Deliciously Creamy Tomato Bean Soup Recipe You’ll Love
Oh, let me tell you about this creamy tomato bean soup! It’s like a big, cozy hug in a bowl. You know those chilly evenings when all you want is something warm and comforting? This soup fits the bill perfectly. The rich, tangy tomatoes mingle beautifully with the hearty beans, creating a texture that’s just… divine. Plus, it’s super simple to whip up, so you can dig in without spending all day in the kitchen. Just thinking about it makes me a little hungry, honestly!
Why You’ll Crave It
- Warm, creamy, and oh-so-comforting—perfect for those cool, cozy nights.
- Loaded with wholesome ingredients, making it a nutritious choice too.
- Endlessly adaptable—you can toss in whatever veggies you have on hand.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day, if there are any leftovers…!
- A great dinner option that pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a fresh salad.
My family fights over the last bowl—it gets that competitive!
What You’ll Need
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons, just enough to get things sizzling in the pot
- Onion: 1 medium, diced, for that base flavor that’s just so comforting
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced, because there’s never too much garlic, right?
- Carrot: 1, diced, adds a touch of sweetness to balance everything out
- Celery: 1 stalk, diced, for that nice crunch and flavor
- Canned crushed tomatoes: 1 can (28 ounces), the star of the show
- Vegetable broth: 4 cups, makes it all come together
- Canned cannellini beans: 1 can (15 ounces), drained and rinsed, for that creamy texture
- Fresh basil: 1/4 cup, chopped, to brighten up the flavor
- Heavy cream: 1/2 cup, because who doesn’t love a little creaminess?
- Salt and pepper: to taste, always season to your liking!
Easy How-To
Let’s Get Cooking!
Alright, so first things first, chop that onion, garlic, carrot… just get them all prepped. It makes everything so much easier later on. Then, grab a big pot and heat up two tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Toss in your onion and carrot, and cook them for about 5-7 minutes. You want the onion to turn a bit translucent and the carrot to soften up nicely. It really starts smelling good at this point! After that, mix in the minced garlic, dried thyme, and oregano—cook those for just another minute or two until you can really smell that aroma fill your kitchen.
Next, add in your can of crushed tomatoes and your rinsed cannellini beans. Stir it up and let it hang out for a moment. Then, pour in the broth—watch it all bubble away! Bring it to a boil, and then, reduce that heat to let it simmer. Now let it bubble for about 15-20 minutes… stir it occasionally so nothing sticks.
Once the flavors have mingled nicely, it’s blending time! Use an immersion blender for a smooth, creamy texture, or, if you’re like me, you’ll carefully transfer it to a regular blender in batches—watch out for those hot splashes! After blending, return it to the pot if necessary, and gently stir in the heavy cream. Heat it on low until it’s warmed, then taste and add salt and pepper as needed. Finally, serve it hot, garnished with fresh basil, and just enjoy!
Good to Know
- Feel free to sneak in some spinach or kale for a nutrition boost.
- If you have leftovers, keep them in the fridge for about three days—reheat them gently on the stove.
- This soup freezes fabulously! Just remember to thaw it in the fridge overnight if you go that route.
Serving Ideas
- A slice of crusty bread on the side is perfect for soaking up every last drop!
Top Tricks
- If it’s too thick, just add a splash more broth to loosen it up—personalize the texture to your liking!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh tomatoes work too, but they’ll likely need more time to cook down and might need a little extra seasoning to get that deep flavor.
What types of beans work best for this soup?
Cannellini beans are a favorite, but you could also go for chickpeas—just keeps it hearty and satisfying!
Can I make this soup vegan?
For sure! Just skip the heavy cream or use a dairy-free alternative, and you’re golden.
How long does the soup last in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, it should be good for about three days!
Can I freeze the soup?
Yep! Just let it cool down completely, store it in a freezer-safe container, and you can keep it for about three months.
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The creamy tomato bean soup is truly a joy to make and eat, packed with flavors that settle deep into your heart… and stomach. It’s that kind of dish that reminds you why home-cooked meals are so special. Perfect for a weeknight dinner when you just want something comforting, or for a cozy lunch, it really brings everyone together. Enjoy it with some delicious sides like a crunchy salad or a slice of warm garlic bread—it just makes everything better!