Garlic-Infused White Bean Soup
This comforting Garlic-Infused White Bean Soup is a delightful blend of tender vegetables and creamy cannellini beans, all infused with the rich aroma of 30 cloves of garlic. This centuries-old recipe, passed along from a cherished friend, delivers a soup that warms the soul without overwhelming the palate. The fragrant simmering of garlic fills your kitchen, promising a bowl of savory goodness. Perfectly designed to improve in flavor over a day or two, it serves as a fulfilling meal on its own or a hearty side. Enhance the experience with crunchy croutons or savory bacon bits for added texture and taste.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Onions
3 cups (chopped)
Carrots
2 cups (sliced)
Celery
1 1/2 cups (sliced)
Garlic
30 cloves (peeled and crushed)
Olive oil
6 tablespoons
Chicken broth
64 ounces
Cannellini beans
4 (15 ounce) cans (rinsed and drained (1 can may be added without draining))
Dried sage
2 teaspoons
Salt
to taste
Coarse ground pepper
to taste
Croutons
optional
Bacon bits
optional
Instructions
1
In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, sliced carrots, sliced celery, and crushed garlic cloves.
2
Sauté the mixture for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are tender and the garlic is fragrant.
3
Pour in the chicken broth and add the rinsed and drained cannellini beans along with the dried sage. Stir to combine.
4
Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and let it cook for at least 1 hour, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
5
Once simmered, season the soup with salt and coarse ground pepper to taste.
6
Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth, or carefully transfer it in batches to a food processor.
7
Serve hot, garnished with croutons and/or bacon bits if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Garlic-Infused White Bean Soup?
It is a comforting and creamy soup made with cannellini beans, vegetables, and 30 cloves of garlic.
How many cloves of garlic are used in this recipe?
This recipe calls for 30 cloves of garlic, which are peeled and crushed before cooking.
Is the garlic flavor too strong in this soup?
No, the slow simmering process ensures the garlic warms the soul without overwhelming the palate.
What type of beans are recommended for this recipe?
The recipe specifies using four 15-ounce cans of cannellini beans.
Should I drain and rinse the beans?
Yes, you should rinse and drain the beans, although one can may be added without draining for extra texture.
What vegetables are included in the base of the soup?
The soup base consists of chopped onions, sliced carrots, and sliced celery.
How much onion is needed for this soup?
You will need 3 cups of chopped onions.
How many carrots are used in this recipe?
The recipe requires 2 cups of sliced carrots.
What is the required amount of celery?
You will need 1.5 cups of sliced celery.
How much olive oil is used for sautéing?
The recipe uses 6 tablespoons of olive oil.
What type of broth should I use?
The recipe calls for 64 ounces of chicken broth, though vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian version.
What herb provides the primary seasoning?
Dried sage is the primary herb used to flavor the soup.
How long should the vegetables be sautéed?
Sauté the vegetables and garlic for about 10 minutes over medium heat until tender.
What is the minimum simmering time for this soup?
The soup should simmer for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
How do I make the soup smooth?
Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth, or transfer it in batches to a food processor.
Can this soup be made in advance?
Yes, the flavor is designed to improve over a day or two after it is first made.
What are some suggested garnishes for this soup?
Garnish the soup with crunchy croutons or savory bacon bits if desired.
Is this recipe considered vegetarian?
While it is tagged as vegetarian, you must use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it strictly vegetarian.
What kind of pepper is best for this recipe?
Coarse ground pepper is recommended to season the soup to taste.
How many cans of beans are required?
You will need 4 cans of 15 ounces each.
What size pot should I use?
A large soup pot is recommended to accommodate the high volume of broth and beans.
What is the texture of the finished soup?
Once pureed, the soup has a creamy and smooth texture.
Is this an easy recipe for beginners?
Yes, it is categorized as an easy recipe with straightforward instructions.
Where does this recipe come from?
It is a centuries-old recipe that was passed along from a cherished friend.
When should I add salt and pepper?
Season the soup with salt and pepper after it has finished simmering.
Can I serve this as a side dish?
Yes, it works as both a fulfilling main meal or a hearty side dish.
Does the garlic smell strong while cooking?
The fragrant simmering of garlic will fill your kitchen with a pleasant aroma.
What is the total amount of broth in ounces?
The recipe requires 64 ounces of broth.
How much dried sage should I add?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of dried sage.
What heat level should I use to start the soup?
You should start by heating the olive oil over medium heat.