Creamy Spanish White Bean Soup Recipe

This comforting bean soup is my go-to when I crave something hearty yet nourishing, balancing the earthiness of smoked paprika with the freshness of lemon juice. Blending part of the soup brings out a luscious creaminess, making each spoonful wonderfully satisfying and perfect for cozy evenings.

This Spanish white bean soup has smoky paprika, aromatic cumin, and a few diced veggies like onion and red bell pepper. So, it has plenty of flavor.

But the creamy texture (heavy cream and very soft white beans do the trick) and the meal-sized portion make this a comforting protein-rich dish. I don’t think of soup as something you can make in any quantity and sustain yourself on, but this one you could.

Very lemony, too.

Creamy Spanish White Bean Soup Recipe Ingredients

• Olive Oil: Adds healthy fats and a rich, fruity aroma.
• Onion: Provides a savory base with natural sweetness.
• Garlic: Enhances flavor with a pungent, aromatic depth.
• Red Bell Pepper: Adds sweetness and a vitamin-rich boost.
• Carrots: Contribute natural sweetness and fiber.
• Celery: Offers crunch and a slight peppery taste.
• Smoked Paprika: Imparts a smoky warmth and vibrant color.
• White Beans: High in protein and fiber for a creamier texture.

Creamy Spanish White Bean Soup Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 medium carrots, sliced
• 3 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

How to Make this Creamy Spanish White Bean Soup Recipe

1. In a large pot, over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the onion that’s been diced and sauté for about 5 minutes, until the onion is translucent.

2. Add the diced garlic, red bell pepper, carrot, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften.

3. Stir to coat the vegetables in the spices. Add the smoked paprika, ground cumin, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.

4. Combine the vegetable broth with the mixture and bring to a boil.

5. After bringing it to a boil, incorporate the white beans, which should be rinsed and drained, and the bay leaf. Lower the heat and allow it to reach a gentle simmer for a period of 20-25 minutes, at which point you should check to see if the vegetables have reached a tender state.

6. Take the bay leaf out of the pot and blend half of the soup with an immersion blender or a regular blender until it’s smooth. Return it to the pot. This will give the soup a creamy texture.

7. Combine the heavy cream and the mixture completely. Let it simmer for 5 more minutes. After 5 minutes, it will be perfect.

8. Stir the soup well after adding the lemon juice. This ensures even distribution and enhances the flavor profile of the soup.

9. Assess the flavor and modify the salt and pepper quantities if necessary.

10. Scoop the soup into bowls, add garnishment of fresh chopped parsley, and serve piping hot.

Creamy Spanish White Bean Soup Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large pot
2. Measuring spoons
3. Cutting board
4. Knife
5. Wooden spoon or spatula
6. Immersion blender or regular blender
7. Ladle
8. Bowls for serving

FAQ

• Can I use dried beans instead of canned?Dried beans can be used in the soup. They should be soaked overnight and cooked until tender before being added to the soup.
• Is there a substitute for heavy cream?It is possible to utilize coconut milk or a plant-based cream in place of dairy for a non-dairy option.
• How can I make this soup spicier?Sprinkle a bit of cayenne pepper or some chili flakes for supercharged heat.
• Can I freeze this soup?Certainly, the soup may be placed in the freezer as long as the cream has not yet been added. The cream is best added after the soup has been reheated.
• What can I serve with this soup?A simple side salad or crusty bread goes well with the soup.
• Can I add meat to this soup?For more flavor, you can add cooked chorizo or bacon.

Creamy Spanish White Bean Soup Recipe Substitutions and Variations

2 tablespoons coconut oil can substitute for olive oil; the flavor is fairly different but works well in most recipes.
You can substitute the onion for a milder taste by using 1 large leek, which should be cleaned and diced.
A yellow bell pepper, diced, can substitute for the red bell pepper, if a different color is desired.
A peeled and diced sweet potato can take the place of the carrots in the recipe to yield a flavor that is more profile-sweet.
4 cups chicken broth can be used instead of vegetable broth for a more intense flavor (note: this alters the soup from being vegetarian to non-vegetarian).

Pro Tips

1. Enhance the Flavor For a deeper flavor, consider roasting the red bell pepper before dicing it. This will add a smoky sweetness to the soup that pairs well with the spices.

2. Build Richness Use homemade vegetable broth if possible. It usually offers a more robust flavor than store-bought versions, which can elevate the overall taste of your soup.

3. Texture Variation Instead of blending half of the soup, you can blend a smaller portion or use a potato masher to slightly mash some of the beans and vegetables. This will maintain more texture while still offering creaminess.

4. Herb Infusion Add a handful of fresh thyme tied together in a bundle at the same time as the bay leaf, ensuring you remove it before serving. This will subtly infuse a fresh herbal note.

5. Cream Alternative If you’re looking to make the recipe dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream. It will still achieve the creamy texture and provide an interesting flavor twist.