
This hearty white bean soup brings comfort on chilly days. The creamy texture of blended cannellini beans paired with melted parmesan creates a truly satisfying bowl that always earns high praise at the dinner table.
A Warming Winter Classic
This recipe evolved from traditional family cooking. The velvety smoothness comes from pureed white beans while sharp parmesan adds the perfect savory note. Fresh lemon brightens the flavors and tender spinach leaves provide color and nutrients. The result is a nourishing bowl perfect for sharing.
Essential Ingredients
- 3 cans white beans Premium quality cannellini recommended
- 90 cl vegetable stock Homemade stock preferred
- 1 medium yellow onion Fresh and firm
- 3 carrots Choose bright orange ones
- 2 celery stalks Fresh and crisp
- 3 garlic cloves Fresh local garlic
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes For gentle heat
- 12 cl dry white wine Good cooking quality
- 6 sprigs fresh thyme Garden-fresh ideal
- 2 bay leaves For subtle aroma
- 50 g grated parmesan Authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano
- 3 handfuls fresh spinach Market-fresh leaves
- 1 lemon Organic preferred
- Salt and black pepper Freshly ground
- Olive oil Good quality extra virgin
Cooking Method
- Creating the Base
- Blend beans with stock until smooth for the signature creamy texture.
- Vegetable Foundation
- Sauté vegetables in a Dutch oven until softened and fragrant. Garlic and chili flakes add depth.
- Building Flavors
- Deglaze with wine, add stock and herbs. Simmer to develop rich flavors.
- Final Elements
- Finish with fresh lemon, wilted spinach and melting parmesan.
- Serving
- Ladle into bowls, top with extra parmesan and herbs. Serve with crusty bread.

Professional Tips
This soup shines in vegetarian form with homemade garlic croutons adding delightful crunch. For special occasions, finish with aged pecorino romano - its sharp flavor provides an elevated finish.
Recipe Tips
- → Why blend some of the beans at the start?
- Blending part of the beans makes the soup naturally creamy. It works like a thickener, giving the soup its smooth texture.
- → Can frozen spinach replace fresh spinach?
- Absolutely! Just toss in the frozen spinach at the end, similar to how fresh spinach is added.
- → Do I really need the white wine?
- Not at all. Swap it with the same amount of vegetable broth. The wine gives extra flavor, but it’s totally optional.
- → How should I store this soup?
- This soup lasts up to 3 days in the fridge. You can also freeze it, but add the spinach and parmesan only when reheating to keep it fresh.
- → Can I swap parmesan for another cheese?
- Sure! Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano are great substitutes. These aged cheeses bring a comparable savory taste to the soup.