Instructions Sauté Vegetables: Heat the olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion, celery, and carrot, cooking until the onion turns translucent (about 7 minutes). Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Add Beans and Broth: Add the rinsed beans and chicken broth to the pot. Season with salt, pepper, rosemary, thyme, and cayenne pepper if using. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer until the vegetables are tender (about 30 minutes). Prepare Croutons: While the soup is simmering, you can prepare the bread cubes. In a separate pan, drizzle olive oil over the bread cubes and toast them until golden.