Delightful Butter Bean Soup Recipe (Crispy And Healthy)

Immerse yourself in the flavorful symphony of this delightful Butter Bean Soup Recipe – your new staple dish. Savor its rich, velvety texture, the warming broth brimming with buttery beans and aromatic herbs.

Every spoonful is a testament to its hearty simplicity, invoking nostalgia with each comforting bite. This soup is perfect for cozy nights and is your silent companion through heartwarming dinner conversations. 

Its culinary charm will resonate with the avid home chef in you, enticing you to explore the hidden gastronomic potential of the humble butter bean. Prepare to be smitten as you delve into this culinary journey of remarkable flavors.

What Is Butter Bean Soup?

Butter Bean Soup is a comforting, hearty dish typically prepared from large, flat butter beans—also known as lima beans—cooked in a savory broth. The beans, tender, and buttery in texture, impart a creamy consistency to the soup. 

For added depth, it’s often elevated with aromatic herbs, vegetables like onions, carrots, celery, garlic, and sometimes ham or bacon. A staple in many cuisines, this versatile soup can be customized to taste and is cherished for its simplicity, nutritional value, and fulfilling nature.

Can You Vary The Recipe With Other Ingredients?

• Vegetarian/Vegan: You can easily make this soup vegetarian or vegan by using vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef broth. If the original recipe calls for meat, omit or substitute it with a vegan protein like tofu or tempeh.
• Gluten-Free: This soup is naturally gluten-free as it does not require any wheat-based ingredients. Ensure that any broth you use is certified gluten-free, as some brands may contain additives with gluten.
• Whole30: To make this soup Whole30 compliant, use homemade broth or a store-bought version without any added sugars or non-compliant additives. Also, skip any legumes, including butter beans, and replace them with Whole30-approved vegetables like sweet potatoes or butternut squash.
• Paleo: Like Whole30, replace beans with more Paleo-friendly vegetables or add lean meat like chicken. Make sure your broth is homemade or free from non-Paleo ingredients.
• Keto: To make this soup keto-friendly, you’ll need to replace butter beans, which are high in carbs, with lower-carb alternatives. Consider using vegetables like cauliflower or broccoli or adding more meat to the soup.

Recipe Directions

• Heat a large pot over medium heat and add olive oil. Once hot, add the diced onion, minced garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
• Add the drained and rinsed butter beans to the pot. Stir and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
• Pour in the vegetable broth and add the bay leaf and dried thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
• Remove the bay leaf from the soup. Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, blend about half of the soup until smooth. This will help thicken the soup while still leaving some texture.
• Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. If the soup is too thick, you can add more vegetable broth to reach your desired consistency.
• Ladle the butter bean soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
• Serve hot and enjoy!

Variations, Add-Ons, And Toppings 

Variations

• Vegetarian/Vegan: Skip the ham with vegetable broth or a vegan soup. Add in hearty vegetables or grains like kale, quinoa, or lentils for more substance.
• Seafood: Replace the ham with smoked salmon or cooked shrimp for a pescatarian twist.
• Spicy: Add a kick with a diced jalapeño, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce.

Add-Ons

• Vegetables: Add more veggies for extra nutrition and flavor, like carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini.
• Grains: Add barley, rice, or pasta for a more substantial soup.
• Proteins: Consider other proteins like diced chicken, turkey, or even tofu.

Toppings

• Herbs: Freshly chopped parsley, dill, or chives add a pop of color and fresh flavor.
• Cheese: A sprinkle of grated Parmesan or crumbled feta can add a savory touch.
• Crunch: Croutons, toasted seeds (pumpkin, sunflower), or crushed tortilla chips can provide a delightful crunch.
• Cream: A swirl of sour cream, yogurt, or vegan cream alternative can add richness and tang.

Can I Make The Soup In A Slow Cooker Or Instant Pot?

Slow Cooker Method

• Rinse the butter beans and soak them overnight.
• Drain the beans and add them to the slow cooker the next day.
• Add the rest of your ingredients – potatoes, onions, cream of celery soup, ham, spices – into the slow cooker.
• Fill the slow cooker with enough water or broth to cover the ingredients by about an inch.
• Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until the beans are tender.
• Check the seasoning before serving, adjusting if needed.

