Cannellini Bean Soup

Are you interested in a warm bowl of Cannellini Bean Soup? If yes, then you’re going to love this recipe. This meal is perfect for a chilly day at home. When I was younger, I made a Sausage and Kale soup, which is similar to this one. It used real sausage and potatoes with other vegetables; it was simply delicious. This recipe is different in many ways, but it is just as good.

Everyone loves cannellini beans, which are available in most parts of the world. Soup is perfect for those days when you are not in the mood to cook but want a home-cooked bowl of comfort food.

Ingredients to make Cannellini Bean Soup

Cannellini beans, Beef meatballs, Onion, Celery, Garlic, Chicken Stock cube, Bay leaf, Thyme, Paprika powder, White Pepper, Spinach and Water.

Cannellini beans are a great addition to soups. It can absorb the flavours of both the spices and the broth. Cannellini beans have an almost neutral, nutty flavour and a creamy texture, which makes them ideal for light soups. Canned cannellini beans are a convenient and easy-to-use option. Alternatively, you can also use dried cannellini beans. Make sure to soak the white beans overnight to ensure they are tender and ready to use the next day.

The spices used for this soup are paprika powder, thyme, and white pepper. A chicken stock cube enhances the overall flavour of the soup. If you prefer, you can use a beef stock cube for a meatier flavour. Spinach adds a pop of colour to complement this recipe; instead, you can substitute it with kale.

Did you know that cannellini beans are packed with iron, folate, potassium, and magnesium. These nutrients are especially beneficial for red blood cell production and muscle function. They also contain protein, fibre, minerals, and vitamins, and are low in fat, making them perfect for weight control.

Beef meatballs add an extra protein boost to the cannellini bean soup. You can use pre-bought frozen meatballs or make them at home.
If you are making the meatballs from scratch, it is essential to use mild flavours. Lightly season the beef mince with salt & white pepper.

Instructions

Chop the garlic cloves, slice the onions. Drain the cannellini beans and rinse them in running water. Rinse the spinach and set it aside. Prepare a pot and add cooking oil. Add the meatballs and sauté until they are golden brown on all sides. Thereafter, remove the meatballs from the pot and set them aside.

Add the onion and garlic. Cook the aromatics for 8 minutes on medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add the meatballs back into the pot, and drain the liquid from the can of cannellini beans. Add the spices and beef stock cube to the pot. Add the water. Add the chopped celery and bay leaves. Simmer for twenty minutes.

Lastly, add the spinach leaves and cook for an additional five minutes. Turn off the heat and let it cool for another five minutes.

That’s it, the cannellini bean soup is ready to eat and enjoy with your favourite side dish. This is a very subtle and light soup that is perfect for any time of the day. The meatballs add substance to this soup and significantly enhance its flavour.

How to Store Cannellini Bean Soup?

Store in an airtight container for two to four days. You can also freeze the soup for up to three months. Defrost on the counter-top and reheat on the stove.

What can you serve with Cannellini Bean Soup?

Serve alongside Garlic Bread or on top of Jasmine rice. Consider fresh white bread that is generously amount of butter. Focaccia bread with olives and sun-dried tomatoes are also another great alternative. A Green salad or a Caprese salad would pair well.

Expert tips

Cannellini beans have a nutty flavour, but their taste on its own can be monotone. To balance the overall flavour of the soup, add spices and herbs such as thyme, white pepper powder, and paprika powder, along with a chicken stock cube and bay leaves, this will help to lift the flavour of the soup.

Drain the liquid and rinse the cannellini beans before adding them to the soup. The brine may contain an excess of salt and preservatives, which could alter the taste and texture of the cannellini bean soup. Cannellini beans are incredibly healthy, as they are rich in nutrients such as protein, fibre, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The beans are also high in dietary fibres, which are great for digestion, regulating blood sugar levels, and helping with heart health by lowering cholesterol levels.