Creamy Lemon White Bean Soup Bowl

Name: Creamy Lemon White Bean Soup Bowl
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed; 4 cups vegetable broth; 1 medium onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or ½ teaspoon dried thyme; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Juice and zest of 1 lemon; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

I absolutely love making this Creamy Lemon White Bean Soup Bowl for a cozy dinner or a quick lunch. The aromatic blend of garlic and thyme brings warmth, while the bright lemon zest adds a refreshing twist. I find that this soup is not only nourishing and filling but also incredibly easy to prepare. In just under 30 minutes, you can whip up this delightful dish using simple ingredients. It's one of those recipes that truly warms the soul and satisfies hunger without any guilt!

Created by

Natalie Warren

Last updated on 2026-01-18T13:46:10.773Z

When I first tried to make this soup, I was looking for something light yet satisfying. I experimented with different beans and spices, finally settling on cannellini beans and fresh herbs for that homemade taste. One of my fondest memories is having this soup during a rainy afternoon while catching up on my favorite book.

The key to achieving that creamy texture without adding any heavy cream lies in blending part of the beans. This not only thickens the soup but also keeps it plant-based and nutritious, perfect for both health-conscious folks and those just looking for a hearty meal!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Creamy texture with a hint of citrus brightness
Nutritious and plant-based for a guilt-free meal
Perfectly comforting on chilly days

      

Understanding the Ingredients

The star of this Creamy Lemon White Bean Soup Bowl is the cannellini beans. These beans add not only creaminess but also protein and fiber, making the soup hearty and satisfying. When selecting canned beans, look for options labeled as 'no salt added' to better control the flavor profile. If you're aiming for a fresher taste, consider using dried beans; just remember to soak and cook them until tender before adding them to the broth.

Adding fresh thyme elevates the soup's flavor with its earthy, slightly minty notes. If fresh thyme isn't available, dried thyme can easily substitute; however, use half the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor. Incorporating different herbs, such as rosemary or parsley, can also add depth to the soup's aroma, creating a unique twist every time you prepare it.

Perfecting the Texture

Achieving the perfect creamy texture without a heavy cream base relies on the blending step. When using an immersion blender, blend the soup just until the mixtures are smooth but still retain some bean chunks for added texture. This method ensures a balance of creaminess without turning the soup into a homogeneous paste. If you prefer a thicker consistency, blend longer or add a few more beans.

Visual cues during cooking are essential. You want your soup to gently simmer rather than boil vigorously. A rolling boil can result in uneven cooking and might break down the beans too much. Keep the heat at medium-low and check frequently; simmering should produce small bubbles and a glossy surface. If the soup seems too thick, simply add a touch more broth until the desired consistency is reached.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Creamy Lemon White Bean Soup

1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
4 cups vegetable broth
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh thyme or ½ teaspoon dried thyme
1 tablespoon olive oil
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Mix these ingredients to create your creamy soup!

Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and thyme, cooking for another minute until fragrant.

Add the Broth and Beans

Pour in the vegetable broth and add the rinsed cannellini beans. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Blend for Creaminess

Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth, leaving some bean pieces for texture. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer half of the soup to a countertop blender and blend, then return it to the pot.

Finish with Lemon

Stir in the lemon juice and zest, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Heat through before serving.

Enjoy your delicious, creamy soup!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, top with a dollop of Greek yogurt or vegan sour cream before serving.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This soup is a great candidate for meal prep! You can prepare it in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors continue to meld as it sits, often tasting even better the next day. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth if the soup has thickened too much.

If you want to freeze this soup, let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It’s best to leave some headspace for expansion. This soup can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat slowly on the stove, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming.

Serving Suggestions

To enhance the experience of your Creamy Lemon White Bean Soup Bowl, serve it with a crusty piece of bread or a fresh greens salad. A drizzle of high-quality olive oil on top before serving can add an extra layer of flavor and a gourmet touch. If you're feeling adventurous, consider topping your soup with a dollop of yogurt or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.

For an added depth of flavor, pair the soup with a squeeze of additional lemon juice just before serving. This brightens the dish and further emphasizes the refreshing citrus notes. Another variation is to incorporate seasonal vegetables like spinach or kale, which can be stirred in toward the end of cooking for added nutrition and color, making your soup not only vibrant but even healthier.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use dried beans instead of canned?

Yes, but you'll need to soak and cook them beforehand. About 1 cup of dried beans equals 1 can of beans.

→ Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance; just reheat before serving.

→ Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes, it's naturally gluten-free, but always double-check your ingredients.

→ What can I serve with this soup?

This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a fresh salad!