Bowl of creamy Butter Bean Soup garnished with herbs and served with bread.

Butter Bean Soup

Why Make This Recipe

Butter Bean Soup is a delightful dish that is both hearty and healthy. This soup is packed with nutrients, making it an excellent choice for a comforting meal. Using simple ingredients, it brings warmth and satisfaction, perfect for chilly days or when you need a quick but tasty dish. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be enjoyed by the whole family!

How to Make Butter Bean Soup

Ingredients:

  • 1 can butter beans (lima beans), drained and rinsed
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Olive oil for sautéing
  • Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)

Directions:

  1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Stir in the butter beans, vegetable broth, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  5. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and let simmer for 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  6. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup to your desired consistency, or leave it chunky.
  7. Adjust seasonings if necessary, and serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Butter Bean Soup

How to Serve Butter Bean Soup

Butter Bean Soup is delicious on its own, but you can serve it with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It also pairs well with a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top. Enjoy it warm for the best flavor!

How to Store Butter Bean Soup

If you have leftovers, allow the soup to cool before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the soup for longer storage, lasting up to 3 months. Just remember to let it thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Tips to Make Butter Bean Soup

  • Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach or kale for extra nutrition.
  • If you prefer a spicier soup, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes.
  • If you don’t have butter beans, other beans like cannellini or chickpeas can work just as well.

Variation

You can turn this simple Butter Bean Soup into a creamy version by adding a splash of coconut milk or heavy cream after blending. This adds richness to the soup, making it even more comforting.

FAQs

1. Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
Yes, but you will need to soak and cook them beforehand. Follow the package instructions for the best results.

2. How can I make this soup vegan?
This recipe is already vegan as long as you use vegetable broth. Just ensure all ingredients are plant-based.

3. Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Absolutely! Fresh herbs often provide a brighter flavor. Use about three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried.

Butter Bean Soup

A hearty and healthy butter bean soup that's perfect for chilly days. Simple ingredients combine to create a comforting meal, ideal for the whole family.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 can butter beans (lima beans), drained and rinsed
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups vegetable broth Use low-sodium if preferred.
Seasonings
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
For Sautéing
  • 2 tbsp Olive oil
Garnish (optional)
  • Fresh herbs Use basil, parsley, or chives for garnish.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
Cooking
  1. Stir in the butter beans, vegetable broth, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  2. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and let simmer for 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  3. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup to your desired consistency, or leave it chunky.
  4. Adjust seasonings if necessary, and serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

This soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let it thaw in the fridge before reheating. Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach or kale for extra nutrition.

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