Maltese White Bean and Garlic Soup

Ingredients

• 2 cups (400g) canned white beans, drained and rinsed 2 cups (400g) canned white beans, drained and rinsed
• 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth
• 6 cloves of garlic, minced 6 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 220 kcal / 920 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 7g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 32g, 4g
• Protein: 9g
• Fiber: 8g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, and sauté until fragrant and golden.
2. 2.
   Add the drained white beans to the pot and stir well to combine with the garlic and onion.
3. 3.
   Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
4. 4.
   Remove the pot from the heat and let it cool slightly. Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, puree the soup until smooth and creamy.
5. 5.
   Return the soup to the stove over low heat. Stir in the lemon juice, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
6. 6.
   Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve hot and garnish with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Canned white beans — Make sure to drain and rinse the beans thoroughly to remove any excess sodium or preservatives.

Tips & Tricks

• For a creamier texture, you can blend half of the beans and leave the other half whole before adding them to the soup.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick of heat.
• Serve the soup with crusty bread for a complete meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Maltese White Bean and Garlic Soup hot in individual bowls. Drizzle each serving with a little olive oil and garnish with fresh thyme leaves for an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal.

Presentation advice

To elevate the presentation of the soup, consider serving it in rustic ceramic bowls. Pair it with a slice of crusty bread on the side for a wholesome and satisfying meal.