Description
This comforting soup features a velvety texture and a rich, savory flavor profile. Creamy white beans are simmered with aromatic herbs and blended until smooth, creating a hearty base. It is then garnished with tender, caramelized roasted garlic cloves and fresh rosemary, offering a sweet, mellow counterpoint to the earthy soup. A sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper and grated cheese completes this warming dish.
Ingredients
- * 2 heads garlic, separated into cloves, unpeeled
- * 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- * 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- * 4 cups vegetable broth
- * 2 (15-ounce) cans cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- * 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, plus more for garnish
- * 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- * 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- * 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- * 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place unpeeled garlic cloves on a baking sheet, drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil, and toss to coat. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and lightly caramelized. Let cool slightly, then peel. Set aside about 12-15 roasted cloves for garnish and roughly chop the remaining.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the chopped roasted garlic, vegetable broth, rinsed cannellini beans, rosemary sprigs, and dried thyme to the pot. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Remove the rosemary sprigs from the soup. Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender and blend until smooth, then return to the pot.
- Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. If the soup is too thick, add a little more vegetable broth or water until desired consistency is reached.
- Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish each serving with the reserved roasted garlic cloves, a sprinkle of fresh rosemary, and grated Parmesan cheese if using. Serve immediately, perhaps with a side of crusty bread.
Notes
* For an extra creamy texture, you can add 1/4 cup of heavy cream or a dairy-free alternative like cashew cream after blending.
* Adjust the amount of roasted garlic to your preference; more garlic will yield a stronger, sweeter garlic flavor.
* This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
* If you don’t have an immersion blender, allow the soup to cool slightly before blending in a standard blender to avoid steam buildup.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 14g