Mediterranean White Bean Soup Recipe

The Coziest Mediterranean White Bean Soup Recipe Ever

Steaming bowls of comfort rise from this hearty Mediterranean white bean soup that promises warmth and nourishment.

Beans, fragrant herbs, and rich vegetables create a symphony of flavors dancing across your palate.

Mediterranean traditions shine through every spoonful of this rustic, soul-satisfying dish.

Tender white beans nestle among aromatic vegetables, releasing deep, earthy notes with each bite.

The soup carries generations of culinary wisdom from sun-drenched coastal kitchens.

Packed with protein and nutrients, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious meal that feeds both body and spirit.

You’ll want to savor every comforting spoonful of this Mediterranean classic.

Mediterranean White Bean Soup Bright Notes

Mediterranean White Bean Soup Bright Notes
  • Boost Nutrition: Packed with protein-rich white beans, this soup delivers a powerhouse of essential nutrients that support overall health and keep you feeling satisfied.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap vegetables or add your favorite herbs to make this recipe uniquely yours, perfect for adapting to personal taste preferences or using what's in your pantry.
  • Quick Weeknight Winner: Ready in under an hour, this Mediterranean-inspired soup provides a delicious, hearty meal that requires minimal prep and cooking skills, making it ideal for busy home cooks.
  • Comfort in a Bowl: Warm, comforting, and loaded with vibrant Mediterranean flavors, this soup offers a satisfying meal that feels like a culinary hug on any day.

Ingredients for Mediterranean White Bean Soup

Base Ingredients:
  • White Beans: Creamy legumes that provide a hearty protein base for the soup.
  • Potato: Starchy vegetable that adds thickness and substance to the Mediterranean soup.
  • Tomatoes: Juicy ingredient that contributes a rich, tangy flavor profile.
  • Broth: Liquid foundation that helps blend and enhance all the soup's flavors.
Vegetable Medley:
  • Onions, Celery, Carrots, Peppers: Fresh vegetables that create a robust and colorful flavor foundation for the soup.
Herbs and Seasonings:
  • Garlic, Oregano, Coriander, Red Pepper Flakes: Aromatic spices that provide depth and warmth to the Mediterranean soup.
  • Thyme: Herbaceous seasoning that adds a subtle earthy note.
Finishing Ingredients:
  • Cheeses: Creamy elements that add richness and complexity to the soup.
  • Lemon Juice: Bright, acidic ingredient that balances and lifts the overall flavor.
  • Parsley: Fresh herb that provides a clean, green garnish.
  • Cornstarch: Optional thickening agent to adjust the soup's consistency.
  • Olive Oil: Base fat used for sautéing vegetables and building initial flavor.

Steps for Mediterranean White Bean Soup

Steps for Mediterranean White Bean Soup

Step 1: Sauté Aromatic Onions

Warm up a Dutch oven over medium-high heat and drizzle in olive oil.

Gently cook chopped onions until they turn soft and translucent, releasing their sweet fragrance throughout the kitchen.

Step 2: Layer in Hearty Vegetables

Toss in a medley of fresh vegetables:
  • Diced potatoes
  • Chopped celery
  • Sliced carrots
  • Colorful bell peppers

Sauté these veggies until they begin to soften and develop a slight golden edge, about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Awaken Spicy Aromatics

Sprinkle in a vibrant blend of seasonings:
  • Minced garlic
  • Dried oregano
  • Ground coriander
  • Fiery red pepper flakes

Stir and cook for 2 minutes, allowing the spices to bloom and release their intense flavors.

Step 4: Create a Simmering Liquid Base

Pour in your flavor-building ingredients:
  • Crushed tomatoes
  • White beans
  • Vegetable or chicken broth
  • Fresh thyme sprigs

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer gently, covered, for 20 minutes to meld all the flavors together.

Step 5: Finish with Bright, Creamy Touches

Stir in the final flourishes:
  • Crumbled feta cheese
  • Grated Parmesan
  • Fresh lemon juice
  • Chopped parsley

For a thicker consistency, whisk a cornstarch slurry into the soup if desired.

Serve hot and enjoy your Mediterranean comfort in a bowl.

Tips for White Bean Soup Enjoyment

Tips for White Bean Soup Enjoyment
  • Cook onions and vegetables at medium heat to develop deeper, richer flavors without burning or overcooking them.
  • Toast oregano and coriander briefly to release their essential oils and maximize their aromatic potential before adding liquid ingredients.
  • Use canned white beans drained and rinsed to maintain their texture, or cook dried beans separately for better control.
  • Add cornstarch slurry sparingly to thicken soup, ensuring smooth integration without creating lumpy or starchy texture.
  • Squeeze fresh lemon juice at the end to brighten the soup's taste and add a subtle citrus complexity that complements Mediterranean ingredients.

