Butter Bean Soup
Butter beans, also known as lima beans, are prized for their creamy texture and delicate flavor. These beans are not only rich in protein but also provide a wonderful base for hearty, flavorful soups.
Butter Bean Soup is a comforting and nutritious dish that is both easy to prepare and full of wholesome goodness. Perfect for chilly days, this soup combines the smoothness of butter beans with vegetables, herbs, and savory broth to create a satisfying meal that is ideal for lunch, dinner, or as a starter.
The beauty of butter beans lies in their ability to absorb the flavors of the ingredients they are cooked with, which is why they make such a great addition to soups and stews. Whether you use dried or canned butter beans, the resulting soup is thick, creamy, and bursting with flavors that will warm you from the inside out. This recipe can easily be adapted to suit various dietary preferences, and with a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy a bowl of nourishing soup that is as healthy as it is delicious.
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 bay leaf
2 cups dried butter beans, soaked overnight (or 4 cups canned butter beans, drained and rinsed)
4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, with juices
1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for depth of flavor)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup fresh spinach or kale, chopped (optional for added greens)
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional for brightness)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Crusty bread (optional, for serving)
How to Make:
Prepare the Beans: If you are using dried butter beans, rinse them thoroughly and soak them in water overnight. If you don’t have time for soaking, you can use the quick-soak method by bringing the beans to a boil, removing them from the heat, and letting them sit for one hour. Drain the beans after soaking. If you are using canned butter beans, simply drain and rinse them under cold water to remove any excess sodium.
Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté the vegetables for about 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and the carrots and celery soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the Herbs and Tomatoes: Stir in the dried thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. These aromatic herbs will add depth to the soup. Then, add the diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir everything together and allow the tomatoes to cook down for 5 minutes, helping to release their juices and flavors into the soup base.
Add the Beans and Broth: Add the soaked (or canned) butter beans to the pot, followed by the vegetable broth. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the soup simmer for 40-60 minutes if using dried beans, or 20-25 minutes if using canned beans. The beans should become tender and the flavors will meld together beautifully.
Finish the Soup: Once the beans are tender and the soup has thickened to your desired consistency, remove the bay leaf. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. For an added layer of flavor, you can stir in smoked paprika. If you want to add greens, now is the time to stir in the chopped spinach or kale and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, until the greens have wilted.
Serve: For a final touch of freshness, stir in some fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot, accompanied by a slice of crusty bread for dipping. The bread soaks up the flavorful broth, making it an ideal complement to this rich and hearty soup.
Chef’s Note:
Soaking Dried Beans: Soaking dried butter beans overnight is highly recommended because it helps to reduce cooking time and makes the beans easier to digest. If you’re in a rush, you can use canned butter beans instead. Just make sure to rinse them thoroughly before adding them to the soup.
Texture Adjustments: If you prefer a smoother soup, you can blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender or transfer some to a regular blender. This will give the soup a creamy consistency while still leaving some beans and vegetables for texture.
Flavor Enhancements: To make the soup richer, you can add a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk in the final stages of cooking. If you enjoy a smoky flavor, try adding a smoked ham hock or sausage. Both add a wonderful depth to the soup.
Vegan Option: This soup can be made vegan by ensuring the broth is plant-based and omitting any meat-based ingredients like ham. You can also add extra vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or tomatoes for more flavor.
Storage: Leftover Butter Bean Soup stores well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The flavors tend to improve as it sits. If you want to freeze the soup, let it cool completely and store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When reheating, you may need to add some additional broth or water as the soup can thicken over time.
Nutrition Information (per serving):
Calories: 210 kcal
Protein: 11 grams
Fat: 7 grams
Saturated Fat: 1 gram
Carbohydrates: 30 grams
Fiber: 8 grams
Sugar: 6 grams
Cholesterol: 0 mg
Sodium: 560 mg
Potassium: 800 mg
Vitamin A: 35% of the Daily Value (DV)
Vitamin C: 15% of the DV
Calcium: 8% of the DV
Iron: 20% of the DV
Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary depending on specific ingredients used, such as the type of broth or any added toppings. For a lower-sodium version, you can use low-sodium vegetable broth and canned beans.
Conclusion:
Butter Bean Soup is a perfect combination of comfort and nutrition. The creamy texture of the butter beans pairs wonderfully with the savory vegetables and herbs, making this soup both hearty and flavorful. It’s an easy-to-make, one-pot meal that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a side of bread for a more filling experience. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or looking for a light yet satisfying lunch, this soup delivers on all fronts. It’s packed with fiber, plant-based protein, and essential vitamins, making it a great choice for anyone looking to eat healthier without sacrificing taste. This Butter Bean Soup is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile—adjust the ingredients to fit your preferences, and enjoy a bowl of warmth and comfort whenever you need it.