Butter Bean Soup

Why Make This Recipe

Butter Bean Soup is a comforting dish that warms you up from the inside. It is easy to make and packed with flavors.

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This recipe uses simple ingredients and is full of healthy beans and vegetables. It is perfect for lunch or dinner and pairs well with bread.

How To Make Butter Bean Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, plus more for serving
• 1 onion, diced (any color)
• 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

Directions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy pot over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion and cook it until it becomes soft and clear, which takes about 3-5 minutes.
3. Stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, Italian herbs, thyme, and cayenne pepper. Cook this for about 30 seconds until it smells nice.
4. Next, add the diced carrots and celery. Toss everything together.
5. In a blender or food processor, mix 1 ½ cans of beans with 1 cup of water until smooth. Then, add this mixture and the remaining whole beans to the pot.
6. Pour in the vegetable broth and add the bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring it to a simmer using medium-high heat.
7. Lower the heat to keep it gently simmering. Cover the pot slightly ajar and let it cook for about 25 minutes until everything is tender and flavors mix well.
8. Turn off the heat, taste, and adjust the seasoning as needed. Serve with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and some black pepper. Enjoy it with some crusty bread or croutons.

Prep Time And Nutrition Facts

This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 25 minutes to cook, making a total of 35 minutes. It serves 4 people, and each serving has about 350 calories, 15 grams of protein, and 5 grams of fat.

How To Serve Butter Bean Soup

Serve the Butter Bean Soup hot in bowls. You can drizzle a bit of extra virgin olive oil on top and add freshly ground black pepper for extra flavor. It is delightful alongside slices of crusty bread or topped with croutons for a crunch.

How To Store Butter Bean Soup

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze the soup for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove.

Tips To Make Butter Bean Soup

• You can add more vegetables like spinach or kale for added nutrition.
• For extra richness, stir in a tablespoon of cream or coconut milk just before serving.
• If you like it spicy, add more cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.

Health And Benefits Of This Recipe

Butter Bean Soup is healthy because it includes butter beans, which are high in protein and fiber. Beans help keep your heart healthy and improve digestion. The vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals. This soup is low in fat and fills you up without being heavy.

Variation

You can easily change this recipe. Try using different beans like cannellini or chickpeas. You can also add other vegetables like bell peppers or sweet potatoes based on what you like.

FAQs

Can I use dried butter beans instead of canned?
Yes, you can use dried beans. Just make sure to soak and cook them first before adding them to the soup.

Is this soup vegetarian?
Yes! This Butter Bean Soup is entirely vegetarian and can be made vegan by ensuring you use vegetable broth.

How can I make this soup thicker?
To make the soup thicker, blend more of the beans or add a few more diced vegetables. You can also add a spoonful of cornstarch mixed with water.