Green Bean and Potato Soup

Green Bean and Potato Soup

Green Bean and Potato Soup is a comforting, rustic dish that brings together the earthiness of potatoes and the crisp, fresh flavor of green beans in a light, savory broth.

It’s a simple yet satisfying soup, perfect for a cozy meal. You can enjoy it on its own or pair it with a piece of crusty bread.

Here’s a simple recipe for Green Bean and Potato Soup:

Green Bean and Potato Soup Recipe

Ingredients:

Green beans: 2 cups, trimmed and cut into 1-2 inch pieces

Potatoes: 3 medium, peeled and diced (waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold work best)

Onion: 1 medium, chopped

Garlic: 2-3 cloves, minced

Carrot: 1 large, peeled and diced (optional for added sweetness)

Celery: 2 stalks, diced

Vegetable or chicken stock: 4 cups

Olive oil: 2 tablespoons

Thyme: 1 teaspoon (fresh or dried)

Bay leaf: 1 (optional)

Salt and pepper: to taste

Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon (optional, for brightness)

Fresh parsley: chopped, for garnish

Instructions:

Prepare the Ingredients:

Wash and trim the green beans, cutting them into 1-2 inch pieces. Peel and dice the potatoes, chop the onion, and mince the garlic. If using, peel and dice the carrot and celery.

Sauté the Vegetables:

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery, and sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften and the onion turns translucent.

Add the Garlic and Herbs:

Add the minced garlic, thyme, and bay leaf to the pot. Stir for about 1 minute until the garlic becomes fragrant.

Add the Potatoes and Stock:

Add the diced potatoes to the pot and pour in the vegetable or chicken stock. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

Add the Green Beans:

Add the chopped green beans to the pot and continue to simmer for another 10-15 minutes, until the green beans are tender but still vibrant and slightly crisp.

Season the Soup:

Remove the bay leaf, taste the soup, and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Add a splash of lemon juice for a touch of brightness, if desired.

Serve:

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot with a slice of crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Tips:

For extra flavor: You can add a small amount of smoked paprika or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of warmth.

For creaminess: If you like a creamier soup, you can blend part of the soup with an immersion blender, leaving some of the potatoes and beans whole for texture.

Add-ins: You can add other vegetables like zucchini, peas, or corn to make the soup even heartier.

Green Bean and Potato Soup is a light yet comforting dish that highlights the simplicity and deliciousness of fresh, seasonal ingredients. It’s perfect for a nourishing lunch or dinner, and it’s easy to customize based on what you have in your kitchen!