Healthy Cannellini Bean and Leek Soup Recipe [Vegetarian]

Although most people think about soup with fall or winter, there are still a couple of weeks of cold weather in early spring that are deserving of a soup day. I'm convinced the perfect recipe for a cold spring night is a cannellini bean and leek soup. The seasonal leeks are freshly available at your local grocery store, and it's a good indicator of fresh ingredients to come!

What I love about this healthy cannellini bean and leek soup recipe is that it's highly customizable. With just a few minor tweaks, you can change the thickness and texture. This vegetarian (and easily made vegan) dish is more than just a collection of pantry staples; it's a symphony of textures and flavors. Best of all, it's packed with protein and fiber from the beans and ready in under 15 minutes. Pull out this recipe next time you need to make a quick meal on a cold, almost-spring day. 

Cannellini Bean and Leek Soup:  A Simple Weeknight Meal 

Cannellini bean and leek soup is a great meal prep idea and it's in the running for our weeknight favorite recipes.  It's inexpensive to make, and leftovers are stored well in the refrigerator for a few days. Serve it with a side of crusty bread for dipping, and you have a complete and satisfying meal.

The only equipment you will need is one of the following: a large saucepan, a dutch oven, or a cast iron. You don't need a large soup pot unless you want to make a large batch of this recipe. To change the texture of this leek and white bean soup, you will also need a fork, potato masher, or a stick blender. 

Ingredient Spotlights

This recipe for a cannellini bean and leek soup could not be more budget-friendly or use simpler ingredients. Many of the key ingredients are pantry staples, and this easily customizable recipe can offer you countless options. This delicious soup is a great weeknight meal.

The Magic of Leeks

Leeks are often referred to as the “poor man's asparagus.” They lend a subtle sweetness and a touch of oniony bite to the soup. Their mild flavor allows other ingredients to shine, while their soft texture adds a delightful creaminess. Leeks come into season in early springtime and are the perfect tease for spring’s fresh produce. 

White Beans: The Powerhouse Ingredient

White beans or cannellini beans are the true stars of this soup. They provide a satisfying heartiness and a good dose of protein and fiber. You can use a variety of beans in this recipe, but cannellini beans, great northern beans, or white beans are all fantastic choices for their mild you can either use canned beans or dried beans for this recipe, but make sure they are cooked before you use them in this creamy bean dish. 

Creating Different Textures:

Some people don’t like the texture of beans, so you can add variation in the texture by using a Potato Masher to add some texture variation in the dish. 

If you’re craving a creamy beans recipe, remove half of the mixture and blend, or use an immersion blender for a few seconds to create a creamy texture. 

If you want more of a traditional soup, then feel free to add more vegetable broth until you reach your desired consistency. 

Flavor Enhancements

While these are optional, a little bit of lemon zest or lemon juice at the end of your dish can add a bright note to an otherwise earthy dish. When you’re finishing it up, you can  top with parmesan cheese or Cashew Parm. 

If you’d like to Add some heat, use red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. For a bit of freshness, top with herbs like fresh parsley or fresh basil. You can also replace the olive oil topping with any infused olive oil for some added flavor. 

If serving with bread, you can make a cheesy garlic bread or even just use toast!

Don't Skip These Steps!

Cleaning the Leeks 

If you’ve never worked with leeks before, there’s a few critical things to keep in mind. Leeks grow in sandy soils so make sure you have clean leeks before you have a sandy soup! 

To clean the leeks, cut the fibrous material off of the leeks, which is usually a green color, and the ends. Wash them with cold water, but once they are cut, submerge them in cold water for a second rinse. 

Rinse the Beans

Beans out of a can are floating in a starchy liquid. Sometimes this can be difficult to digest, so I highly recommend rinsing the beans for a cleaner flavor profile and for digestive purposes. 

Optional Step: Make your own vegetable stock from scraps, see this article here!

Storing the Soup

Once the soup is prepared, you’ll want to store it in airtight containers. Make sure they are heat safe containers because the soup will be hot! Be sure to eat it within 3-5 days of making it. 

Wrapping Up this Healthy Cannellini Bean and Leek Soup Recipe

You won't feel guilty extending soup season with the combination of cannellini beans, leeks, and aromatics. So next time you're looking for a comforting and delicious dish, give bean and leek soup a try. It's a true testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special.

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