance in the soup? Cooking techniques can greatly affect the outcome of a dish. Answering this question involves sharing tips on sautéing vegetables, the order of adding ingredients, and seasoning adjustments to ensure a delicious soup.
  • How can I serve Summer Vegetable White Bean Soup to make it a complete meal? People often look for ways to round out a soup into a more filling meal. Suggestions might include pairing it with crusty bread, a side salad, or incorporating grains like quinoa or rice directly into the soup.
  • What’s the best way to store leftovers and how long will they last? Practical advice on storing and reheating the soup helps individuals enjoy the dish safely over several days. This includes tips on refrigeration, freezing, and the best methods for reheating without losing flavor or texture.

In wrapping up our exploration of Summer Vegetable White Bean Soup, it’s clear that this dish is a harmonious blend of simplicity and wholesomeness. It stands as a tribute to the season’s freshest produce, offering a comforting yet light option for any meal. The soup’s base of tender vegetables and creamy white beans provides a canvas for the bright, fresh flavors of summer to shine through.

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