Greek White Bean Soup: Zesty Garlic & Lemon Recipe

Warm comfort flows through every spoonful of this hearty Greek white bean soup, packed with robust garlic and zesty lemon flavors.

Mediterranean kitchens have perfected this classic winter dish for generations.

Tender beans simmer slowly, absorbing rich herbs and aromatic spices that dance across your palate.

Rustic and deeply satisfying, this soup carries the essence of traditional Greek cooking with remarkable simplicity.

Each bite connects you to sun-drenched landscapes and age-old culinary traditions.

Nutritious ingredients come together effortlessly, creating a soul-warming meal that nourishes both body and spirit.

Let’s find out this delectable soup and let its authentic flavors transport you to the heart of Greece.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 2 hours 10 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 5

Everything That Goes Into Greek White Bean Soup With Garlic & Lemon

• Cannellini Beans: Creamy white beans that provide hearty texture and protein, choose fresh dried beans without cracks or discoloration for best flavor and smooth consistency.
• Vegetable Stock: Enhances depth of flavor, optional but recommended for richer soup base, select low-sodium stock to control salt levels.

• Carrot, Celery, Onion: Classic flavor foundation that builds soup's savory profile, slice thinly to ensure even cooking and quick softening, use fresh crisp vegetables for maximum taste.
• Garlic: Adds robust Mediterranean flavor, select firm cloves without sprouting for most intense taste, finely chop to distribute flavor evenly.

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Authentic Greek touch that adds richness and smooth mouthfeel, choose high-quality cold-pressed oil for best flavor.
• Lemon: Bright citrus element that lifts entire dish, select firm, heavy lemons with smooth skin, zest before juicing to capture maximum aromatic oils.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances overall seasoning, sprinkle gradually and taste to achieve perfect balance.
• Freshly Ground Pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity, grind just before adding for most vibrant flavor.

Kitchen Tools for Making Greek White Bean Soup Right

• Large pot: Essential for cooking the soup from start to finish.
• Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring and sautéing ingredients.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping onions, garlic, celery, and carrots.
• Sharp knife: Great for precise vegetable preparation.
• Colander: Useful for draining soaked and boiled beans.
• Measuring cup: Helps accurately add water or vegetable stock.
• Vegetable peeler: Helpful for preparing carrots and zesting lemon.
• Ladle: Convenient for serving the soup.

How to Cook Greek White Bean Soup With Flavor

• Bean Preparation

Soak dried white beans overnight, then quickly blanch them to remove any unwanted flavors and prepare for the soup’s rich base.

• Aromatic Foundation

Create a flavor-packed start by gently sweating chopped onions and fragrant garlic in a splash of golden olive oil until they become soft and translucent.

• Liquid and Slow Cooking

Pour water or vegetable broth into the pot, adding the blanched beans and allowing them to simmer gently, transforming into a creamy, tender texture over a lazy afternoon.

• Vegetable Symphony

Introduce a medley of chopped celery and carrots to the bubbling pot, seasoning with a pinch of salt and a whisper of black pepper to enhance the soup’s depth and complexity.

• Bright Finale

Awaken the entire dish with a burst of fresh lemon juice and delicate zest, lifting the soup’s earthy undertones and creating a vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired experience that dances on the palate.

Smart Tips for Greek White Bean Soup Success

• White beans like cannellini or navy work perfectly, offering similar creamy textures and rich protein profiles for this classic Greek recipe.
• Replace fresh celery with dried celery flakes during winter months when fresh produce costs more, maintaining the soup's authentic flavor balance.
• Toss in fresh dill or oregano during the final simmering stage to elevate the soup's Mediterranean character and add vibrant aromatic layers.
• Incorporate diced chicken or crumbled feta cheese for extra protein, transforming this simple soup into a more substantial meal that satisfies hearty appetites.
• Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, creating a rustic, creamy consistency while keeping some whole beans intact for delightful texture variation.

Best Ways to Serve This Greek Bean Soup

• Mediterranean Mezze Platter: Serve the soup alongside a colorful spread of olives, feta cheese, fresh pita bread, and crisp cucumber slices to create a traditional Greek dining experience.
• Herbal Green Topping: Sprinkle fresh chopped dill, parsley, or oregano on top of the soup to enhance its aromatic flavor and add a vibrant green garnish that complements the creamy white beans.
• Crusty Bread Companion: Pair the soup with warm, crusty sourdough or rustic Greek bread for dipping, allowing guests to soak up the rich, lemony broth and enjoy every last drop of this comforting dish.
• Protein-Packed Side: Add a small portion of grilled chicken or fish alongside the soup to transform it into a more substantial meal that provides extra protein and satisfies heartier appetites.

Storing Greek White Bean Soup the Smart Way

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover soup in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Cool the soup completely before sealing to maintain optimal flavor and texture.
• Freezing Wisdom: Transfer soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze up to 3 months, ensuring a delicious meal is always ready when time is tight. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before gently reheating.
• Batch Preparation Hack: Double the recipe and portion soup into individual containers for quick weekday lunches. This smart technique saves cooking time and provides nutritious meals throughout the week.
• Reheating Magic: Warm soup slowly on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or vegetable broth to restore original consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent bottom scorching and ensure even heating, bringing back the soup's vibrant flavors and warmth.

Hearty Greek White Bean Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Hearty Greek white bean soup delivers comfort and nutrition through classic Mediterranean ingredients. Rustic preparation and simple techniques make this soup a soulful celebration of Greek culinary traditions you can easily enjoy.

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Ingredients

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• 250 g (8.8 oz) cannellini beans or other small white beans, soaked overnight
• 500 ml (16.9 fl oz) vegetable stock (optional)
• 6 tbsps extra virgin olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, chopped
• ½ onion, minced
• 1 carrot, sliced very thinly
• 1 stick of celery, finely chopped
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground pepper

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Instructions

1. Bean Preparation: Thoroughly rinse pre-soaked white beans and par-boil in a large pot for 3-4 minutes to eliminate impurities, then drain and set aside.
2. Aromatic Foundation: Heat extra virgin olive oil in a substantial pot over moderate temperature. Sauté finely chopped onions and minced garlic until they develop a translucent, golden-edged appearance with an enticing fragrance.
3. Liquid Integration: Add par-boiled beans to the aromatic base, pour in water or vegetable stock, and bring to a vigorous boil. Reduce heat to maintain a gentle, consistent simmer for approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, stirring periodically to prevent bean adhesion.
4. Vegetable and Seasoning Incorporation: Introduce diced celery, chopped carrots, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Continue simmering until the soup achieves a robust consistency with tender beans and slightly thickened liquid.
5. Final Flavor Enhancement: Stir in freshly squeezed lemon juice and delicate lemon zest. Allow flavors to meld for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat. Serve piping hot, optionally garnishing with a drizzle of olive oil and fresh parsley for added visual and gustatory complexity.

Notes

• Soak Beans Smartly: Pre-soak white beans overnight to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility, ensuring better nutrient absorption and softer texture.
• Control Liquid Levels: Monitor water during long simmering to prevent beans from drying out, adding extra stock or water as needed to maintain desired soup consistency.
• Flavor Layering Technique: Sauté onions and garlic slowly to develop deep, complex base flavors that will enhance the overall soup’s taste profile.
• Zest Wisely: Add lemon zest and juice at the end of cooking to preserve bright, fresh citrus notes and prevent potential bitterness from extended heat exposure.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg