Greek White Bean Soup with Garlic & Lemon Recipe

There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of soup, and the Greek White Bean Soup with Garlic & Lemon Recipe hits all the right notes. It’s simple, full of flavor, and packed with wholesome ingredients that leave you feeling nourished without any heaviness. Whenever I’m craving something cozy yet refreshing, this soup never lets me down.

This soup works beautifully as a light lunch or a starter for dinner parties, especially when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. The bright lemon and garlic balance perfectly with creamy beans, making this Greek White Bean Soup with Garlic & Lemon Recipe a staple in my recipe rotation—and I think it will be in yours, too!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients list for this Greek White Bean Soup with Garlic & Lemon Recipe is refreshingly straightforward. Each element brings something special to the table, from the rich olive oil to the zesty lemon. Picking good quality fresh produce and beans will absolutely make a difference here.

• Cannellini Beans: Soak overnight for that creamy texture. If you forget, quick-soaking works but overnight is best.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Adds richness and authentic Greek flavor. Use the best you have—it really shines here.
• Onion: Minced finely so it melts seamlessly into the broth.
• Garlic: Chopped fresh garlic is key for that punchy aroma and taste.
• Carrot: Thinly sliced to cook evenly and add subtle sweetness.
• Celery: Finely chopped to build that classic soup flavor base.
• Lemon Zest + Juice: The star ingredient that brightens the whole soup beautifully.
• Kosher Salt + Freshly Ground Pepper: Season gradually and taste often to keep it balanced.
• Vegetable Stock (Optional): Adds depth if you want a more robust soup, but water works just fine for a lighter version.

Variations

I like to keep this Greek White Bean Soup with Garlic & Lemon Recipe flexible depending on what’s in my kitchen or how I’m feeling. Trying out little tweaks makes cooking way more fun and helps you make this soup truly your own.

• Adding Fresh Herbs: Throwing in fresh dill or parsley at the end lifts the freshness. I’ve found dill especially complements the lemon beautifully.
• Making it Vegan/Gluten-Free: Since the recipe is naturally vegan, just make sure your stock (if using) is vegan and you’re all set.
• Thicker Texture: Blend part of the soup for a creamier feel without adding cream—perfect if you want a more filling meal.
• Spice it Up: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes gives a lovely mild heat that wakes up the palate.

How to Make Greek White Bean Soup with Garlic & Lemon Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Beans and Veggies

Start by soaking your cannellini beans overnight in plenty of water. This softens them up and helps reduce cooking time. When you cook the soup, the beans will become tender and almost melt-in-your-mouth, which is exactly what you want. While the beans are soaking, mince the onion and chop the garlic, carrots, and celery—having everything ready makes the cooking smooth and stress-free.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat 6 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the minced onion and cook until translucent—this usually takes about 5 minutes. Add the chopped garlic, carrot slices, and celery next, stirring occasionally. You’re aiming for everything to soften and release their flavors without browning too much. That’s the base for your soup’s heart and soul.

Step 3: Cook the Beans

Drain your soaked beans and add them right into the pot. Pour in about 500 ml of vegetable stock or water if you prefer lighter broth. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover the pot partially and let it gently bubble for about an hour or until the beans are soft and tender. Keep an eye on the liquid level, adding a little water if it reduces too much before the beans fully cook.

Step 4: Brighten It Up with Lemon and Seasoning

Once the beans are perfectly cooked, stir in the lemon zest and freshly squeezed lemon juice—it’s what gives this soup that signature bright zing. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. I usually add a little at a time, tasting as I go to make sure the flavors stay balanced and fresh.

How to Serve Greek White Bean Soup with Garlic & Lemon Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a handful of chopped fresh parsley or dill over my bowl for a pop of color and fresh herb flavor. A drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil on top right before serving adds silky richness, and if you want, some thin lemon slices look gorgeous and hint at what’s inside.

Side Dishes

Pair this soup with warm crusty bread or traditional Greek pita to soak up all that lemony, garlicky goodness. A simple Greek salad with fresh tomatoes, cucumber, and feta is also a refreshing side that complements the soup nicely for a light yet satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes serve the soup in small ramekins as a starter and garnish with edible flowers or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Another fun idea I tried was ladling the soup into mini bread bowls carved from sourdough—delicious and super Instagram-worthy!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Greek White Bean Soup with Garlic & Lemon refrigerates beautifully for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container. I always cool it completely before storing to keep the flavors bright and avoid sogginess.

Freezing

This soup freezes well too, which makes it a perfect make-ahead option. I freeze portions in sturdy containers, leaving a little room at the top for expansion. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently on the stove.

Reheating

To reheat, I recommend warming the soup slowly over low to medium heat to keep the beans intact and the flavors well balanced. If the broth seems too thick after chilling, add a splash of water or stock and stir well. A quick squeeze of fresh lemon juice when reheating freshens it up as if it was just made.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

For me, this Greek White Bean Soup with Garlic & Lemon Recipe is the epitome of simple comfort food done right. It’s quick to pull together, uses pantry staples, and yet feels special enough to serve any day of the week. Whether you’re new to Greek cooking or just want a nourishing, flavorful soup recipe, I’m confident these flavors will become a firm favorite. Give it a try, and you might just find it becoming your go-to soup too!

Print