This hearty butter bean soup is warm and filling. With creamy beans and plenty of tasty veggies, it’s perfect for chilly days or when you need a hug in a bowl!
I love how easy it is to make—just toss everything in a pot and let it simmer! Plus, it’s great for leftovers, so you can enjoy it all week long. How can you resist? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter Beans: These are the star of the soup! They provide creaminess and a lovely flavor. If you can’t find butter beans, feel free to use Great Northern beans or cannellini beans as a substitute.
Vegetables: Onions, celery, and carrots are classic choices for a flavor base, known as mirepoix. If you want, you can substitute with leeks or bell peppers. They add a nice twist!
Broth: I recommend vegetable broth for a vegetarian option. Chicken broth adds a deeper flavor, so use whichever you prefer or have on hand. Homemade broth tastes great here too!
Thyme: Dried thyme works well, but fresh thyme gives a brighter taste. You can swap it for sage, rosemary, or even Italian seasoning if you want to change up the flavor profile.
How Do You Create the Right Texture in Your Soup?
A key part of making this butter bean soup delicious is achieving the perfect texture. Here’s how to do it:
- When cooking, make sure to sauté the veggies until they are soft but not browning—that’s where the flavor comes from.
- After simmering the soup, use a potato masher or immersion blender to break down some beans. This adds creaminess to the soup while still keeping whole beans for a hearty bite!
- Adjust the consistency by adding more broth if it’s too thick and simmer it a bit longer if it’s too thin.
These simple techniques will help you master the soup and impress anyone you serve it to!
Butter Bean Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Basic Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 cans (15 oz each) butter beans (also known as lima beans), drained and rinsed
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Garnishes:
- Red pepper flakes for garnish
- Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish
- Crusty bread for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This butter bean soup takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 30 minutes to cook, making a total of about 40 minutes from start to finish. In no time, you’ll have a warm, comforting bowl of soup ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Base:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add the diced onion, diced celery, and diced carrots. Stir occasionally for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onions turn translucent.
2. Add Garlic and Thyme:
Next, stir in the minced garlic and dried thyme. Sauté the mixture for another minute until you can smell the garlicky goodness! This step adds so much flavor.
3. Add Broth and Beans:
Pour in the broth and toss in the bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer. After about 5 minutes, add the drained butter beans, mixing them in gently. Allow everything to simmer together for about 20-25 minutes so the flavors can marry!
4. Mash for Texture:
After simmering, take out the bay leaf. Now, using either a potato masher or an immersion blender, lightly mash some of the beans in the soup. This will give the soup a creamy texture while still keeping plenty of whole beans for a nice bite.
5. Season and Serve:
Finally, taste your soup and season it with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your preference. Serve it hot, garnished with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes and fresh thyme sprigs if you like. Don’t forget to enjoy it with some crusty bread for dipping!
This butter bean soup is comforting with a lovely mix of creamy beans and tender vegetables—a simple yet flavorful dish perfect for any day!
Can I Use Canned Butter Beans Instead of Dried?
Absolutely! Canned butter beans are perfect for this recipe as they’re already cooked and save time. Just drain and rinse them before adding to your soup.
How Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth! This small change will make the soup completely vegetarian while maintaining great flavor. You can also add more vegetables if you’d like!
What Should I Do with Leftover Soup?
Leftover butter bean soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much.
Can I Freeze This Soup?
Yes, you can freeze the soup! Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. It will keep well for about 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating on the stove for best results!
