Creamy White Bean and Herb Soup with Džiugas Cheese

This creamy white bean soup is a comforting dish that blends earthy flavors with a touch of elegance. Featuring a rich chicken broth base, it includes tender white beans along with the sweetness of carrots and the subtle crunch of celery root. The dish is elevated with the addition of Spinach for a fresh burst of green. The soup is made luxurious by incorporating creamy sour cream and the distinctive taste of grated Džiugas cheese, which also adds a delightful texture. Aromatic herbs like rosemary and parsley provide depth and complexity, while a hint of garlic breathes life into every spoonful. Finished with a garnish of crisp cheese toasts and sage leaves, each serving is a perfect blend of flavors and textures. This soup is ideal for both a comforting weekday meal and an impressive starter at a dinner party.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1.4 liters chicken broth
425 grams canned large white beans
200 grams onions
140 grams spinach leaves
50 grams carrots
50 grams celery root
50 grams grated hard Džiugas cheese
50 grams sour cream
50 grams olive oil

Spices & Herbs

3 cloves garlic
1 tablespoon chopped rosemary
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
Salt and pepper to taste

For Garnishing

30 grams hard Džiugas cheese (for toast)
A few sage leaves
A drizzle of olive oil

Preparation Time

35 minutes (including preparation and cooking time)

Step-by-Step Instruction

Heat Oil: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Sauté Vegetables: Add chopped onions, celery root, carrots, and garlic to the pot. Sauté for about 12-15 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
Add Herbs: Stir in the chopped rosemary and parsley and cook for an additional minute to release their flavors.
Pour Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle boil.
Add Beans: Stir in the canned white beans and let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes.
Blend Soup: Carefully blend the soup using an immersion blender until it reaches a smooth consistency.
Incorporate Spinach: Add the spinach leaves to the hot soup, allowing them to wilt completely.
Season: Add salt and pepper to taste.
Finish with Cream: Stir in the sour cream and mix well.
Cheese Touch: Incorporate the grated Džiugas cheese, stirring until it melts fully.
Prepare Cheese Toasts: Grate the remaining Džiugas cheese and place on a baking tray. Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C for about 2 minutes until crispy.
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with crispy cheese toasts, sage leaves, and a drizzle of olive oil.

Tips

Substitute Ingredients: For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Blending: Be cautious when blending hot soup; allow it to cool slightly if needed.
Cheese Options: Replace Džiugas cheese with Parmesan if it's unavailable.

Nutritions

Calories: Approximately 350 per serving
Protein: 15g
Fats: 20g
Carbohydrates: 30g

Variations

Vegan Option: Use coconut cream instead of sour cream and vegan cheese.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of chili flakes for a spicy kick.

Serving Suggestions

Serve alongside crusty bread or a light green salad for a complete meal.
Pair with a crisp white wine to complement the creamy texture of the soup.

Best Places to Enjoy Similar Soups

Chez Panisse - Known for its focus on local, organic ingredients, this restaurant offers delightful soups that celebrate simplicity and flavor. Location: 1517 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley, CA, USA.
Gjelina - Offers a variety of seasonal soups with a rustic charm and robust flavors, perfect for soup lovers. Location: 1429 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA, USA.
The French Laundry - Renowned for exquisite dishes including sophisticated soup options made with precision and care. Location: 6640 Washington St, Yountville, CA, USA.
Le Bernardin - Esteemed for its seafood dishes, it also serves soups that are deeply flavorful and artfully presented. Location: 155 W 51st St, New York, NY, USA.
Noma - Offering innovative Nordic cuisine, their soups are a unique blend of traditional and modern cooking techniques. Location: Refshalevej 96, 1432 Copenhagen, Denmark.
Osteria Francescana - Famous for its delicately crafted meals, including beautifully composed soup dishes. Location: Via Stella, 22, 41121 Modena MO, Italy.
El Celler de Can Roca - This restaurant is celebrated for its creative culinary offerings including exquisite and inventive soups. Location: Carrer de Can Sunyer, 48, 17007 Girona, Spain.
Alinea - Known for its cutting-edge gastronomy, their soup offerings reflect bold flavors and intriguing presentations. Location: 1723 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL, USA.
Blue Hill at Stone Barns - Celebrated for its farm-to-table approach, serving soups with fresh, local ingredients. Location: 630 Bedford Rd, Tarrytown, NY, USA.
Quintonil - Acclaimed for its vibrant Mexican flavors, this place offers unique and comforting soup options. Location: Av. Isaac Newton 55, Polanco, Polanco IV Sección, 11560 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico.