Fennel and White Beans Soup – A Comforting, Creamy Classic with a Caribbean Twist
Let’s talk about beans — and no, not the boring kind. I’m talking about rich, creamy, belly-warming white beans paired with the most underrated veggie in the produce aisle: fennel. If you’ve never added fennel to your soup pot, you’re about to fall in love with its sweet, slightly licorice flavor that melts beautifully into the broth.
This Fennel and White Beans Soup is comforting, flavorful, and just fancy enough to feel like a little kitchen upgrade, without the stress. Whether you’re using dried beans (bless your patient heart!) or good-quality canned ones, this recipe walks you through how to get that velvety texture and layered taste every time.
In many Caribbean kitchens, we treat bean soup like serious business. Whether it’s a smoky consommé or a simple puree, it has to taste like it simmered all day — even if it didn’t. This recipe pays homage to that soulful cooking tradition, while keeping things light and plant-forward with fresh herbs, baby spinach, and a hint of optional kick from Noubess Hot and Spicy Sauce.
Soak your beans, grab a fresh fennel bulb, and let’s turn a few humble ingredients into a soup that’ll keep you going all week long. Ready to stir the pot? Let’s go!
Why This Fennel and White Beans Soup Deserves a Spot on Your Table
Let’s be honest — fennel isn’t exactly a Caribbean pantry staple, but once you try it in this creamy white bean soup, you’ll be hooked. This dish is cozy, flavorful, and flexible. Made with fresh herbs, hearty white beans, and the delicate anise-like flavor of fennel, it’s comfort in a bowl.
Whether you’re new to cooking beans or a seasoned pro, this recipe walks you through the bean puree game step by step — so no more bland bowls or soupy mistakes.
Bonus? Add a splash of Noubess Hot and Spicy Sauce for that bold, satisfying Caribbean heat we all love.
Ingredient Descriptions
- Noubess Hot Sauce: Adds heat and deep Caribbean flavor. A little goes a long way!
- Fennel Bulb: Mildly sweet and slightly licorice-y, fennel adds a unique twist. Slice it thin for faster cooking and better texture.
- White Beans: Great Northern or cannellini beans work beautifully. Soak and cook from dry for best flavor — trust me.
- Fresh Herbs: Thyme and parsley bring earthy brightness. Always go fresh if you can!
- Cherry Tomatoes: They burst with sweet acidity and balance the savory base.
- Spinach: Tossed in at the end for extra nutrition and a pop of color.
Pairing & Tips
Perfect With:
- Warm, crusty bread or garlic naan
- A light green salad or roasted vegetables
- A glass of chilled white wine or lemon-infused water
Pro Tips:
- Use dried beans for a better taste, texture, and nutritional value. Just soak overnight and cook until tender.
- Canned beans? Opt for BPA-free, no-sodium-added brands and rinse them thoroughly.
- Want more protein? Add sliced grilled chicken, turkey sausage, or even shrimp.
- Add depth: A splash of coconut milk or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan adds richness and body.
Caribbean Bean Soup: A Few Words of Wisdom
In the Caribbean, bean puree, bean soups, and consommés are often cooked low and slow with salted or smoked meats, rich herbs, and all the love. This recipe isn’t traditional, but it embraces that same soulful approach.
Don’t rush it — the magic is in the layers of flavor, the quality of your ingredients, and that final spicy kick.
Final Thoughts
This Fennel and White Beans Soup might not be born in the Caribbean, but it’s definitely welcome at the table. It’s healthy, hearty, and totally cozy — the kind of dish that makes you feel like a kitchen queen (or king) with every spoonful.
Make it yours. Add spice. Add soul. Just don’t skip the good broth or the fresh herbs!
Beans Soups Recipes Ideas
- HOW TO BOIL MOST DRIED BEANS
- EASY 16 BEANS AND HAM SOUP RECIPE
- HOW TO MAKE GARBANZO BEANS OR CHICKPEAS PUREE
- THE PERFECT BLACK BEANS SOUP
Fennel and White Beans Soup
Equipment
- Dutch oven or large saucepan
- Sharp knife & cutting board
- Wooden spoon or heat-safe spatula
- Bowl for prepping ingredients
- Immersion blender (optional, for puree-style texture)
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 large fennel bulb julienned
- 1 sprig fresh thyme
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley roughly chopped
- 1 medium onion julienned
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 handful cherry tomatoes
- 1½ cups cooked white beans navy, great northern, or cannellini
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 cups reduced-sodium vegetable broth or chicken broth
- Sea salt to taste
- White pepper to taste
- 2 handfuls baby spinach leaves
- ¼ tsp Noubess Hot and Spicy Sauce or more, if you’re feeling bold!
Instructions
Sauté the base:
- In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add fennel, thyme, parsley, onion, and butter. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add garlic:
- Add minced garlic and continue to cook for 10 more minutes, allowing the veggies to caramelize and soften.
Build the soup:
- Toss in cherry tomatoes and the bay leaf. Cook for another 5 minutes until the tomatoes start to break down. Add the cooked beans and stir everything together.
Simmer:
- Pour in your broth of choice, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let simmer gently for 30 minutes.
Finish it off:
- Add spinach and stir until wilted. Season with sea salt, white pepper, and a dash (or more!) of Noubess Hot and Spicy Sauce.
Optional:
- For a creamy texture, blend part of the soup with an immersion blender or in batches in a high-powered blender. You can also mash a few beans in the pot to naturally thicken the soup.
Notes
Pairing & Tips
Perfect With:- Warm crusty bread or garlic naan
- A light green salad or roasted vegetables
- Glass of chilled white wine or lemon-infused water
- Use dried beans for better taste, texture, and nutrition. Just soak overnight and cook until tender.
- Canned beans? Go for BPA-free, no-salt-added brands and rinse them well.
- Want more protein? Add sliced grilled chicken, turkey sausage, or even shrimp.
- Add depth: A splash of coconut milk or grated Parmesan adds richness and body.
Nutrition
Please keep in mind that nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary greatly based on the products used.
Nutrition info is automatically generated and provided as a courtesy and as an estimate only.
Corn Allergy:
Always choose ingredients without corn or corn derivatives.
Published January 27, 2016. Revised and updated.
