Simple White Bean Fennel

Featured in: Quick Cozy Plates

This comforting soup brings together creamy white beans and aromatic fennel for a nourishing meal. Aromatic vegetables sautéed in olive oil form a flavorful base, enhanced by garlic, thyme, and bay leaf. The broth simmers gently, then is partly puréed to balance texture with smoothness. A splash of fresh lemon juice brightens the dish, finished with a drizzle of olive oil and fennel fronds for garnish. Warm and rustic, it's a satisfying option ready in under an hour.

Updated on Fri, 21 Nov 2025 11:23:00 GMT
A steaming bowl of Simple White Bean and Fennel Soup, garnished with fennel fronds. Save
A steaming bowl of Simple White Bean and Fennel Soup, garnished with fennel fronds. | sizzlebloom.com

A comforting, rustic soup featuring creamy white beans and aromatic fennel—perfect for a quick nourishing meal from pantry and fridge staples.

This soup has become my go-to comfort food especially on chilly evenings when I want something warm yet light.

Ingredients

  • Vegetables: 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 large fennel bulb trimmed and diced (reserve fronds for garnish), 1 medium yellow onion diced, 2 medium carrots diced, 2 cloves garlic minced
  • Beans & Broth: 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans (cannellini or Great Northern) drained and rinsed, 4 cups vegetable broth (gluten-free if needed)
  • Seasonings: 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 bay leaf, 1/2 teaspoon sea salt or to taste, 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Finishing: Juice of 1/2 lemon, Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling, Reserved fennel fronds chopped for garnish

Instructions

Step 1:
In a large pot heat olive oil over medium heat. Add fennel onion and carrots. Sauté for 6 8 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Step 2:
Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 3:
Stir in white beans vegetable broth thyme bay leaf salt and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes stirring occasionally.
Step 4:
Remove bay leaf. Using an immersion blender partly purée the soup to desired consistency leaving some beans and vegetables whole for texture (or blend half in a blender then return to the pot).
Step 5:
Stir in lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 6:
Ladle into bowls drizzle with olive oil and garnish with chopped fennel fronds.
Creamy, chunky Simple White Bean and Fennel Soup: a Mediterranean vegetarian delight in a bowl. Save
Creamy, chunky Simple White Bean and Fennel Soup: a Mediterranean vegetarian delight in a bowl. | sizzlebloom.com

My family loves gathering around this soup especially when paired with fresh bread and a good conversation.

Notes

For added flavor sauté a pinch of red pepper flakes with the vegetables. Substitute celery for carrots if desired. Serve with crusty bread or add cooked pasta for a heartier meal. Pair with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc.

Required Tools

Large soup pot Chefs knife and cutting board Wooden spoon Immersion blender or stand blender Ladle

Allergen Information

Contains legumes (beans). Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free confirm broth is gluten-free if needed. Always check ingredient labels for potential allergens.

Enjoy a close-up of the flavorful Simple White Bean and Fennel Soup, ready to eat. Save
Enjoy a close-up of the flavorful Simple White Bean and Fennel Soup, ready to eat. | sizzlebloom.com

This simple soup quickly becomes a staple in your kitchen offering warmth comfort and nutrition in every bowl.

Simple White Bean Fennel

Creamy white beans paired with aromatic fennel create a comforting, hearty Mediterranean soup.

Setup Duration
10 min
Heat Duration
30 min
Complete Duration
40 min
Created by Emily Dawson

Classification Quick Cozy Plates

Skill Level Easy

Heritage Mediterranean

Output 4 Portions

Nutrition Labels Plant-Based, No Dairy, No Gluten

Components

Vegetables

01 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 1 large fennel bulb, trimmed and diced (reserve fronds for garnish)
03 1 medium yellow onion, diced
04 2 medium carrots, diced
05 2 cloves garlic, minced

Beans & Broth

01 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans (cannellini or Great Northern), drained and rinsed
02 4 cups (946 ml) vegetable broth (gluten-free if needed)

Seasonings

01 1 teaspoon dried thyme
02 1 bay leaf
03 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
04 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Finishing

01 Juice of 1/2 lemon
02 Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
03 Reserved fennel fronds, chopped, for garnish

Method Steps

Phase 01

Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced fennel, onion, and carrots. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Phase 02

Add Garlic: Incorporate minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

Phase 03

Combine Beans and Broth: Add rinsed white beans, vegetable broth, dried thyme, bay leaf, sea salt, and black pepper. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Phase 04

Partially Purée Soup: Remove bay leaf. Using an immersion blender, partly purée the soup to desired texture, leaving some beans and vegetables whole. Alternatively, blend half the soup in a stand blender and return it to the pot.

Phase 05

Finish and Season: Stir in lemon juice. Adjust seasoning as needed.

Phase 06

Serve: Ladle soup into bowls, drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, and garnish with chopped fennel fronds.

Kitchen Tools

  • Large soup pot
  • Chef's knife and cutting board
  • Wooden spoon
  • Immersion blender or stand blender
  • Ladle

Dietary Alerts

Always review ingredients individually for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance when uncertain.
  • Contains legumes (beans).
  • Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free; confirm broth is gluten-free if needed.
  • Check ingredient labels for potential allergens.

Dietary Information (per portion)

Values shown are estimates and shouldn't replace professional medical consultation.
  • Energy Value: 255
  • Fats: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Proteins: 11 g