Hearty White Bean Minestrone Soup Recipe: Easy, Healthy, and Delicious

Welcome to the ultimate guide on making White Bean Minestrone Soup! Whether you’re new to cooking or just looking for a hearty, healthy recipe to add to your collection, this soup is perfect for you. It’s packed with vegetables, beans, and vibrant kale, making it delicious and incredibly nutritious. Plus, it’s versatile enough to suit various dietary preferences. Let’s dive into the details with Chef Mark Sandoval and get cooking!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Cooking at home can be both enjoyable and rewarding, especially when you have a recipe that is flavorful, nutritious, and simple.

Chef Mark’s White Bean Minestrone Soup is everything you need in a meal. The white beans provide a good source of protein and fiber, while the array of vegetables adds a rich, complex flavor that will leave you wanting more.

Not to mention, the blended kale gives the soup a fresh, vibrant finish that’s as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the taste buds. You’ll love how easy it is to customize this soup based on what you have on hand, making it a staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we start cooking, let’s go over the ingredients you’ll need. Below is a table listing each ingredient, along with a brief description:

Ingredient	Description
White gigante beans	Large, white beans that are soaked overnight to soften before cooking.
Carrot	Adds a natural sweetness and color to the soup.
Bay leaf	Used to infuse the soup with a subtle herbal flavor.
White onion	Provides a savory base flavor.
Celery	Adds a mild, earthy taste and texture.
Kosher salt	Essential for seasoning and bringing out the flavors of the ingredients.
Leek	Adds a delicate, onion-like flavor.
Parsnip	Offers a slightly sweet and nutty taste.
Celery root	Adds a unique, slightly bitter flavor.
Button mushroom	Provides an umami depth to the soup.
Garlic	Adds a pungent, aromatic flavor.
Tomato paste	Enhances the soup’s richness and gives it a lovely color.
Kale	Blanched and blended for a vibrant, nutritious finish.
Blended oil	A mix of canola and extra virgin olive oil is used for sautéing.
All-purpose flour	Helps thicken the soup.
Chicken stock	The liquid base of the soup, rich in flavor.
Butcher’s twine	Used to tie herbs (parsley, bay leaf, thyme) into a bundle for easy removal.
Cracked black pepper	Adds a touch of heat and enhances the soup’s flavor.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Having the right tools on hand will make the cooking process smoother. Here’s a list of tools you’ll need, along with brief descriptions of their uses:

Tool	Description
Large Pot	Necessary for cooking the soup, allowing even heating and sufficient space for all ingredients.
Spatula (Wooden)	Ideal for stirring and sautéing without scratching your pot.
Kitchen Towel	Useful for handling hot pots and utensils safely.
Slotted Kitchen Spoon	Perfect for straining beans and serving the soup.
Cutting Board	Provides a stable surface for chopping vegetables.
Chef’s Knife	Essential for precise and efficient vegetable preparation.

Step-By-Step Recipe Instructions

Now that we’ve gathered all our ingredients and tools, it’s time to get cooking! Follow these step-by-step instructions to create a comforting White Bean Minestrone Soup.

Step 1: Preparing the Beans

• Begin by soaking the white gigante beans overnight in cold water. This step is crucial as it softens the beans, reducing the cooking time and ensuring they cook evenly.
• The next day, drain and rinse the beans thoroughly.

Step 2: Sautéing the Aromatics

• Heat your large pot over medium heat and add some blended oil.
• Once the oil is hot, add the diced onions, carrots, celery, leeks, parsnips, and celery root.
• Sauté these vegetables for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become tender and fragrant. This process builds the base flavor of the soup.

Step 3: Building Flavor

• Next, add the diced mushrooms and minced garlic to the pot.
• Continue to sauté for another 5 minutes. The mushrooms will release moisture, creating a rich, umami flavor that deepens the soup’s taste.

Step 4: Incorporating Tomato Paste

• Stir in the tomato paste, cooking it for a few minutes to intensify its flavor and add a beautiful red hue to the soup.
• Make sure to stir constantly to prevent burning.

