Butter Bean Soup
Introduction
If you’re in search of a hearty and delicious meal, look no further than this Butter Bean Soup. Made with simple ingredients and packed with flavor, this soup is perfect for cozying up on a chilly day. Not only is it easy to prepare, but it’s also a fantastic way to enjoy the creamy richness of butter beans, providing a satisfying eat that warms the soul.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: This soup comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Simple Ingredients: You’ll find these ingredients in your pantry or local grocery store.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for lunch, dinner, or as a starter for dinner parties.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves a warm, comforting bowl of soup, and this one is no exception.
- Unbelievably Delicious: The flavors meld beautifully, creating a rich and hearty dish that leaves you wanting more.
Ingredients Needed
- For the base:1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (plus more for serving)
- 1 onion, diced (any color you prefer)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- For the spices:½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon Italian herb seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- For the veggies:2 medium-sized carrots, diced
- 2 medium-sized celery ribs, diced
- For the soup base:2 cans (14oz/400 grams each) butter beans, drained
- 1 cup (240 ml) water
- 2 cups (480 ml) low sodium vegetable broth
- 1 bay leaf
- For seasoning:¾ teaspoon fine salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (plus more to serve)
How to Make Butter Bean Soup
- Heat the Oil: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Sauté the Onion: Add the diced onion to the pot and cook until it is soft and translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Garlic & Spices: Stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, Italian herb seasoning, dried thyme, and cayenne pepper. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Incorporate Vegetables: Add the diced carrots and celery. Toss everything together to combine.
- Blend the Beans: While the veggies cook, place 1 ½ cans of rinsed butter beans and 1 cup of water into a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour the blended beans into the pot along with the remaining whole beans, vegetable broth, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat.
- Simmer the Soup: Lower the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover the pot slightly ajar and let it cook for about 25 minutes until the beans and vegetables are tender, and the broth is flavorful.
- Taste & Serve: Turn off the heat and taste the soup. Adjust the seasonings as needed. Serve hot with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of black pepper. Pair it with crusty bread to enhance the experience!
How to Serve Butter Bean Soup
Serve your butter bean soup hot, garnished with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and freshly ground black pepper. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, croutons, or a fresh salad on the side. Your guests will appreciate the warm, inviting presentation.
How to Store Butter Bean Soup
To store leftover soup, let it cool completely. Transfer it into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the soup in portions for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm it in a pot on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.
Tips to Make Butter Bean Soup
- For a creamier texture, blend in more beans or add a splash of cream before serving.
- Feel free to add other vegetables, like spinach or kale, for extra nutrients.
- Adjust the spices to your taste; add more cayenne for heat or different herbs for a unique flavor.
Variation
You can easily turn this butter bean soup into a more protein-packed meal by adding cooked chicken or sausage. Additionally, a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving adds a refreshing zing.
FAQs
Can I use dried butter beans instead?
Yes, you can! You’ll need to soak and cook the dried beans according to the package instructions before adding them to the soup.
How thick should the consistency be?
The soup should have a creamy yet slightly chunky texture. If you prefer it thinner, add more vegetable broth.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, this butter bean soup is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Conclusion
Butter Bean Soup is a nourishing and quick dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your home. It boasts fantastic flavor with minimal effort and is perfect for any occasion. If you give this recipe a try, please leave a comment and a star rating below! We’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Share your version on social media and let us know what variations you enjoyed!
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Butter Bean Soup
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A hearty and delicious butter bean soup, perfect for cozying up on a chilly day with simple ingredients packed with flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (plus more for serving)
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon Italian herb seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 medium-sized carrots, diced
- 2 medium-sized celery ribs, diced
- 2 cans (14oz/400 grams each) butter beans, drained
- 1 cup (240 ml) water
- 2 cups (480 ml) low sodium vegetable broth
- 1 bay leaf
- ¾ teaspoon fine salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (plus more to serve)
Instructions
- In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion to the pot and cook until it is soft and translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, Italian herb seasoning, dried thyme, and cayenne pepper. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the diced carrots and celery. Toss everything together to combine.
- While the veggies cook, place 1 ½ cans of rinsed butter beans and 1 cup of water into a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth.
- Pour the blended beans into the pot along with the remaining whole beans, vegetable broth, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat.
- Lower the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover the pot slightly ajar and let it cook for about 25 minutes until the beans and vegetables are tender, and the broth is flavorful.
- Turn off the heat and taste the soup. Adjust the seasonings as needed. Serve hot with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of black pepper.
Notes
For a creamier texture, blend in more beans or add a splash of cream before serving. Feel free to add other vegetables for extra nutrients.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 325
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
