Have you ever had Fasolada? It is a Greek bean soup that is absolutely delicious! This hearty soup is perfect for a cold winter day. It's easy to make and full of flavor. Plus, it's loaded with fiber and protein, making it a healthy meal choice. If you've never tried a Fasolada recipe before, I highly recommend it. You won't be disappointed!
White bean soup recipes are popular during the fall and winter seasons because they are hearty, packed with protein, and low in calories. We love that they are filling, creamy, and easy to make.
Soups are also a great way to make kids eat beans.
We love our Mediterranean recipes, and we are always up for nourishing soup; they straightforwardly rely on good quality ingredients like the Tuscan vegetable white bean soup on this site and pair well with crusty bread like a rustic bread loaf chunk and a fresh Greek Salad.
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💚 Why you will love it
- Hearty and filling
- Easy to make
- Flavor-packed
- High in fiber
- Protein-rich
🧾 Ingredients
Although "Traditional Greek bean soup" might sound like oh! I need to get unique ingredients; that's not the case with this vegan white bean soup. You will likely get all the ingredients you need at your nearest supermarket.
- White beans - you can use canned beans (look for cannellini beans), or you may simply cook a batch of dried beans, unseasoned like we regularly do, with all types of beans, including chickpeas. You can then store them in the freezer in portions. This way, you can make various meals with a single pack of dried white beans.
- Celery - I think this vegetable is so underrated when cooking. Still, the truth is that it is key for so many beloved ingredients, like bolognese, cornbread stuffing, and vegan tuna salad, just to name a few. Use a fresh and crispy stalk.
- Carrot - the sweetness and soft textures on this vegan white bean soup come from this fantastic root veggie. Don't worry if they have been for some time in your fridge; they'll work.
- Onion - white or yellow onions. I like to cut them finely and leave some medium-sized chunks to give the fasolada soup some extra texture.
- Tomato - fresh is always better, but remember that you need extra ripe tomatoes for this soup; otherwise, use good quality organic canned tomatoes, whole or in chunks, and they will work.
- Vegetable broth - I love making my own with leftover onion, carrots, celery tops, and anything I can find on my fridge before it gets to my compost. Still, you can use a good quality organic vegetable cube.
- Oregano - dried oregano works well, and fresh is even better.
- Garlic - use fresh garlic; dried ground garlic is the last resource, but it doesn't let me keep it from making your fantastic Greek soup. The second time, go for fresh.
- Fresh dill - I wouldn't use dried dill on this one. I think this fantastic herb is the star of the show here. If you have ever tried flaky spanakopita pie, this is the flavor that you most likely remember. If you don't like dill, just skip it.
- Smoked paprika - adds depth to this soup. You can use hot paprika for a spicy variant!
Optional: lemon juice to serve
Substitutions
- White beans - instead of the regular cannelini beans, you could use navy beans or great northern beans.
- Herbs - fresh is always best, but feel free to use dried herbs.
🍽 Equipment
You only need a medium to large saucepan if you have a dutch oven, which is even better.
🔪 Instructions
Wash your veggies thoroughly.
Step 1. Chop all the vegetables into small and medium-sized dice.
Step 2: Stir fry the chopped onion with the rest of the vegetable dice.
Step 3: Toss the tomato paste if using, and stir for one minute, then add the tomato dice and herbs. Cook on medium-high heat until it starts to thicken.
Step 4: Bring to a low boil and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Garnish with freshly ground pepper, lemon juice (or lemon zest), and a swirl of extra virgin olive oil. You can also add some fresh parsley and lemons zest on top.
💡 Expert tips
Use Fresh Herbs for Maximum Flavor: Incorporating fresh dill and oregano can significantly enhance the soup's aroma and taste. While dried herbs are convenient, fresh ones offer a brightness that can elevate the dish.
Opt for High-Quality Vegetable Broth: The base of any good soup is its broth. Using a rich, organic vegetable broth can add depth and complexity to your Fasolada, making it more flavorful.
Don't Rush the Sautéing Process: Take your time to sauté the onions, celery, and carrots until they're just right. This foundational step is crucial for developing the soup's flavor profile. The onions should be translucent but not browned, ensuring a sweet and savory base.
Adjust the Consistency to Your Liking: If you prefer a thicker soup, consider blending a portion of the beans and vegetables with an immersion blender before adding them back into the pot. This can give you a creamier texture without altering the taste.
Finish with a Drizzle of Quality Olive Oil: Just before serving, a swirl of extra virgin olive oil can add a final touch of richness and bring the flavors together. Choose a good quality oil for the best taste.