Instant Pot Method

• If using dried beans, use the Instant Pot to quick-soak them: Cover with water, pressure cook for 5 minutes, then let the pressure naturally release for 10 minutes. Drain and rinse.
• Using the sauté setting, add some oil and cook your onions until translucent.
• Add the rest of the ingredients – beans, potatoes, cream of celery soup, ham, spices – to the pot.
• Add enough water or broth to cover the ingredients.
• Lock the lid in place, make sure the valve is set to sealing, and set to pressure cook on high for 15 minutes.
• Allow the pressure to naturally release for 10-15 minutes before doing a quick release.
• Check the seasoning before serving, adjusting if needed.

Can I Use Store Broth, Or Should I Make My Own?

Store-Bought Broth

• This is a great time-saver and can be a good choice to start your soup quickly. Look for a high-quality brand with natural ingredients, and avoid broths with sodium or preservatives. You can find store-bought broth in chicken, beef, vegetable, and other flavors, which gives you flexibility in the base flavor of your soup.

Homemade Broth

• Making your own broth gives you complete control over the ingredients and flavor. Homemade broth can be richer in flavor than store-bought versions and is a great way to use leftover bones and vegetable scraps. You can make a large batch and freeze it in portions as needed.

How To Serve?

• With Bread: Serve your Butter Bean Soup with a side of crusty bread or warm dinner rolls. The bread is excellent for sopping up the flavorful broth.
• With a Salad: A fresh, crisp salad can balance out the heartiness of the soup and make for a complete, balanced meal.
• Toppings: Add some extra flavor and texture with toppings. Crumbled bacon, chopped fresh herbs (like parsley or chives), a dollop of sour cream, or some shredded cheese can all enhance your soup.
• In a Soup Bowl or Bread Bowl: Consider serving your Butter Bean Soup in a hollowed-out bread bowl for a fun and hearty presentation.
• As a Starter: You could also serve smaller portions of Butter Bean Soup as a warming starter before the main course.

Perfect Side Dishes

• Crusty Bread or Dinner Rolls: This classic pairing is great for dipping and soaking up the flavorful soup broth.
• Green Salad: A fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides a crisp contrast to the rich, hearty soup. Include a variety of vegetables and some crunchy croutons or nuts.
• Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A comforting and delicious partner for soup, a grilled cheese sandwich adds extra protein and a nice textural contrast.
• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables roasted with herbs and a little olive oil provide a delicious and healthy accompaniment to your soup.
• Cornbread: The sweet and savory taste of cornbread complements the flavors in butter bean soup beautifully.
• Quinoa or Couscous Salad: These can add a healthy, filling component that pairs well with the soup.
• Charcuterie Board: If you’re entertaining, a selection of cheeses, cured meats, fruits, and nuts can make a well-rounded meal with the soup.
• Pickles or Chutney: The tart and tangy flavor can cut through the soup’s richness, balancing the taste.

Storage And Make Ahead

• Soak Butter Beans Overnight: For a smoother texture, soak dried butter beans overnight. This reduces cooking time and enhances their creamy texture.
• Sauté Vegetables: Gently sauté onions, carrots, and celery before adding to the soup. This foundational step builds a deeper flavor profile.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the soup a day in advance. Flavors meld beautifully overnight, enhancing the soup’s richness and depth. Cool quickly, then refrigerate.
• Blend for Creaminess: For a gourmet touch, partially blend the soup to achieve a creamy yet chunky texture. Reserve some whole beans for texture.
• Add Fresh Herbs: Stir in fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary towards the end of cooking. Their vibrant flavors will remain potent.
• Store Properly: Cool the soup quickly and store in airtight containers. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days and freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.

What Can We Do With The Leftovers?

• Bean Dip: Purée leftover butter bean soup and use it as a flavorful dip for tortilla chips or vegetable crudites.
• Soup Remix: Transform leftovers into a creamy pasta sauce by thinning it with a bit of cream or broth and tossing with cooked pasta.
• Stuffed Peppers: Use the soup as a filling for stuffed bell peppers, combining it with rice, vegetables, and cheese before baking until bubbly.
• Savory Pie Filling: Repurpose the soup as a filling for a savory pie, layering it with cooked chicken or turkey and topping with puff pastry for a hearty meal.
• Grilled Cheese Upgrade: Spread leftover soup on bread slices before assembling your grilled cheese sandwich for a gourmet twist on a classic comfort food.
• Soup Risotto: Cook leftover soup into risotto by stirring it into Arborio rice along with additional broth until creamy and tender.

Nutrition Table