White Bean and Tomato Soup is a warm, comforting soup made with sautéed onions, carrots, garlic, and tomato paste, simmered with white beans and tomatoes in a flavorful vegetable broth. It is finished with fresh parsley, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese for brightness and richness.
You’ll love this recipe for its balance of hearty beans and tangy tomatoes, enhanced by aromatic herbs and a hint of acidity from lemon juice. The soup is easy to make, nutritious, and perfect with crusty bread or croutons.
Ingredients
- 1½ tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 carrot, diced (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried mixed herbs
- 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (15 oz) plum or diced tomatoes
- 3 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon fine salt
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ⅓ cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (or more to taste)
Instructions
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Heat olive oil in large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and a pinch of salt; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
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Stir in garlic and tomato paste, cook 1 minute until fragrant.
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Add white beans, tomatoes, broth, salt, and pepper. Bring to simmer, cover, and cook 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally until flavors meld and carrot is tender. Turn off heat.
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Stir in lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and more lemon juice if needed.
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Serve with crusty bread, focaccia, crostini, or croutons for a complete meal.
Tips for Success
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Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness.
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Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
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Fresh lemon juice brightens the soup; add gradually.
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Use ripe, quality tomatoes for best flavor.
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Experiment with fresh herbs like basil or thyme.
Delicious Variations
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Blend part of the soup for creamier texture.
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Add cooked greens like kale or spinach toward the end.
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Include a parmesan rind in simmering for depth.
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Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will soup keep?
Store refrigerated for up to 4 days; reheat gently.
Can I freeze it?
Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
Is this soup vegan?
Yes, if Parmesan is omitted or replaced with vegan cheese.
Can I use dried beans?
Yes, soak and cook before adding to soup.
What to serve with it?
Perfect with crusty bread, focaccia, or toasted croutons.
White Bean and Tomato Soup
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Warm, comforting soup made by sautéing onions, carrots, garlic, and tomato paste, simmered with white beans and tomatoes in flavorful vegetable broth. Finished with fresh parsley, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese for brightness and richness.
Ingredients
1½ tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 onion, diced
1 carrot, diced (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried mixed herbs
2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (15 oz) plum or diced tomatoes
3 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
1 teaspoon fine salt
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
⅓ cup chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon lemon juice (or more to taste)
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and a pinch of salt; cook about 5 minutes until softened.
Add garlic and tomato paste; cook 1 minute until fragrant.
Add white beans, tomatoes, broth, salt, and pepper. Simmer covered for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally until flavors meld and carrot softens.
Turn off heat and stir in lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley. Adjust seasoning.
Serve with crusty bread or croutons.
Notes
Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness.
Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Add fresh lemon juice gradually for brightness.
Use ripe tomatoes for best flavor.
Blend part of soup for creamy texture if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 9
- Sodium: Variable depending on broth
- Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 24
- Fiber: 6
- Protein: 6
Keywords: white bean tomato soup, hearty bean soup, vegetable tomato soup, comforting vegan soup, healthy bean soup
