Can I use other types of beans in this soup, or is cannellini essential?

You can absolutely use other white beans like great northern beans or navy beans if cannellini beans are not available. The type of bean may affect the texture slightly but won't significantly alter the overall flavor.

Can I omit the gremolata if I don't have the ingredients?

While the gremolata adds a fresh and zesty element to the dish, you can certainly omit it if you don't have the necessary ingredients. The soup will still be flavorful and satisfying.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker or Instant Pot. In a slow cooker, follow the sautéing steps in a separate pan and then transfer everything to the slow cooker to simmer. In an Instant Pot, use the sauté function for the initial steps, then high pressure cook the soup for a shorter cooking time.

What can I use if I don't have escarole?

If you don't have escarole, you can substitute it with other leafy greens like kale, spinach, or Swiss chard, depending on your preferences.

How can I make the gremolata if I don't have fresh herbs or lemon zest?

If fresh herbs and lemon zest are unavailable, you can use dried herbs or substitute with other fresh herbs or citrus zest for a different flavor profile. Adapt the gremolata to your taste using what you have on hand.

Can I make this soup lower in sodium?

Absolutely. Choose low-sodium broth or use water with low sodium vegetable bouillon. Adjust the salt levels to your taste. Be mindful of the sodium content in canned beans and any other pre-packaged ingredients.

Creamy white bean soup with escarole and gremolata

Description

Creamy white bean soup with escarole and gremolata is a healthy, vegan, gluten-free and low fat one pot soup perfect for a cold weather!

Ingredients

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For the soup:

1 large Onion, peeled and diced
2 medium Carrots, peeled and diced
6 cloves Garlic, peeled and minced
3 Celery stalks, diced
1 Potatoes, cubed
1 Peeled Tomato, cubed
1 liter good quality vegetable broth
4 cups Cannellini beans, cooked
2 heads of escarole, washed and roughly chopped
1/4 teaspoon red chili pepper flakes(optional)
1 teaspoon Herbes de Provence seasonings
1 teaspoon Salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper (to taste)
Juice of a lemon (optional)

For the gremolata:

1/2 cup Fresh Parsley, finely chopped
4 cloves of garlic, grated
Lemon zest from 2 lemons
Salt to taste

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Instructions

Heat 3-4 tablespoons vegetable stock or water in a large soup pot over low heat, add the onions and allow to cook, stirring occasionally until translucent.
Add the carrots, garlic and celery with a pinch of salt and cook until vegetables are softened, around 10 minutes. Add few tablespoons of vegetable stock if needed and stir to avoid burning.
Pour in the vegetable broth. Add potatoes, tomato cubes, Herbs de Provence seasonings, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper to taste. Stir well. Bring the soup to a boil and allow to cook on medium heat until potatoes are tender.
Add the drained and rinsed beans, reduce the heat to simmer and partially cover the pot. Simmer for 3-4 minutes.
Remove 1/4 of the soup and blend until smooth using an immersion blender then return to the pot, stir well, this will help thicken the soup.
Add the chopped escarole to the soup and simmer for 3-5 minutes, or until the escarole is tender but still bright green.
Adjust seasonings, adding more salt and pepper if needed.
While the soup is simmering make gremolata. Finely chop parsley then zest the lemons and grate the garlic. Sprinkle with salt and mix parsley, lemon zest and garlic. Keep aside until the soup is served.
Serve the soup hot with gremolata sprinkled on top. Stir in lemon juice if desired.

Equipment

Glass container

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Immersion blender

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Knife

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Notes

Make the soup extra creamy by blending a small portion of soup without adding any milk or nuts. It adds a rich and creamy flavor to the soup while still keeping it vegan.
You can omit red chilli flakes if you do not like spicy soups.
Store any leftovers in the fridge in individual airtight containers for 3-4 days.
The soup freeze very well up to 3 months. It makes the perfect lunch over following weeks.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Soups

Keywords: white bean soup with escarole, vegan, soup, gluten free, oil free