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White Bean Soup with Chilli Paste

This creamy white bean soup with chilli paste is a sophisticated take on a vegetarian classic. By using dried Great Northern beans and soaking them overnight, you achieve a velvety texture that canned varieties simply cannot match. The subtle earthiness of the cumin and coriander provides a wonderful base for the star of the show: a rich, homemade smoky chilli oil made from sweet ancho and spicy arbol chillies.

Ideal for a comforting weekend lunch or a nutritious midweek dinner, this heart-healthy soup is both filling and flavourful. It is an excellent make-ahead dish, as the flavours of the chilli paste and the creamy bean broth develop beautifully after a day in the fridge. Serve it with crusty sourdough bread for a truly satisfying homemade meal.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for White Bean Soup with Chilli Paste

  • 2 dried ancho chillies,* stemmed, seeded

  • 1 dried chilli de rbol,* stemmed, seeded

  • 350ml water

  • 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar

  • 45ml vegetable oil

  • 475ml dried Great Northern beans

  • 2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) butter

  • 2 celery stalks, finely chopped

  • 1 large carrot, finely chopped

  • 1 large white onion, finely chopped

  • 1 large garlic clove, minced

  • 1925ml (or more) water

  • 2 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin

  • 2 teaspoons ground coriander

  • 1/2 cup whipping cream

How to make White Bean Soup with Chilli Paste

Place chillies in bowl; add enough water to cover. Let stand at room temperature overnight. Drain. Boil 350ml water, sugar, and chillies in small saucepan until 2 tablespoons liquid remain, about 15 minutes. Transfer to processor; puree until smooth. With machine running, gradually add oil. Season with salt and pepper. DO AHEAD: Can be made 3 days ahead. Cover; chill.

Place beans in large pot. Add enough water to cover by 4 inches. Let soak overnight.

Drain beans. Melt butter in same pot over medium-high heat. Add celery, carrot, onion, and garlic; cook until soft, stirring often, about 15 minutes. Add beans and 1925ml water. Bring to boil, reduce heat to low, and cook until beans are soft, stirring occasionally, about 1 1/2 hours. Stir in cumin and coriander; cool. Working in batches, puree soup in blender, adding water by 60ml fuls if too thick. Return to same pot. Stir in cream. Season with salt and pepper. DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover; chill.

Rewarm soup. Divide among bowls. Drizzle with chilli paste. Swirl paste into soup; serve.

*Sold at many supermarkets and at specialty foods stores and Latin markets.

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.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 17 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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