Fire Roasted Parmesan & White Bean Soup

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting dish that warms your heart and your kitchen, then you’ve come to the right place! This Fire Roasted Parmesan & White Bean Soup is a cherished recipe in my home. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, it feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. Whether you need something quick for a busy weeknight or want to impress family and friends at a gathering, this soup is sure to delight.

I love how simple it is to make, yet it tastes like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s filled with wholesome ingredients that not only nourish but also satisfy. Each spoonful is packed with flavor from fire roasted tomatoes and creamy white beans, making it a go-to comfort food.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, you can whip up this soup in just about 50 minutes—perfect for any skill level!
• Family-Friendly Appeal: It’s a hit with both kids and adults alike, making mealtime stress-free.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: This soup stores beautifully in the fridge or freezer, making meal prep a breeze.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of fire roasted tomatoes and parmesan creates a depth of flavor that will keep you coming back for more.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize this soup with whatever veggies or spices you have on hand!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making this Fire Roasted Parmesan & White Bean Soup requires just a handful of wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Let’s gather what we need!

For the Soup Base

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 sweet onion, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• Kosher salt and pepper (to taste)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ¼ teaspoon dried thyme

For the Main Ingredients

• 1 (14-ounce can) fire roasted tomatoes
• 2 (14-ounce cans) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken stock
• 1 parmesan rind

For Creaminess

• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup finely grated parmesan cheese (plus more for topping)
• 5 ounces fresh spinach (frozen is fine too)

For Serving

• Crushed red pepper (for topping)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! You can easily adapt it based on what you have or your personal preferences.

• Add More Veggies: Toss in some carrots or zucchini for extra nutrients and color.
• Spice It Up: If you love heat, add more crushed red pepper or even some diced jalapeños.
• Swap the Beans: Try using chickpeas or navy beans if you’re looking for a different texture.
• Make It Vegan: Replace the heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream and skip the parmesan cheese.

How to Make Fire Roasted Parmesan & White Bean Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic along with a big pinch of salt and pepper. Cook them until they soften slightly—about 5 minutes. This step is essential as it builds the base flavor for our soup.

Step 2: Stir in Spices and Tomato Paste

Next, stir in the tomato paste along with dried basil, oregano, and thyme. Keep cooking for another 5 minutes while stirring frequently until everything darkens slightly. This allows the spices to bloom and deepen their flavors.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Beans

Add in the fire roasted tomatoes, cannellini beans, vegetable stock, and parmesan rind. Bring this mixture to a boil before reducing it to a simmer. Cover the pot for about 10 minutes during cooking; this helps meld all those lovely flavors together.

Step 4: Creamy Finish

After simmering, remove the lid and stir in the heavy cream along with finely grated parmesan cheese and fresh spinach. Cook everything together for another 5 to 10 minutes until everything is well combined, stirring often as the cheese melts into that delicious broth.

Step 5: Serve It Up!

Taste your soup one last time before serving—it might need just a little extra salt or pepper! Serve immediately topped with extra parmesan and crushed red pepper for a bit of heat. Enjoy every warm bite!

Pro Tips for Making Fire Roasted Parmesan & White Bean Soup

Making this soup is not only easy but also a fantastic way to impress your family or guests! Here are some tips to elevate your cooking experience:

• Use fresh herbs: Fresh basil or thyme can add a vibrant flavor to the soup, enhancing its overall appeal compared to dried herbs.

• Don’t skip the parmesan rind: Adding a parmesan rind while simmering infuses the soup with rich umami flavors, making it taste like it simmered all day.

• Adjust the creaminess: If you prefer a lighter version, you can reduce the amount of heavy cream or substitute it with coconut milk for a dairy-free option while still keeping that creamy texture.

• Experiment with beans: While cannellini beans are classic in this recipe, feel free to mix in other beans like navy or great northern for different textures and flavors.

• Make it ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Prepare it in advance and simply reheat when you’re ready to serve!

How to Serve Fire Roasted Parmesan & White Bean Soup

Serving this delicious soup can be just as enjoyable as making it! Here are some delightful ideas to present your dish beautifully.

Garnishes

• Fresh parsley: Chopped fresh parsley adds a burst of color and freshness on top of your soup.
• Cracked black pepper: A sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper adds an aromatic kick that enhances every spoonful.
• Lemon zest: For a bright finish, add a twist of lemon zest which complements the richness of the soup perfectly.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread is ideal for dipping into the soup. The crispy texture pairs wonderfully with the creamy broth.

• Simple Green Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette balances out the heartiness of the soup.

• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers bring extra nutrients and colors to your meal while complementing the flavors of the soup.

• Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A classic comfort food pairing; enjoy gooey grilled cheese alongside your soup for a cozy meal that warms you inside and out.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Fire Roasted Parmesan & White Bean Soup is not just delicious; it’s also perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• For best flavor, consume within the first few days.

Freezing

• Portion the soup into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Label with the date and contents before freezing.
• The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
• Alternatively, microwave in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring halfway through for even heating.

FAQs

Here are some common questions I often hear about this recipe!

Can I use other beans instead of cannellini in the Fire Roasted Parmesan & White Bean Soup?

Absolutely! You can substitute with any white bean variety such as great northern beans or navy beans. Just ensure they’re drained and rinsed well before adding them to your soup.

How can I make Fire Roasted Parmesan & White Bean Soup vegan?

To make this soup vegan-friendly, simply omit the heavy cream and parmesan cheese. You can replace them with plant-based alternatives like coconut cream and nutritional yeast for added flavor.

What’s the best way to spice up Fire Roasted Parmesan & White Bean Soup?

If you love a bit of heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce during cooking. Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can also brighten up the flavors!

Final Thoughts

I hope this Fire Roasted Parmesan & White Bean Soup brings warmth and comfort to your kitchen! It’s simple yet packed with flavors that make it special for any occasion. Enjoy making this delightful dish, and don’t hesitate to share your experiences or tweaks in the comments below. Happy cooking!