Save A comforting, rustic soup featuring creamy white beans and aromatic fennel—perfect for a quick, nourishing meal from pantry and fridge staples.
I enjoy making this soup on busy weeknights because it comes together quickly yet feels hearty and satisfying.
Ingredients
- Vegetables: 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 large fennel bulb trimmed and diced (reserve fronds for garnish), 1 medium yellow onion diced, 2 medium carrots diced, 2 cloves garlic minced
- Beans & Broth: 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans (cannellini or Great Northern) drained and rinsed, 4 cups vegetable broth (gluten-free if needed)
- Seasonings: 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 bay leaf, 1/2 teaspoon sea salt or to taste, 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Finishing: Juice of 1/2 lemon, Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling, Reserved fennel fronds chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a large pot heat olive oil over medium heat. Add fennel, onion, and carrots. Sauté for 6 8 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Step 2:
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3:
- Stir in white beans, vegetable broth, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Step 4:
- Remove bay leaf. Using an immersion blender, partly purée the soup to desired consistency, leaving some beans and vegetables whole for texture (or blend half in a blender, then return to the pot).
- Step 5:
- Stir in lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Step 6:
- Ladle into bowls, drizzle with olive oil, and garnish with chopped fennel fronds.
Save My family especially loves this soup on cool evenings when we want something warm and wholesome to share.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with crusty bread or add cooked pasta for a heartier meal.
Allergen Information
Contains legumes. Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free. Always confirm ingredients and broth for allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 255 calories, 7 g total fat, 36 g carbohydrates, 11 g protein.
Save This soup is a simple yet flavorful option perfect for any season.
Common recipe questions
- → Can I substitute fresh fennel if unavailable?
If fresh fennel isn't available, you can try using celery for a different but complementary flavor profile.
- → How can I adjust the soup's texture?
Blend half or all the soup to your preferred consistency using an immersion or stand blender to get it as smooth or chunky as desired.
- → What garnishes work best with this soup?
Chopped fennel fronds add freshness, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil enhances richness before serving.
- → Is it possible to make this soup spicy?
For a subtle kick, sauté a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the vegetables at the beginning.
- → What bread pairs well with this dish?
Serve with crusty bread or add cooked pasta to the soup for a heartier meal that complements the flavors.