Greek White Bean Soup With Garlic & Lemon Recipe

Greek White Bean Soup With Garlic & Lemon is the kind of recipe you turn to when craving comfort yet longing for something refreshing. This dish is the very heart of rustic Greek cooking: simple, honest, and brimming with flavor. Creamy beans meet a lush swirl of olive oil, delicate aromatics, and a bright hit of lemon for a soup that feels nurturing yet lively. Whether you’re embracing plant-based eating or just want to bring a bit of Mediterranean sunshine to your table, Greek White Bean Soup With Garlic & Lemon is wholesome, fresh, and beautifully satisfying—truly a bowl of happiness waiting for your spoon.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For Greek White Bean Soup With Garlic & Lemon, the ingredients are everyday staples, but each plays an essential role. From the creamy beans to the zesty finish, every item helps create that perfect balance of silkiness, brightness, and subtle earthiness you’ll crave in every spoonful.

• Cannellini beans (or other small white beans): Soaked overnight, these create the creamy, hearty base of the soup—go for good-quality dried beans for best results!
• Extra virgin olive oil: A generous measure lends silkiness and that signature Greek flavor; don’t skimp here.
• Minced onion: Sauteed to caramelized sweetness, onion sets the savory tone the whole pot builds on.
• Chopped garlic cloves: The garlic infuses warmth and aroma, perfectly complementing the lemony finish.
• Carrot (very thin slices): Slices add pops of color and a gentle sweetness to offset the lemon.
• Finely chopped celery: Celery brings in a subtle herbal brightness and classic soup flavor.
• Lemon zest + juice: This is what sets the soup apart—zest goes in for aroma, juice for that unmistakable tang.
• Kosher salt + freshly ground pepper: Simple seasoning seals in all the flavors without overwhelming them.
• Vegetable stock (optional): Swap in for a richer, rounder flavor, especially if you want an even heartier broth.

How to Make Greek White Bean Soup With Garlic & Lemon

Step 1: Prepare the Beans

Start with your soaked white beans—after soaking overnight, drain them thoroughly. Pop them into a pot half-filled with fresh water, and bring to a boil on high heat. Let them bubble away for 3 to 4 minutes; this blanching helps remove any bitterness and gives your soup an irresistibly smooth texture. Drain again and set aside; your beans are now ready for soup magic.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In a medium-sized soup pot, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium-high. Add the minced onion and chopped garlic, stirring frequently as they turn soft and golden. This step is a treat for your senses—the kitchen will smell gloriously inviting, and it’s these golden edges that unlock that savory-sweet foundation for your Greek White Bean Soup With Garlic & Lemon.

Step 3: Simmer With Beans and Broth

Now add your blanched beans to the pot, along with 1.5 liters of water (or, for a rounder flavor, substitute 1 liter of water plus 500 ml of vegetable stock). Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Partially cover the pot and let it simmer—this could take about two hours, but the time is well spent, transforming those beans into creamy pearls of flavor. Remember to check occasionally and give a gentle stir.

Step 4: Add The Vegetables

Once the beans are perfectly tender, stir in the finely sliced carrot and chopped celery. Season with kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper. Continue simmering gently, allowing the vegetables to soften, the flavors to harmonize, and the broth to thicken. This is the moment where your soup takes on its beautifully rustic heartiness.

Step 5: Finish With Lemon Zest & Juice

When the soup is thickened and the veggies are tender, stir in lemon zest and juice. Let it cook for another two minutes—just enough to let the citrusy perfume burst through without dulling its sparkle. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve Greek White Bean Soup With Garlic & Lemon piping hot, with extra black pepper or lemon wedges if you like things extra bright!

Step 6: Instant Pot, Slow Cooker, and Variations

If you prefer hands-off cooking, Greek White Bean Soup With Garlic & Lemon easily adapts to the Instant Pot or slow cooker. Sauté your aromatics first, then add everything except the lemon, cook as indicated, and finish with lemon juice and zest before serving. It’s foolproof, and your soup will always come out lusciously creamy and lemony, regardless of your chosen method.

How to Serve Greek White Bean Soup With Garlic & Lemon

Garnishes

Dress up your bowl with a flourish—think a drizzle of vibrant olive oil, a generous grind of black pepper, a sprinkle of fresh parsley, or even a few crumbles of feta if you don’t mind a little dairy. A little extra lemon zest on top not only looks dazzling but scents each spoonful just right.

Side Dishes

This soup shines brightest with a side of crusty bread, perfect for dunking and soaking up every last bit of broth. A Greek salad with tomatoes, olives, and cucumber takes the meal up a notch, while a plate of grilled veggies or some smoky roasted eggplant keep things deliciously simple and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun, cozy twist, serve Greek White Bean Soup With Garlic & Lemon in rustic mugs or small bowls as an appetizer at a dinner party. Swirl in a spoon of Greek yogurt or top with microgreens for a modern, restaurant-worthy touch. You could even turn it into a light main course by stirring in wilted baby spinach or a handful of orzo before serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool any leftover Greek White Bean Soup With Garlic & Lemon to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It tastes just as wonderful—even better—after a day or two, as the flavors meld and deepen. It keeps well for 4 to 5 days, making it a star for meal prep.

Freezing

This soup is fantastically freezer-friendly. Once cooled, ladle Greek White Bean Soup With Garlic & Lemon into freezer-safe containers, leaving a bit of space at the top for expansion. It will keep for up to three months—just remember to add the fresh lemon juice only after reheating for best flavor.

Reheating

To bring the soup back to life, simply warm it gently on the stovetop or microwave until steaming hot. If the soup has thickened in the fridge or freezer, loosen it up with a splash of water or stock. Always finish with another squeeze of fresh lemon juice to revive that signature brightness.

FAQs

Do I need to soak the beans overnight?

Yes, soaking the beans ahead of time is key for achieving that creamy, soft texture in Greek White Bean Soup With Garlic & Lemon. It also shortens the cooking time and makes the beans easier to digest. If you’re running short on time, a quick soak (cover with boiling water and let sit for an hour) is a speedy alternative.

Can I use canned beans instead?

Absolutely! While starting from dried beans gives the soup more body and flavor, canned white beans will work in a pinch. Just be sure to rinse and drain them well, and shorten the cooking time since canned beans are already tender.

What can I substitute for cannellini beans?

Any small white bean will work beautifully in Greek White Bean Soup With Garlic & Lemon. Try navy beans, Great Northern beans, or even butter beans—they each bring a slightly different texture, but the lemony, garlicky magic will still shine through.

Is this soup vegan and gluten-free?

Yes! Greek White Bean Soup With Garlic & Lemon is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it a perfect option for a variety of diets. Just double-check your vegetable stock (if using) to ensure it’s free of any hidden animal products or gluten-containing additives.

How do I make the soup thicker or thinner?

If you prefer a heartier, creamier texture, mash a few spoonfuls of beans against the side of the pot and stir. To thin, just add a bit more water or stock until you reach your perfect consistency.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend Greek White Bean Soup With Garlic & Lemon enough—whether you’re looking for a soul-warming weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing starter. It’s simple, sunny, and endlessly comforting. Give it a try, and let it bring a splash of Greek comfort into your kitchen!

Print