Creamy White Bean Soup and Toasted Cheese Sourdough Croutons

10 mins Prep Time

40 mins Cook Time

Written By

Nadia Boachie

This soup is the definition of homey. This is not an intimidating recipe; in fact, you can whip it up without much forethought or planning. It is a creamy white bean soup that is spruced up with a super quick and easy herb oil and some cheese croutons, making this dish much better than your average white bean soup. I love this on a cold day, for lunch and even for a quick and easy dinner. I often toast extra bread on the side because who doesn't love toasty bread and cheese with soup. Check this recipe out if you are looking for a warm, welcoming dish that is also quite aesthetically pleasing.

Ingredients

White Bean Soup

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 leeks, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 garlic cloves
1 x 540 mL can navy beans
2 cups vegetable (or chicken) broth
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Herb Oil

1 cup olive oil
1 bunch basil
1 bunch parsley
5 sprigs thyme, leaves removed
Salt, to taste

Sourdough Croutons

1/3 cup Parmesan, grated
1/3 cup sharp cheese, grated (old cheddar)
2-3 slices sourdough toast

Directions

White Bean Soup

8 Steps

Step 1

In a heavy bottomed pan, add 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
Step 2

Add sliced leeks and sauté on low heat until it starts to caramelize.
Step 3

Allow to caramelize for at least 10-15 minutes until soft.
Step 4

Add minced garlic and sauté over medium for about one minute.
Step 5

Add dried thyme and rosemary and sauté for 1 minute.
Step 6

Add your navy beans, fresh black pepper and your broth (homemade is best). Stir to combine.
Step 7

Bring to a boil and lower heat. Use back of wooden spoon to mash the beans to make the soup thicker. You want to mash about a third of the beans if you can.
Step 8

Taste and season with salt and more pepper to taste.

Herb Oil

2 Steps

Step 1

Place all ingredients in a blender and pulse until smooth.
Step 2

Season with salt and set aside.

Cheese Croutons

4 Steps

Step 1

Take your sourdough slices and generously top with your grated cheese.
Step 2

Place on baking sheet (do not use parchment paper) and place in oven and broil on high for about one minute. You want some toasty cheese.
Step 3

Once cheese is nice and toasty, turn broil off and turn to 350°F and bake slices for about 10 minutes or until slices are slightly crunchy.
Step 4

Remove from oven, let cool and cut into bite sized pieces. Set aside.