Creamy and Tangy: White Bean and Tomatillo Soup Recipe

This White Bean and Tomatillo Soup is a flavorful and comforting dish perfect for any time of year. It combines the creamy texture of white beans with the bright, tangy flavor of tomatillos, resulting in a truly unique and satisfying soup. This recipe is relatively simple to make, packed with nutrients, and easily adaptable to your preferences. Whether you’re looking for a vegetarian main course or a light lunch, this soup is sure to please.

## Why You’ll Love This Soup

* **Flavorful:** The combination of white beans, tomatillos, garlic, and spices creates a complex and delicious flavor profile.
* **Healthy:** This soup is packed with fiber, protein, and vitamins.
* **Easy to Make:** With just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious and hearty soup on the table in under an hour.
* **Versatile:** This soup can be easily customized to your liking. Add your favorite vegetables, spices, or toppings.
* **Vegetarian and Vegan-Friendly:** This recipe is naturally vegetarian and can easily be made vegan by using vegetable broth.

## Ingredients

* **White Beans:** 2 cups cooked white beans (such as cannellini or great northern), or two 15-ounce cans, drained and rinsed
* **Tomatillos:** 1 pound, husked and quartered
* **Onion:** 1 medium, chopped
* **Garlic:** 4 cloves, minced
* **Jalapeño:** 1, seeded and minced (optional, for heat)
* **Vegetable Broth:** 6 cups (or chicken broth, if not vegetarian)
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons
* **Lime Juice:** 2 tablespoons, fresh
* **Cilantro:** 1/4 cup, chopped, plus more for garnish
* **Cumin:** 1 teaspoon, ground
* **Oregano:** 1/2 teaspoon, dried
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste
* **Optional Toppings:** Avocado, sour cream (or vegan sour cream), tortilla chips, hot sauce, cotija cheese (if not vegan)

## Equipment

* Large pot or Dutch oven
* Blender or immersion blender
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Measuring cups and spoons

## Step-by-Step Instructions

### Step 1: Prepare the Tomatillos

The most important step is roasting or boiling the tomatillos to mellow out their somewhat acidic and tart flavor. Roasting the tomatillos brings out a sweeter, more complex taste, while boiling is faster and provides a more subtle result. The flavor profile will depend on which preparation method you select.

**Roasting Instructions:**

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Toss the quartered tomatillos with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Spread the tomatillos in a single layer on the baking sheet.
5. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the tomatillos are softened and slightly browned.

**Boiling Instructions:**

1. Place quartered tomatillos in a large pot.
2. Cover tomatillos with water. Bring to a boil.
3. Boil the tomatillos for 10-15 minutes, or until the tomatillos are softened and slightly changed in color.
4. Drain tomatillos and let cool slightly.

### Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until softened and translucent.
3. Add the minced garlic and jalapeño (if using) and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.

### Step 3: Blend the Tomatillos

1. Carefully transfer the roasted or boiled tomatillos to a blender (or use an immersion blender directly in the pot).
2. Add about 1 cup of the vegetable broth to the blender.
3. Blend until smooth.

### Step 4: Combine and Simmer

1. Pour the tomatillo mixture into the pot with the sautéed onions and garlic.
2. Add the remaining vegetable broth, cooked white beans, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Bring the soup to a simmer over medium heat.
4. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

### Step 5: Blend (Optional)

For a creamier soup, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some chunks of beans for texture. Alternatively, you can transfer about 2 cups of the soup to a blender, blend until smooth, and then return it to the pot. If you prefer a chunkier soup, skip this step.

### Step 6: Finish and Serve

1. Stir in the lime juice and chopped cilantro.
2. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
3. Serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings such as avocado, sour cream (or vegan sour cream), tortilla chips, hot sauce, and cotija cheese (if not vegan).

## Tips and Variations

* **Bean Variety:** Feel free to experiment with different types of white beans, such as cannellini, great northern, or navy beans. Each variety will have a slightly different flavor and texture.
* **Spice Level:** Adjust the amount of jalapeño to control the spiciness of the soup. For a milder soup, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeño before mincing. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
* **Vegetables:** Add other vegetables to the soup, such as corn, zucchini, or bell peppers. Sauté them with the onions and garlic before adding the tomatillo mixture.
* **Protein:** For a heartier soup, add cooked chicken, sausage, or tofu.
* **Herbs:** Experiment with different herbs, such as epazote, parsley, or thyme.
* **Smoked Paprika:** For a deeper, smokier flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika to the soup.
* **Make it Vegan:** Ensure you’re using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and use vegan toppings.
* **Add Greens:** Stir in some chopped spinach or kale towards the end of cooking for added nutrients and flavor.
* **Corn Tortillas:** Serve with warm corn tortillas for dipping.
* **Freezing:** This soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
* **Storage**: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

## Serving Suggestions

* Serve as a starter or a light lunch.
* Pair with a side salad or crusty bread.
* Garnish with your favorite toppings for a customized experience.
* Serve with a dollop of plain yogurt or cashew cream for extra creaminess.
* Offer a variety of toppings so guests can customize their own bowls.

## Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving)

* Calories: 300-400
* Protein: 15-20g
* Fat: 10-15g
* Carbohydrates: 40-50g
* Fiber: 10-15g

*Note: Nutritional information can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.*

## Conclusion

This White Bean and Tomatillo Soup is a delicious and healthy meal that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. With its creamy texture, tangy flavor, and customizable ingredients, it’s sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy a bowl of this comforting and flavorful soup!