Recipe With White Beans Vegetarian: Easy & Delicious Ideas

Updated On: October 2, 2025

White beans are a versatile and nutrient-packed staple that can transform any vegetarian meal into a hearty and satisfying dish. Whether you’re aiming for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting meal to share with friends and family, white beans offer a creamy texture and mild flavor that pairs beautifully with a variety of herbs, spices, and vegetables.

Beyond their taste, these legumes are rich in protein, fiber, and essential minerals, making them an ideal ingredient for anyone looking to eat healthily without sacrificing flavor.

In this post, I’ll walk you through a delicious and easy vegetarian white bean recipe that’s perfect for all skill levels. Plus, I’ll share some tips, variations, and serving suggestions to help you customize this dish to your liking.

Ready to dive into a wholesome, plant-based meal that feels both comforting and nutritious? Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a celebration of simplicity and nourishment. Using white beans as the star ingredient, it delivers a creamy, protein-packed base that fills you up without any meat.

It’s naturally vegetarian and can easily be made vegan by choosing the right broth and optional toppings.

What makes it special? The harmonious blend of fresh vegetables, herbs, and spices creates vibrant flavors that keep every bite interesting.

Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal. Whether you’re meal prepping or cooking from scratch, this dish is flexible, budget-friendly, and perfect for year-round eating.

For more vegetarian inspiration, check out these amazing recipes: Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals, Vegetarian Tex Mex Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners, and Low Calorie Vegetable Soup Recipe for Healthy Eating.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked white beans (cannellini or great northern beans work well)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried rosemary
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 4 cups vegetable broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
  • 2 cups chopped kale or spinach
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Equipment

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
  • Chef’s knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Can opener
  • Ladle (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Prepare your vegetables: Start by dicing the onion, carrots, and celery. Mince the garlic finely to release its flavor.
  2. Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil over medium heat in your large pot. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Stir occasionally and cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the onions are translucent and the vegetables soften.
  3. Add herbs and seasonings: Sprinkle in the dried thyme, rosemary, and add the bay leaf. Stir everything together to combine the flavors.
  4. Incorporate liquids and beans: Pour in the vegetable broth and add the drained diced tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to simmer.
  5. Simmer the soup: Add the cooked white beans to the pot. Let everything simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the soup to thicken slightly.
  6. Add greens: Stir in the chopped kale or spinach during the last 5 minutes of cooking. This adds color, texture, and extra nutrients to your dish.
  7. Season to taste: Remove the bay leaf. Add salt, pepper, and lemon juice to brighten the flavors. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  8. Serve and garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a herby finish.

Tips & Variations

“For an extra creamy texture, blend a portion of the soup and stir it back in before adding the greens.”

  • Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red chili flakes or a dash of smoked paprika during step 3 for a warm kick.
  • Use dried beans: If using dried white beans, soak overnight and boil until tender before adding to the soup.
  • Swap your greens: Try chard, collard greens, or even finely chopped cabbage for different flavors and textures.
  • Protein boost: Add cubed firm tofu or tempeh for extra protein while keeping it vegetarian.
  • Herb variations: Fresh rosemary or thyme can replace dried herbs if you have them on hand. Add fresh herbs near the end of cooking to preserve their flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Calories 280 kcal
Protein 15 g
Carbohydrates 40 g
Dietary Fiber 12 g
Fat 5 g
Saturated Fat 0.7 g
Sodium 400 mg
Vitamin A 120% DV
Vitamin C 35% DV
Iron 20% DV

Serving Suggestions

This white bean vegetarian soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a warm pita to soak up the delicious broth. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside a fresh garden salad or roasted vegetables.

A sprinkle of nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan can add a cheesy flavor if you desire.

Looking to round out your meal? Try pairing this dish with a side of Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes or some warm Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves.

For a lighter option, a simple cucumber and tomato salad with lemon vinaigrette works beautifully.

Conclusion

This vegetarian white bean recipe is a perfect example of how wholesome ingredients can come together to create a meal that’s both nourishing and comforting. With its rich texture, vibrant flavors, and nourishing components, it’s an ideal option for anyone seeking a meatless dish that doesn’t compromise on taste or satisfaction.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or simply looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your routine, this recipe offers a delicious and easy way to enjoy the benefits of white beans. Plus, its versatility means you can tweak it based on what you have in your pantry or your personal flavor preferences.

Don’t forget to explore other vegetarian recipes on the site to keep your culinary adventures exciting and healthy!

For more creative vegetarian ideas, be sure to check out Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious and Instant Pot Vegetarian Recipes Indian Food Lovers Adore for inspiration beyond the savory side.

📖 Recipe Card: Hearty White Bean Vegetarian Stew

Description: A comforting and protein-packed stew featuring creamy white beans and fresh vegetables. Perfect for a nutritious and filling meat-free meal.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT40M
Total Time: PT55M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked white beans (cannellini or navy beans)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups fresh spinach

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery; sauté until softened.
  3. Stir in diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, thyme, and rosemary.
  4. Add cooked white beans and bring the mixture to a simmer.
  5. Cook for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Season with salt and pepper.
  7. Stir in fresh spinach and cook until wilted.
  8. Serve hot.

Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 18 g | Fat: 6 g | Carbs: 45 g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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