Creamy White Bean and Chorizo Soup

Ingredients for Creamy White Bean and Chorizo Soup

• 450g dried cannellini or Great Northern beans (generous 475ml )

• 1925ml water

• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided

• 3 garlic cloves

• 1 smashed, 2 chopped

• 1 large fresh rosemary sprig

• 1 bay leaf

• 1 large onion, coarsely chopped (about 475ml )

• 1 large carrot, coarsely chopped (about 100g )

• 1 large celery stalk, coarsely chopped (about 110g )

• 2 1/2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh thyme, divided

• 950ml (or more) low-salt chicken broth

• 450g fresh chorizo link sausages, casings removed

• 60ml whipping cream

How to make Creamy White Bean and Chorizo Soup

Place beans in heavy large saucepan. Add enough water to pan to cover beans by 4 inches. Let beans soak overnight at room temperature.

Drain and rinse beans; return to same saucepan. Add 1925ml water, 1 tablespoon oil, smashed garlic clove, rosemary, and bay leaf. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, partially cover, and simmer until beans are just tender, 1 to 11/2 hours. Season to taste with salt. (Can be prepared 2 days ahead. Cool slightly, cover, and chill.)

Drain beans, reserving cooking liquid. Discard rosemary sprig and bay leaf. Heat remaining 2 tablespoons oil in heavy large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and celery. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Sauté until vegetables are beginning to soften, about 10 minutes. Add chopped garlic and 1 teaspoon thyme; sauté 2 minutes. Add 475ml reserved bean cooking liquid, 950ml chicken broth, and beans. Bring to boil; reduce heat to medium and simmer uncovered until vegetables are tender, about 25 minutes. Cool soup 10 minutes. Meanwhile, sauté chorizo in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat until cooked through, breaking up lumps with back of spoon, about 5 minutes. Transfer chorizo to paper towels to drain.

Using slotted spoon, remove 350ml bean mixture from soup; reserve. Working in batches, puree remaining soup in blender until smooth. Return puree to pot. Stir in reserved whole-bean mixture, remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons thyme, chorizo, and cream. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Chill uncovered until cold. Cover and keep chilled.) Rewarm soup over medium heat, thinning with more broth if desired. Season with salt and pepper. Divide soup among bowls and serve.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.