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Slow Cooker White Bean Soup

This hearty white bean soup is made using a slow cooker, allowing the beans to soak up flavors over several hours. Main ingredients include dried white beans, vegetables, and herbs, resulting in a creamy, tender texture with a comforting appearance. It’s a simple, nourishing dish that transforms pantry staples into a warm, inviting bowl of soup.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 8 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Comfort Food
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 cups dried white beans rinsed and picked over
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 carrots carrots chopped small
  • 4 cups vegetable broth low-sodium preferred
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 2 bay leaves bay leaves
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil optional, for aromatics
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 squeeze lemon juice or vinegar brightens the flavor

Equipment

  • Slow cooker
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Spoon
  • Potato masher or immersion blender

Method
 

  1. Rinse the dried white beans thoroughly under cold water, removing any debris or discolored beans. If you have time, soak them overnight in cold water; otherwise, proceed with unsoaked beans.
  2. Dice the onion and mince the garlic finely. Chop the carrots into small cubes to help them cook down evenly and release their sweetness.
  3. Add the soaked or unsoaked beans, diced onion, minced garlic, chopped carrots, vegetable broth, thyme, bay leaves, and olive oil into the slow cooker. Stir everything together to combine.
  4. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to low. Let it cook for 6-8 hours if beans are soaked, or 8-10 hours if unsoaked, until the beans are tender and the flavors meld. The house will fill with a warm, earthy aroma.
  5. Once the cooking time is up, remove the bay leaves and taste the soup. If needed, season with salt and pepper to your liking. For a creamier texture, mash some of the beans with a potato masher or blend part of the soup with an immersion blender directly in the pot.
  6. Finish by squeezing a splash of lemon juice or vinegar into the soup. Stir well to brighten the flavors and add a pop of freshness. Ladle into bowls and enjoy this comforting, hearty dish.