Creamy Lemon White Bean Soup Bowl
Highlighted under: Healthy & Light
I fell in love with this Creamy Lemon White Bean Soup Bowl the first time I tasted it. The bright burst of lemon perfectly complements the creaminess of the white beans, creating a comforting and satisfying dish. It's a great option for both a light lunch and a hearty dinner. Whether I’m enjoying it on a chilly evening or serving it at a gathering, this soup never fails to impress. Plus, it's quick to whip up, making it the perfect weeknight meal.
When I first experimented with this recipe, I wanted a soup that was both comforting and vibrant. The combination of creamy white beans with zesty lemon was an instant hit. I learned that cooking the beans until soft allows for a silkier texture, making the soup delightful. It’s my go-to for an effortless yet elegant meal.
One tip I discovered is to finish the soup off with a splash of fresh lemon juice just before serving. This elevates the flavors, creating a refreshing brightness that balances the dish wonderfully. Trust me, it’s a small step that makes a big difference!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Bright, zesty flavor that awakens the palate
- Creamy texture that soothes and satisfies
- Quick and easy to prepare for any occasion
Key Ingredients Explained
The main ingredient of this soup, white beans, not only provide a creamy texture but also pack a nutritious punch. Beans are an excellent source of protein and fiber, making this soup a satisfying option for both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. If you don't have canned white beans, you can use dried beans; just remember to soak and cook them beforehand, which will take additional time but can enhance the flavor further.
Coconut milk adds a rich, velvety texture that balances the brightness of the lemon. It also contributes a subtle sweetness, making the soup more complex. If you're looking for a lower-fat alternative, consider using low-fat coconut milk or even substituting it with a nut-based milk; however, this may slightly change the flavor profile.
Technique Tips for Perfect Consistency
Blending the soup is where the magic happens; an immersion blender is ideal since it allows you to blend right in the pot, keeping things simple and minimizing mess. If using a traditional blender, make sure to cool the soup slightly to prevent any dangerous splatters. Blend until completely smooth for a luxurious feel, but if you prefer a chunkier soup, pulse only a few times to retain some bean texture.
After blending, it's important to return the soup to low heat before adding coconut milk and lemon juice. This step not only warms the soup through but also helps the flavors meld together beautifully. Be careful not to bring it to a full boil at this stage, as high heat can cause the coconut milk to curdle, affecting the creamy consistency.
Ingredients
Gather these fresh ingredients to create your delicious soup.
Main Ingredients
- 2 cans white beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Make sure to prepare the fresh ingredients properly for the best flavor.
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your creamy soup!
Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add Beans and Broth
Stir in the white beans and pour in the vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Blend the Soup
After simmering for about 15 minutes, use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. If you prefer, you can blend it in batches using a regular blender.
Stir in Coconut Milk and Lemon
Return the blended soup to low heat, then stir in the coconut milk, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve and Garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Enjoy this nourishing and delicious soup with your favorite bread.
Pro Tips
- For an extra flavor boost, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing the onions for a little heat.
Make-Ahead and Storage
This Creamy Lemon White Bean Soup can easily be made ahead of time, which makes it a great option for meal prep. Simply follow the steps, cool the soup completely, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming, as it may thicken slightly when chilled.
If you're looking to store it for longer, this soup freezes well too. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then warm it up on the stove. Add a splash of vegetable broth or water during reheating to adjust the consistency if needed.
Serving Suggestions
For a delightful meal, consider pairing this soup with a crusty bread or a fresh green salad. The bread not only allows you to soak up every drop of the soup but also adds a wonderful contrast in texture. A simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette complements the zesty flavors of the soup beautifully.
To elevate the presentation, you can drizzle a little extra coconut milk or a swirl of olive oil on top of each bowl before serving. Adding a few toasted pine nuts or croutons also provides a nice crunchy element that contrasts nicely with the smoothness of the soup.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
Yes, if using dried beans, soak them overnight and cook them until soft before starting the recipe.
→ Is there a way to make this soup vegan?
Absolutely! Using vegetable broth and not adding any dairy products makes it vegan-friendly.
→ Can I freeze the soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container and consume it within three months.
→ What can I serve with this soup?
Some crusty bread or a fresh salad pairs wonderfully with this creamy soup.
Creamy Lemon White Bean Soup Bowl
I fell in love with this Creamy Lemon White Bean Soup Bowl the first time I tasted it. The bright burst of lemon perfectly complements the creaminess of the white beans, creating a comforting and satisfying dish. It's a great option for both a light lunch and a hearty dinner. Whether I’m enjoying it on a chilly evening or serving it at a gathering, this soup never fails to impress. Plus, it's quick to whip up, making it the perfect weeknight meal.
Created by: Imogen Walker
Recipe Type: Healthy & Light
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Main Ingredients
- 2 cans white beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
How-To Steps
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the white beans and pour in the vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
After simmering for about 15 minutes, use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. If you prefer, you can blend it in batches using a regular blender.
Return the blended soup to low heat, then stir in the coconut milk, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Extra Tips
- For an extra flavor boost, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing the onions for a little heat.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Total Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 490mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 39g
- Dietary Fiber: 10g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 14g