If you use dry beans instead of canned beans, let them soak overnight and cook them before in boiling water before making the traditional Greek bean soup.
📖 Variations
- Spicy - add cayenne pepper or red chili flakes.
- Heartier - add more extra virgin olive oil.
🥢 How to serve
We like having this soup with a side of fresh malfouf salad, which is very fresh and offers contrast.
We usually have rice in our soup bowls, so head here to see how to cook basmati rice, which pairs wonderfully with this soup.
❓ FAQ
If you want the bean soup fasolada or any other bean soup to be thicker, you can blend a portion of the beans with an immersion blender and add it directly into the boiling components.
The origins of Fasolada are not entirely clear, but it is thought to have originated in the Ionian Islands of Greece. It is one of the most popular dishes in Greece and is commonly served as a main course or side dish.
🥡 Storage
Store in the fridge for up to three days and in the freezer for up to three months.
Always store leftovers in an airtight container.
📚 More soup recipes
Try our carrot and ginger soup, curried spicy lentil sprout soup, or vegan pumpkin soup recipes; they are perfect for a cozy fall-season dinner.
Try our pea pottage for a protein-packed and easy-to-make soup; it is hearty and filling.
⭐ If you try recipe, let us know! 💬 Leave a comment, rate it, and don't forget to tag us @ourplantbasedworld on Instagram. Cheers!
📋 Recipe
Fasolada Greek Bean Soup (Vegan, Quick + Gluten-Free)
Ingredients
- 15 oz white beans one can cannellini beans
- 1 onion medium, chopped
- 1 stalk celery chopped
- 1 carrot medium, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 14 oz tomatoes one can organic diced
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- ½ teaspoon oregano dried
- ½ tablespoon dill fresh, chopped
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Optional
- ½ lemon juiced, to serve
- 1 sprig rosemary fresh
- 1 tablespoon olive oil extra virgin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red chili flakes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
Directions
- Sautée onion, celery, carrot, and garlic for 2-3 minutes, in a medium saucepan, on medium-high heat, until the onion looks translucent, stirring frequently.
- Toss the tomato paste if using, and stir for one minute.
- Add diced tomatoes, canned beans, and vegetable broth.
- Stir in herbs and spices. Starting with the dried oregano, chopped dill, and smoked paprika. Stir well. Bring to a low boil, then simmer with a lid on low to medium heat for 15-20 minutes, until carrots and celery are soft.
- Optionally add one tablespoon of olive oil and whisk into soup.
- Serve in a bowl and garnish. Serve with a lemon wedge to squeeze over the soup if you'd like to add some tangy notes.
Video
Nutrition Facts
Nutritional Disclaimer
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As the lead content writer and recipe developer at Our Plant-Based World, he combines his passion for health and sustainability with a Plant-Based Nutrition Certification to create accessible, delicious vegan recipes. His expertise in plant-based cooking supports the blog's mission of fostering a healthier, environmentally conscious lifestyle through simple and seasonal dishes. His commitment to making vegan cooking enjoyable and inclusive for everyone shines in each recipe and article.
Costandia
Very good soup, just like yiayia's! But I would say a good squeeze of lemon is missing for me, put about a lemon in and it lifted it right up. Beautiful.
Gus
Thanks for your feedback, Costandia! We are thrilled you liked the soup. We agree on the lemon, we have that in the serving suggestions on the recipe post body, but you made us realized that it is not in the recipe card, so we just added it. Thanks for your comment! We hope to have you coming for more recipes!
Sara Welch
Enjoyed this for dinner tonight and it was a hit all around the table! Quick, easy and delicious; easily, a new favorite recipe!
Gus
I am glad to hear that Sara!, Thanks for your review!
Beth
I live in a warm climate year long but it's delicious soups, like this one, that have me eating soup year long too! Yum!
Jess
I have never had this before and am wondering where it has been my whole life!?! Yummy!
Rhonda
A great warming dinner. Thanks for the recipe.
Jenn
Perfect weeknight meal/ thank you!!
Gus
Hey Jenn, thanks for your review! I am glad you liked the Fasolada soup!
Jacqui
This soup is crazy good and perfect for these cold winter days.
gunjan
So comforting and so flavorful, I made it for our dinner last night and we all heartily enjoyed it.
Gus
We are glad you liked our tomato and white bean soup! Thanks for sharing!
Joyce
This was the perfect meal for tonight. It was such a cozy meal and so easy to make. Thank you for sharing this!
Jen
I love how comforting this is!! Packed full of amazing flavors!!
Tara
Such a comforting and easy soup! I love all that flavor. Definitely perfect for the cold weather we are having this week.