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
Scale
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.
