Introduction
Ever wished you could bottle up a warm hug? This comforting butter bean soup is the closest you’ll get! We’re taking simple, everyday ingredients and transforming them into a hearty, flavorful bowl of happiness that’s perfect for chilly evenings and busy weeknights. Get ready to impress your family with this super easy, ridiculously delicious soup!
Why This Works
This recipe works because it’s a beautiful balance of creamy, savory, and slightly sweet. The butter beans provide a wonderful heartiness, while the aromatic vegetables and herbs add depth and complexity. It’s also incredibly easy to make – perfect for even the busiest weeknights! Plus, it’s easily adaptable to whatever vegetables you have on hand.
Key Ingredients
- 🧅 1 large onion, chopped
- 🥕 2 carrots, chopped
- 🌿 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 🧄 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 🫘 2 cups dried butter beans, soaked overnight
- 🥔 1 large potato, peeled and diced
- 🍅 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 🌿 4 cups vegetable broth
- 🌿 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 🌿 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 🍃 1 bay leaf
- 🧂 Salt and pepper to taste
- 🌿 Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1️⃣ In a large pot or Dutch oven, sauté the onion, carrots, and celery in a little olive oil until softened. This takes about 5-7 minutes over medium heat.
2️⃣ Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Don’t let it brown!
3️⃣ Stir in the soaked butter beans, potato, crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf.
4️⃣ Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 45 minutes, or until the beans and potatoes are tender. The longer it simmers, the more flavorful it becomes!
5️⃣ Remove the bay leaf. Use an immersion blender (or carefully transfer to a regular blender) to partially puree the soup until it reaches your desired consistency. Some people like it chunky, others prefer it smoother.
6️⃣ Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7️⃣ Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Handy Tips
- Soaking the butter beans overnight drastically reduces cooking time. If you forget, you can quick-soak them by covering them with boiling water and letting them sit for at least an hour.
- Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings to your liking. A dash of Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce can add a nice kick!
- If you don’t have fresh parsley, dried parsley will work in a pinch.
Heat Control
Simmering the soup over low heat ensures that the beans and potatoes cook through evenly and that the flavors meld beautifully. High heat can scorch the vegetables and lead to a less flavorful soup.
Crunch Factor
While this soup is primarily creamy, you can add a crunch factor by topping it with toasted croutons, crispy bacon bits, or a sprinkle of toasted nuts.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For an even creamier soup, stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end.
- Add a smoked paprika for a smoky depth of flavor.
- A squeeze of lemon juice at the end brightens up the flavors.
Storage Tips
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It actually tastes even better the next day! You can also freeze it for longer storage.
Gift Packaging Ideas
This soup makes a lovely gift! Pack it in a pretty thermos or jar and add a handwritten card with the recipe.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Spicy Southwestern: Add a diced jalapeño, a pinch of chili powder, and some cumin.
🌟 Italian Inspired: Add a can of diced tomatoes and some fresh basil.
🌟 Creamy Coconut: Stir in a can of coconut milk at the end and garnish with chopped cilantro.
🌟 Hearty Sausage: Brown some Italian sausage before adding the other vegetables for extra protein and flavor.
Troubleshooting
- Soup is too thick: Add more vegetable broth, a little at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
- Soup is too thin: Simmer uncovered for a while longer to reduce the liquid.
- Beans are not soft: They might need more cooking time. Check them frequently towards the end.
FAQ
- Can I use canned butter beans? Yes, you can! Just drain and rinse them before adding them to the soup. You’ll need approximately 2 (15 ounce) cans. Reduce cooking time accordingly.
- Can I make this soup in a slow cooker? Absolutely! Sauté the vegetables as directed, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- What kind of potatoes work best? Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work well in this recipe.
- Can I add other vegetables? Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, green beans, or spinach. Add them during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking.
Conclusion
This comforting butter bean soup is more than just a meal; it’s a warm embrace in a bowl. We hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we do! Share your creations with us – we’d love to see your delicious bowls of happiness! Happy cooking!
Grandma's Cozy Butter Bean Soup
A warm and comforting soup made with tender butter beans and flavorful herbs, perfect for chilly days.
Ingredients
- 2 cups dried butter beans, soaked overnight
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sautu00e9 until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic, thyme, and smoked paprika, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add the soaked butter beans and vegetable broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 1 hour, or until the beans are tender.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Tips
- For extra flavor, consider adding a bay leaf while the soup simmers.
- If you like a creamier soup, blend a portion of it with an immersion blender before serving.