Hey there! If you’ve been scrolling through your feed, wondering what to whip up for dinner that’s both cozy and nutritious, stop right here! Let’s chat about butter bean soup—the star of the show when it comes to comforting meals that take mere minutes to prepare. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you, and your family might just start calling you the “Soup Wizard” after this one.
Picture this: fluffy butter beans swimming in a rich, savory broth, all brought together in one pot of deliciousness. Focused on health? It’s got that covered too! This soup is packed with protein and fiber, making it the perfect dish for all your hearty meal cravings. So, grab that apron, and let’s dive into the wonders of butter bean soup.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are a few reasons you’ll fall head over heels for this butter bean soup:
- Quick & Easy: In less than an hour, you could be devouring a creamy bowl of goodness.
- Nutritious: Butter beans are rich in protein and fiber, plus they add a satisfying creaminess without the need for heavy cream.
- Versatile: You can customize it with your favorite veggies, spices, or even proteins – the sky’s the limit!
- Kid-Friendly: It’s hard to find someone who doesn’t love a good bowl of soup, especially this one.
- Leftover Magic: It tastes even better the next day, so you’ll have an easy lunch waiting for you.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’re gonna love how simple this list is. Here’s what you’ll need to nab from your pantry and fridge:
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, plus more for serving
- 1 onion, diced (any color works, no pressure!)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon Italian herb seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (bring on the heat!)
- 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
Now, I don’t want to say this soup is going to change your life—but it’s definitely going to make dinner a whole lot easier.
How to Make Butter Bean Soup (Step-by-Step)
Ready to get cookin’?? Let’s dive into the magic of butter bean soup with these easy-peasy steps.
STEP 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat that oil in a large heavy-based pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and let it soften, about 3-5 minutes. Then, add your minced garlic, spices, and herbs. Give everything a good stir for about 30 seconds until your kitchen smells like heaven.
STEP 2: Add the Veggies
Now it’s time to bring in the carrots and celery. Toss those in like you’re the star chef at an upscale restaurant. (I mean, who says you can’t be?) Mix well, and let those veggies hang out together for a minute.
STEP 3: Blend the Beans
While the veggies are chilling, grab 1 ½ cans of butter beans and 1 cup of water and pop them into a blender or food processor. Blend until it’s gloriously smooth. Then, transfer that purée into the pot along with the remaining whole beans.
STEP 4: Add the Liquids & Simmer
Pour in the broth, toss in that bay leaf, salt, and pepper, then bring everything to a lovely simmer over medium-high heat. Once you reach a nice simmer, reduce the heat to maintain that gentle bubble. Cover the pot, leaving the lid slightly ajar, and let it cook until the beans and veggies are fork-tender, roughly 25 minutes.
STEP 5: Season and Serve
Turn off the heat and take a moment to taste it. Add more seasoning if needed (do you want bland food? I didn’t think so!). When you’re happy with the flavor, serve with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of black pepper. Grab some crusty bread or croutons for dipping, and enjoy!
Pro Tips for the Best Results
- Swaps & Additions: Don’t have all the veggies? No biggie! Use whatever you have on hand, like zucchini or bell peppers.
- Beans Galore: Feel free to experiment with different beans like navy or cannellini.
- Freeze It: Make a double batch and freeze the leftovers for a rainy day—trust me, you’ll thank yourself later.
- Herbs for Days: Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme make for an excellent garnish.
Fun Variations & Topping Ideas
Variations:
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños for an extra heat boost (if you’re feeling brave).
- Creamy Dream: Stir in a splash of coconut milk for a creamy twist.
- Protein Punch: Add shredded chicken or sausage for a heartier version.
Toppings:
- Chopped parsley or cilantro for freshness.
- Croutons (store-bought or homemade—your call).
- A sprinkle of cheese (like Parmesan or feta) for that extra unctuousness.
Storing and Reheating
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how to store and reheat your soup:
- Refrigerating: Let it cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Simply warm it on the stove over medium heat until hot. You might need to add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.
Leftover Ideas
What to do with that last bit of soup? Here are some ideas:
- Soup with a Twist: Use it as a sauce on pasta! Mix it in and voilà—dinner reborn.
- Savory Stuffed Potatoes: Scoop out baked potatoes and fill them with the soup for a comforting meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are butter beans, and how do they differ from other beans?
Butter beans are large, creamy beans known for their buttery flavor and smooth texture. They differ from other beans like kidney beans or black beans in both size and taste. They’re perfect for soups and stews!
Can I use dried butter beans instead of canned?
Absolutely! If you’re feeling adventurous, soak and cook dried butter beans before adding them to the soup. Just remember to increase the cooking time.
Can I make this soup vegan?
Yes! This recipe is vegan-friendly as it uses vegetable broth. It’s already settled!
Conclusion
And there you have it—a scrumptious butter bean soup recipe that’s quick, nutritious, and downright delightful. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner or prepping for a family gathering, this soup delivers on flavor and heartiness every time.
So, what are you waiting for? Give this butter bean soup a whirl and let me know how it turns out! Don’t forget to leave a comment and a rating on the recipe. After all, you wouldn’t want to keep your friends in suspense about your newfound Soup Wizard prowess, would you? 😉
Butter Bean Soup
Ingredients
Method
- Heat the olive oil in a large heavy-based pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic, smoked paprika, Italian herb seasoning, dried thyme, and cayenne pepper. Stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the diced carrots and celery and let cook for 1 minute.
- In a blender, combine 1 ½ cans of butter beans and the cup of water. Blend until smooth, then add the purée to the pot along with the remaining whole butter beans.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and add the bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to maintain a gentle bubble.
- Cover the pot slightly ajar and cook until the beans and veggies are fork-tender, approximately 25 minutes.
- Taste the soup and add more seasoning if needed. Serve with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of black pepper. Enjoy with crusty bread or croutons.