Soup Variations for Mediterranean White Beans

  • Vegan Mediterranean Soup: Replace cheese with nutritional yeast and use vegetable broth for a plant-based version.
  • Protein-Packed Mediterranean Soup: Add cooked quinoa or diced chicken for extra protein and hearty texture.
  • Gluten-Free Mediterranean Soup: Ensure broth is gluten-free and skip cornstarch, using arrowroot powder as a thickener if needed.
  • Low-Carb Mediterranean Soup: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower and reduce bean quantity to lower carbohydrate content.

Serving Mediterranean White Bean Soup

  • Mediterranean Feast Pairing: Serve with warm, crusty Mediterranean bread like focaccia or ciabatta to soak up the delicious broth.
  • Protein Power-Up: Top with grilled chicken, shredded rotisserie chicken, or crumbled feta cheese for extra protein and flavor complexity.
  • Fresh Herb Finish: Sprinkle additional fresh parsley, chives, or basil right before serving to boost the soup's bright, fresh Mediterranean profile and add vibrant color.
  • Wine Companion: Pair with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light Sauvignon Blanc to complement the soup's herbaceous and vegetable-forward notes.

Storage for Mediterranean White Bean Soup

Storage for Mediterranean White Bean Soup
  • Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days, keeping it fresh and delicious in the refrigerator.
  • Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top. Freeze for up to 3 months, perfect for quick future meals.
  • Warm soup gently on stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching and maintain its original creamy texture.
  • If beans or vegetables look slightly separated after storing, simply stir well when reheating to restore the soup's original consistency.

FAQs

  • What makes this soup a Mediterranean-style dish?

The combination of ingredients like white beans, olive oil, tomatoes, herbs like oregano and thyme, and finishing touches of lemon juice reflect traditional Mediterranean cooking techniques and flavor profiles.

  • Is this soup nutritionally balanced?

Yes, the soup contains protein from beans, complex carbohydrates from potatoes, and multiple vegetables providing vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making it a well-rounded, healthy meal option.

  • Can I make this soup vegetarian or vegan?

The recipe is already vegetarian, and to make it vegan, simply omit the cheese or replace with nutritional yeast for a similar savory flavor profile.

  • How can I add more protein to this soup?

Consider adding quinoa, additional beans like chickpeas, or topping with roasted nuts to increase the protein content and create more texture in the soup.

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Mediterranean White Bean Soup Recipe

Mediterranean White Bean Soup Recipe


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4.6 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Mediterranean white bean soup brings warmth and comfort from southern European kitchens. Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a soulful dish that connects you with rustic culinary traditions of Greece and Italy.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cans (15 ounces/425 grams) cannellini beans, drained
  • 6 cups (1.4 liters) vegetable broth
  • 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) crushed tomatoes

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 large yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 small potato, peeled and cubed
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, grated

Seasonings and Finishing Ingredients:

  • 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 4 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 1 ounce (28 grams) feta cheese, crumbled
  • 2 tablespoons (30 grams) parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1/4 cup (15 grams) fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons (16 grams) cornstarch (optional)

Instructions

  1. Warm olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat, sautéing onions until translucent and soft, approximately 2-3 minutes.
  2. Introduce diced potato, celery, carrots, and bell peppers to the pot, allowing vegetables to soften and develop slight caramelization, about 5-6 minutes.
  3. Incorporate minced garlic, dried oregano, ground coriander, and red pepper flakes, stirring continuously to release aromatic oils and prevent burning, for 1-2 minutes.
  4. Pour in crushed tomatoes, white beans, vegetable broth, and fresh thyme leaves, bringing the mixture to a robust boil before reducing heat to a gentle simmer.
  5. Cover and let the soup develop rich flavors for 18-22 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  6. Remove from heat and fold in crumbled feta and grated parmesan cheeses, fresh lemon juice, and chopped parsley.
  7. If a thicker consistency is desired, create a quick cornstarch slurry and gently stir into the soup until reaching preferred texture.

Notes

  • Swap potatoes with sweet potatoes or cauliflower for lower-carb, diabetic-friendly version that maintains creamy texture.
  • Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to create completely vegetarian or vegan soup without losing rich flavor profile.
  • Add protein boost by stirring in cooked quinoa or shredded rotisserie chicken during final simmering stage for more substantial meal.
  • Enhance Mediterranean authenticity by topping with crumbled feta cheese and drizzle of extra virgin olive oil just before serving for elevated taste experience.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 8 g
  • Protein: 10 g
  • Cholesterol: 5 mg
Lena Martinez

Lena Martinez

Contributing Writer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cuisines, Vegetarian and plant-based recipe development, Culinary education and community outreach ​

Education

Santa Fe Community College, Santa Fe, NM
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southwestern cuisine and sustainable cooking practices


Lena grew up surrounded by the colors, spices, and traditions of the Southwest – flavors that sparked her love for bold, honest cooking. After earning her Culinary Arts certificate at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to teach home cooks how to create flavorful, plant-powered meals without the fuss.
Her recipes are packed with vibrant ingredients, simple steps, and the kind of heart that turns a regular meal into something you’ll want to share. Outside the kitchen, Lena spends her time wandering farmers’ markets, trading family recipes, and helping young chefs find their voice through food.

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