Hearty White Bean & Sage Soup
A rustic and incredibly comforting white bean and sage soup, perfect for a chilly evening. This hearty, plant-based meal is packed with earthy flavors and comes together quickly for a satisfying bowl.
For 6 servings
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
Stir in the minced garlic, dried sage, and bay leaf. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Add the rinsed and drained cannellini beans and vegetable broth to the pot. If desired, add 1 cup of water for a slightly thinner soup. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the vegetables to become tender.
Remove the bay leaf. Using a potato masher or the back of a sturdy spoon, gently mash about one-third to half of the beans directly in the pot. This will naturally thicken the soup and create a creamy texture while leaving some beans whole for substance.
Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If using, stir in the finely chopped fresh sage leaves for an extra burst of flavor.
Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish each serving with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately with crusty bread.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Don't Over-Mash: Mashing only a portion of the beans gives the soup a lovely creamy texture while retaining some whole beans for a satisfying bite.
- 2Fresh Sage Boost: While dried sage provides a great base, a few fresh sage leaves chopped and stirred in at the end, or used as a garnish, will brighten the overall flavor.
- 3Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thinner soup, add more vegetable broth or water during the simmering stage. For a thicker soup, simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes after mashing.
- 4Crusty Bread: Serve with a good quality crusty bread for dipping; it's perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth.
Adapt it for your goals.
Greens Addition
Stir in a handful of fresh spinach, kale, or Swiss chard during the last 5 minutes of simmering until wilted for added nutrients and color.
Smoky FlavorSmoky Flavor
Add 1/2 tsp of smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke along with the dried sage for a deeper, smoky undertone.
Tomato BoostTomato Boost
Incorporate 1/2 cup of diced canned tomatoes (undrained) or a tablespoon of tomato paste with the aromatics for a touch of acidity and richness.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High in Fiber
White beans are an excellent source of dietary fiber, promoting digestive health and helping to regulate blood sugar levels.
Plant-Based Protein
Provides a good amount of plant-based protein, making it a satisfying and nutritious meal for vegetarians and vegans.
Rich in Nutrients
Packed with essential vitamins and minerals from the beans and vegetables, including iron, folate, magnesium, and potassium.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, absolutely! Soak 1 cup of dried cannellini beans overnight, then cook them until tender (about 1-1.5 hours) before adding them to the soup in place of canned beans.
