A Hearty and Healthy Mediterranean Classic
Experience the cozy, soul-warming comfort of authentic Greek White Bean Soup, also known as Fasolada. This Mediterranean staple is a perfect one-pot meal for chilly evenings, offering a fiber-rich, plant-forward base infused with aromatic vegetables and a hint of smoky flavor. Whether you are looking for a nutrient-dense lunch or a satisfying family dinner, this recipe is designed for busy home cooks who crave deep flavor without the fuss. By using high-quality olive oil and fresh herbs, you can recreate this rustic masterpiece in your own kitchen in under an hour. It is truly the ultimate Pinterest-worthy comfort food that keeps you nourished and energized all week long! 🍲
⏱️ Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 6
📝 Ingredients List
- 1 lb dry white beans (cannellini or navy), soaked overnight
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 large carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp smoked beef strips, finely chopped (optional for depth)
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 bay leaves
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- Fresh parsley and lemon wedges for garnish
✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Sharp chef’s knife
- Large cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon
Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions
- Drain your soaked beans and rinse them well under cold water.
- In your large soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 6–8 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
- Add the garlic and smoked beef strips, stirring constantly for 1 minute so the garlic doesn’t burn.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to caramelize it slightly; this builds a deep, rich foundation for your soup.
- Add the beans, diced tomatoes, bay leaves, and vegetable broth. Increase heat to bring to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer.
- Cover the pot and simmer for 30–35 minutes until the beans are tender but still hold their shape. While it simmers, prep your garnish by chopping fresh parsley! ✨
- Remove the bay leaves, season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon. 🥣
💡 Pro Tips
- Storage: This soup tastes even better the next day! Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Substitutions: If you don’t have smoked beef, you can use a dash of smoked paprika to achieve that signature earthy aroma.
- Texture: For a creamier soup, mash a small portion of the beans against the side of the pot with your spoon before serving.
Variations
- Add Greens: Stir in two handfuls of fresh baby spinach or kale in the final 5 minutes of cooking for extra vitamins.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes during the vegetable sauté stage.
FAQ
- Can I use canned beans? Yes! If using canned beans, reduce the broth by 2 cups and cook for only 15 minutes.
- Is this gluten-free? Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.

Greek White Bean Soup (Fasolada)
- Total Time: 50
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
Experience the cozy, soul-warming comfort of authentic Greek White Bean Soup, known as Fasolada. This Mediterranean staple is a perfect one-pot meal for chilly evenings, offering a fiber-rich, plant-forward base infused with aromatic vegetables and a hint of smoky flavor. This recipe uses high-quality olive oil and fresh herbs to create a rustic, nutrient-dense meal that is perfect for a satisfying family dinner. It is a hearty, nourishing dish that keeps you energized and tastes even better the next day.
Ingredients
1 lb dry white beans (cannellini or navy), soaked overnight
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 large carrots, diced
2 stalks celery, diced
1 large yellow onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp smoked beef strips, finely chopped
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
2 bay leaves
6 cups vegetable broth
Fresh parsley for garnish
Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
Drain your soaked beans and rinse them well under cold water.
Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat.
Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery and sauté for 6–8 minutes until softened.
Add the garlic and smoked beef strips, stirring constantly for 1 minute.
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to caramelize.
Add the beans, diced tomatoes, bay leaves, and vegetable broth.
Increase heat to bring to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer.
Cover and simmer for 30–35 minutes until the beans are tender.
Remove bay leaves, season with salt and pepper, and garnish with parsley and lemon.
Notes
Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. It tastes even better the next day. Substitutions: If you don’t have smoked beef, use a dash of smoked paprika for a similar smoky flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 40
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
