Restorative White Bean Soup

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Wholesome, Plant-Based Comfort in Every Spoonful

Makes: 6 Servings
By: Alison Tierney, MS, RD, CSO
Website: www.wholesomellc.com

Ingredients:

Soup Base

  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil (optional)
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 medium carrots, chopped
  • 3 stalks celery, chopped
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced (or, 1 tsp garlic-infused oil for sensitive digestion)
  • 3 tbsp nutritional yeast
  • 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth

Beans & Herbs

  • 2 (15 oz) cans white beans (great northern, navy, or chickpeas), drained & rinsed
  • 2 bay leaves*
  • 1 sprig fresh rosemary* (or 1/2 tsp dried)
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme* (or 1/2 tsp dried)
  • 1 sprig fresh oregano* (or 1/2 tsp dried)
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric
  • Black pepper, to taste

Creamy Finish

  • 1 tbsp white miso (optional)
  • 3/4 cup cashew cream (see below for homemade option)
    Or substitute: 1 cup coconut milk (light or full-fat) or unsweetened soy milk
  • 1-2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (from about 1/2 lemon)

Optional Garnish

  • 1 handful flat-leaf parsley, chopped
  • Crusty whole grain or sourdough bread

Directions:

1. Prepare Cashew Cream (If Making)
  • Soak 1/2 cup raw cashews in hot water for 10-15 minutes to soften.
2. Sauté the Base
  • Heat a large pot to medium heat. Add oil (if using) and let it warm.
  • Add onion, carrots, celery, and 1/2 tsp salt. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until onions are translucent.
  • If not using oil, add 1 tbsp water or broth at a time to prevent sticking.
3. Add Garlic & Herbs
  • Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Add nutritional yeast, vegetable broth, white beans, turmeric, rosemary, oregano, thyme, and bay leaves.
    *If you’re using fresh herbs, you can make what’s called a “bouquet garni”, or a bundle of herbs. Using kitchen twine, tie together the rosemary, sage, oregano, and thyme sprigs - along with the bay leaves.
4. Simmer & Blend Cashew Cream
  • Bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer for at least 15 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, drain cashews and blend with 1/2 cup fresh water until smooth. (No need to set aside—leave in the blender until ready to use.)
5. Dissolve Miso & Add Creaminess
  • Scoop 1/4 cup hot broth into a small bowl or cup. Add 1 tbsp miso and whisk until dissolved.
  • Stir miso mixture into the soup, then blend in cashew cream (or non-dairy milk).
6. Final Touches & Serve
  • Remove bay leaves (or bouquet garni if used).
  • Stir in lemon juice, black pepper, and adjust salt if needed.
  • Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley and crusty bread.

Enjoy!

Nutritional Data (per serving):
320 calories, 8 grams fat, 1.5 grams saturated fat, 48 grams carbohydrates, 12 grams fiber, 18 grams protein, 233 mg calcium, 8.2 mg iron

Why This Soup is Great for Pancreatic Cancer Patients

This Restorative White Bean Soup is designed to be gentle, nourishing, and easy to digest—perfect for those undergoing pancreatic cancer treatment. 

Here’s why:
  •  Lower in Fat, Easier to Digest – Many pancreatic cancer patients struggle with fat digestion. This soup keeps fat minimal while still offering healthy, plant-based fats from cashews (or a light dairy-free alternative). The cashew cream can be removed for a lighter soup., if needed a lighter soup.
  • Protein-Packed for Strength & Healing – White beans and cashew cream provide plant-based protein to help maintain muscle and support recovery after surgery or treatment.
  • Supports Blood Sugar Balance – Unlike many creamy soups that rely on dairy or refined starches, this version is rich in fiber from beans and veggies, helping to stabilize blood sugar levels—a common concern for pancreatic patients.
  • Anti-Inflammatory & Immune-Supportive – Ingredients like turmeric, garlic, rosemary, oregano, and thyme support overall well-being and can lower the risk of inflammatory disease.  may provide anti-inflammatory benefits. and support overall well-being.
  • Mild Yet Flavorful – The savory miso and herb blend enhances taste without overwhelming sensitive palates, while lemon juice adds a gentle brightness to stimulate appetite and help with taste changes.
  • Customizable for Tolerance Levels –
  • For extra ease of digestion, you can blend the soup until silky smooth.
Tip: If appetite is low, try eating this soup in smaller portions throughout the day instead of one large meal.

How to Make This Meal Even More Nourishing:

  • Eat it with family & friends—a shared meal can make eating more enjoyable.
  • It can be eating as a small meal or snack—6-8 small meals/snacks can make nutrition easier to manage.

Please Note:
Each patient has individualized nutritional needs—always check with a doctor or dietitian before making dietary changes.This recipe serves as general guidance for pancreatic cancer patients.

Recipe created by Alison Tierney, MS, RD, CSO (@wholesome.cancer.nutrition)