Step 5: Thickening the Soup

• Sprinkle about 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour over the sautéed vegetables, stirring well to coat them evenly. This flour will act as a thickening agent, giving your soup a lovely, hearty texture.

Step 6: Adding the Chicken Stock

• Pour in the chicken stock, stirring to combine with the vegetables and flour.
• Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 7: Simmering

• Strain and add the soaked white beans to the pot, along with the bundle of herbs tied with butcher’s twine.
• Let everything simmer gently for about 20 to 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the beans to become tender.

Step 8: Blending Kale

• While the soup simmers, blanch the kale in boiling water for a minute, then transfer it immediately to ice water to retain its vibrant green color. Blend the blanched kale until smooth. This step adds a fresh, nutritious element to the soup.

Step 9: Finishing Touches

• Once the beans are tender, remove the bundle of herbs and bay leaf from the pot.
• Stir in the blended kale, allowing the soup to simmer for another 10 minutes.
• Finally, season with kosher salt and cracked black pepper to taste.

Step 10: Serving

• Your White Bean Minestrone Soup is ready to serve!
• Ladle the soup into bowls, and if desired, drizzle with a bit of extra virgin olive oil for added richness.
• Serve it hot, and enjoy the comforting warmth this soup brings.

Tips, Tricks, and Storage Options

Cooking is all about making a recipe your own, so here are some tips and tricks to help you customize and store your White Bean Minestrone Soup:

• Quick-Soak Beans: If you forgot to soak the beans overnight, you can use a quick-soak method. Boil the beans for 1-2 minutes, then remove from heat, cover, and let them sit for an hour before draining.

• Flavor Boost: Add a Parmesan rind to the soup while it simmers to give it an extra depth of flavor. Remove the rind before serving.

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. The soup can also be frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a bit of water or stock if the soup has thickened too much.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

White Bean Minestrone Soup is a hearty meal on its own, but you can elevate your dining experience by pairing it with the right accompaniments:

• Serve with Bread: A slice of crusty bread, such as a baguette or sourdough, is perfect for dipping into the soup and soaking up the rich broth.

• Pair with Wine: A glass of Sauvignon Blanc or a light red wine like Pinot Noir pairs wonderfully with the soup’s earthy and herbal flavors.

Conclusion

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a bowl of homemade White Bean Minestrone Soup. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that warms the soul and nourishes the body.

This recipe is a testament to the beauty of simple, wholesome ingredients coming together to create something truly special. So, grab your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy the process of making this comforting soup. Your taste buds will thank you!

Now that you’ve mastered making White Bean Minestrone Soup, why not share your creation with friends and family? Leave a comment below to share your thoughts, tips, or variations. Don’t forget to share this recipe on social media using the hashtag #CookWithCem, and tag us so we can see your delicious results!

Thank you for reading! If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to follow us on social media and subscribe to our blog for more delicious recipes and cooking tips.

Happy cooking!

Cem

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

Question	Answer
Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans?	Yes, you can use canned beans. Just be sure to rinse them well and adjust the cooking time since they don’t need as long to soften.
What can I use as a substitute for kale?	Spinach or Swiss chard are great alternatives that will still provide a nice green color and similar nutritional benefits.
Can I make this soup vegan?	Absolutely! For a fully vegan version of this soup, use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock and ensure your flour is plant-based.
How can I make this soup gluten-free?	Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to keep the soup thick and creamy without gluten.
Can I freeze the leftovers?	Yes, this soup freezes well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just thaw it in the fridge and reheat it on the stove.
What other vegetables can I add?	Zucchini, bell peppers, or potatoes are great additions that will blend well with the existing flavors.
How do I prevent the soup from becoming too thick?	If the soup thickens too much while cooking or reheating, add more stock or water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Can I make this soup in advance?	Yes, the flavors actually deepen over time, making it even better the next day. Store in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove.
What type of bread pairs well with this soup?	A crusty baguette or sourdough is perfect for dipping and soaking up the flavorful broth of this hearty soup.

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