If you’re craving a soup that’s both comforting and nourishing, this Brothy Carrot Butter Bean Soup Recipe is an absolute must-try. It takes humble ingredients like sweet carrots and creamy butter beans and transforms them into a rich, flavorful broth that warms you from the inside out. The balance of a light, broth-forward base with hearty beans makes it perfect for any day you need something cozy but not heavy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Brothy Carrot Butter Bean Soup Recipe is a celebration of simplicity, showing how just a handful of well-chosen ingredients come together to create something truly satisfying. Each element plays a vital role, from the sweetness of the carrots to the earthiness of the butter beans, enhanced by the savory notes of garlic and onion.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a silky richness and helps sauté the vegetables to deepen their flavors.
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped: Provides a sweet, aromatic base that melds perfectly with the rest of the soup.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Offers a warm, pungent kick that infuses the broth with depth and character.
- 4 medium carrots, sliced: Bring natural sweetness and a beautiful orange hue that brightens the dish visually and in flavor.
- 2 cans (15 oz each) butter beans, drained and rinsed: Give the soup a creamy texture and hearty protein boost.
- 4 cups vegetable broth: The soul of this soup, ensuring a light, comforting, and brothy texture.
- 1 bay leaf: Adds subtle herbal notes that elevate the soup without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste): Essential for balancing and enhancing all the natural flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground: Gives a gentle heat and a hint of spice to finish.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: Offers freshness and a pop of color as a finishing touch.
How to Make Brothy Carrot Butter Bean Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Base
Begin by warming your olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. This sets the stage for perfectly sautéed vegetables, which build the foundation of your soup’s flavor.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Carrots
Add the finely chopped onions and sliced carrots to the pot. Cook them gently for 5 to 7 minutes until they soften and their natural sweetness blooms. Then, stir in the minced garlic, cooking for just one more minute to release that fragrant aroma without burning it.
Step 3: Add Beans, Bay Leaf, and Broth
Next, toss in the rinsed butter beans along with the bay leaf and vegetable broth. Stir everything gently so the flavors begin to meld beautifully, setting the stage for the perfect brothy texture.
Step 4: Simmer the Soup
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes. This allows the carrots to become tender and the flavors to deepen. Take a spoon and mash a few beans against the side of the pot to naturally thicken the broth while keeping it light.
Step 5: Season and Finish
Remove the bay leaf and season the soup with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and chopped parsley. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, ensuring every spoonful is perfectly balanced.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle your Brothy Carrot Butter Bean Soup Recipe into warm bowls. A little drizzle of olive oil or an extra sprinkle of herbs on top makes an inviting finish. Now, dig in and savor the comforting flavors!
How to Serve Brothy Carrot Butter Bean Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Keep garnishes simple but impactful. A fresh sprinkle of parsley adds color and brightness, while a drizzle of high-quality olive oil will add a luscious richness that complements the light broth beautifully. For a bit of texture, toasted seeds or a grating of lemon zest can also work wonders.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread for soaking up every last drop of broth. A light green salad or some roasted vegetables also complement the soup’s gentle flavors, making for a balanced and satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming twist, serve the soup in rustic bread bowls or small mason jars if you’re entertaining. Layering with a dollop of yogurt or sour cream and a sprinkle of smoked paprika adds a gourmet touch. This Brothy Carrot Butter Bean Soup Recipe is versatile enough to shine in both casual and elegant settings!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually deepen after sitting overnight, making it even more delicious the next day. Just be sure to consume within 3 to 4 days for the best freshness.
Freezing
If you want to keep this Brothy Carrot Butter Bean Soup Recipe on hand, freezing is a great option. Allow the soup to cool completely, then freeze in portion-sized containers. It freezes well for up to 3 months without losing its vibrant flavors and comforting texture.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of vegetable broth or water if it appears too thick. Avoid boiling it vigorously to preserve the delicate flavors and the silky mouthfeel of the beans.
FAQs
Can I use dried butter beans instead of canned?
Absolutely! Just be sure to soak and cook them until tender before adding them to the soup. Using dried beans can deepen the flavor but requires extra prep time.
Is this soup vegan and gluten-free?
Yes, this Brothy Carrot Butter Bean Soup Recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free. Just ensure your vegetable broth is gluten-free if that’s a concern.
Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Feel free to experiment! Potatoes or celery work well to add more texture, and a handful of greens stirred in at the end can boost the nutrition and color.
How can I make the soup creamier without cream?
Mashing some of the butter beans into the broth as suggested creates a naturally creamy texture without needing dairy. You could also blend a portion of the soup for extra smoothness.
What’s the best way to store soup for meal prep?
Divide the soup into single-serving containers for easy grab-and-go meals. It reheats quickly and keeps your weeknight dinners effortless while tasting like homemade love.
Final Thoughts
This Brothy Carrot Butter Bean Soup Recipe is a genuine treasure when you want something comforting, easy, and filled with nourishing goodness. It’s the kind of soup that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for any season. I can’t wait for you to make it and discover how simple ingredients can come together to create something so deeply satisfying and soul-warming.
Print
Brothy Carrot Butter Bean Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Brothy Carrot Butter Bean Soup is a comforting, nutritious blend of tender carrots and creamy butter beans simmered in a flavorful vegetable broth. Perfect for a light lunch or a cozy dinner, this easy-to-make soup is enhanced with sautéed onions, garlic, and fresh parsley, delivering warmth and wholesome goodness in every spoonful.
Ingredients
Soup Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 cans (15 oz each) butter beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Heat Olive Oil: Set a large pot over medium heat and add the olive oil, allowing it to warm gently for a minute.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the finely chopped onions and sliced carrots to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 7 minutes until the vegetables soften. Then stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute to release its aroma.
- Add Beans and Broth: Pour in the drained butter beans, add the bay leaf, and pour the vegetable broth into the pot. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer Soup: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to maintain a simmer. Cook uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes until the carrots become tender. During this time, use the back of a spoon to lightly mash a few butter beans to thicken the soup slightly.
- Season and Finish: Remove the bay leaf from the pot. Add salt, freshly ground black pepper, and chopped fresh parsley. Stir well and taste, adjusting seasoning if necessary.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and optionally drizzle with a little extra olive oil or garnish with more fresh herbs. Enjoy the soup warm.
Notes
- This soup can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
- For a creamier texture, blend a portion of the soup before serving.
- Add a squeeze of lemon or a pinch of smoked paprika for a flavor twist.
- Use homemade vegetable broth for enhanced depth of flavor.
- Adjust the thickness by varying how much you mash the butter beans.
