Hearty & Wholesome Lima Bean Soup: Your Go-To Comfort Food Recipe
Embrace the warmth and comfort of a truly classic dish with this incredible Lima Bean Soup recipe. Wholesome, deeply satisfying, and remarkably frugal, this hearty soup is precisely what you need to chase away the chill on a brisk winter evening or any day you crave a nutritious, soul-soothing meal. Crafted with a carefully selected handful of simple ingredients, including savory diced ham, robust chicken stock, and an abundance of fresh vegetables, this chunky soup strikes the perfect balance between healthy eating and comforting indulgence. Its rich flavors and satisfying texture make it a perennial favorite for family dinners and meal prep alike.
Why This Lima Bean Soup Recipe Will Become Your New Favorite
There are countless reasons to adore this humble yet magnificent Lima Bean Soup. It’s more than just a meal; it’s an experience of comfort, economy, and deliciousness wrapped into one pot.
- This cozy Lima Bean Soup is a super affordable way of getting a family meal on the table. By making clever use of readily available pantry staples and economical cuts of ham, you can feed a crowd without breaking the bank. Despite its humble origins and straightforward ingredients list, it tastes so much more complex and flavorful than it’s short ingredients list suggests. The slow simmering process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a depth that belies its simplicity.
- It freezes exceptionally well, making it absolutely perfect for efficient meal-prep and smart batch cooking. Prepare a large pot on the weekend, and you’ll have delicious, homemade meals ready to go for busy weeknights. Just thaw, reheat, and enjoy a nourishing dinner in minutes.
- As a convenient one-pot meal, it minimizes cleanup, which is always a bonus! It is great served with crusty bread, or homemade cornbread if you want to bulk it out a little and soak up every last drop of that flavorful broth. These pairings transform a simple soup into a truly satisfying and complete dining experience.
- Wholesome and Nutritious: Packed with protein-rich lima beans and an array of fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions, this soup is a powerhouse of nutrients. It’s a fantastic way to boost your daily vegetable intake while enjoying a genuinely delicious meal.
- Customizable Comfort: Easily adapt this recipe to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Add extra spices, experiment with different vegetables, or adjust the consistency to be as thick or as brothy as you like.
Expert Chef’s Tips for Perfect Lima Bean Soup
Elevate your Lima Bean Soup from great to absolutely exceptional with these insider tips and tricks from the kitchen:
- Preparation of Lima Beans (Butter Beans): You can get ahead on the soaking of the lima beans (also known as butter beans) the day before you plan to make the soup. This traditional method helps them cook more evenly and become wonderfully creamy. Alternatively, to seriously speed up cooking time you can use canned beans. However, be aware that while convenient, you’ll likely miss out on the delicious, unique creaminess and depth of flavor you only get from home-cooked, properly soaked dried beans. If using canned, rinse them thoroughly to remove excess sodium before adding them to the pot.
- For a thicker, more substantial soup, a fantastic trick is to mash up some of the cooked lima beans directly into the broth towards the end of cooking. You can do this with the back of a spoon against the side of the pot, or for a smoother texture, use an immersion blender for a few quick pulses. This releases starches and creates a naturally thick and velvety consistency without needing any added thickeners.
- To make this soup vegan-friendly or vegetarian, simply substitute the chicken stock with a rich vegetable stock or broth. For the ham, you can omit it entirely, or add a smoky flavor with smoked paprika, liquid smoke, or even a handful of finely diced smoked tofu or plant-based sausage. Be sure to season the soup exceptionally well with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs to make up for the savory depth and saltiness typically provided by the ham.
- Enhancing the Flavor Profile: Don’t be afraid to experiment with additional aromatics. A bay leaf added during simmering can infuse a subtle, herbaceous note. A pinch of thyme or rosemary can also complement the savory flavors beautifully. For an extra layer of umami, consider adding a tablespoon of tomato paste when sautéing the vegetables.
- Choosing Your Ham: While diced cooked ham works wonderfully, a ham hock or a smoked ham bone can significantly deepen the soup’s flavor. If using a ham hock, simmer it with the beans and stock, then remove it, shred the meat, and discard the bone before returning the meat to the soup.
Deep Dive into Key Ingredients
Understanding the role of each ingredient helps you appreciate the symphony of flavors in this Lima Bean Soup and allows for creative substitutions.
Lima Beans: Often called butter beans for their creamy texture, lima beans are the star of this soup. They are a fantastic source of plant-based protein, fiber, and essential minerals, making this soup incredibly filling and nutritious. Dried lima beans, when properly soaked and cooked, yield a superior creamy texture that canned versions simply can’t match.
Ham: Diced cooked ham adds a wonderful salty, smoky, and savory dimension to the soup. It’s a great way to use up leftover holiday ham or easily sourced from your local deli or butcher. The fat from the ham also contributes to the richness of the broth. If you don’t have ham, bacon or even smoked sausage can be a delicious alternative.
Aromatics (Celery, Onion, Carrots, Garlic): This classic “mirepoix” forms the foundational flavor base of almost any great soup. Sautéing these vegetables slowly releases their natural sweetness and aromatic compounds, building a complex background flavor for the beans and ham. Fresh garlic, added near the end of sautéing, provides a pungent kick that brightens the entire dish.
Chicken Stock: A good quality chicken stock is crucial for a flavorful soup. It provides body and depth that water alone cannot. Opt for low-sodium stock if you prefer to control the saltiness yourself, especially since ham can be quite salty. Homemade stock will always yield the best results, but a good store-bought brand is perfectly acceptable.
Step-by-Step Cooking Guidance
Creating this delicious Lima Bean Soup is a straightforward process, but paying attention to each step ensures a perfect outcome.
- Prepare the Lima Beans: The initial soaking and boiling step for the dried lima beans is crucial. This not only rehydrates them but also helps in removing indigestible sugars, making them easier to digest. Bringing them to a boil and then letting them stand ensures they soften uniformly, contributing to that desirable creamy texture later on. Don’t skip the draining and rinsing; it’s key for both flavor and digestion.
- Sauté the Aromatics and Build the Base: Heating the oil and gently cooking the celery, onion, and carrots until the onion is translucent creates the aromatic foundation for your soup. This process, known as ‘sweating’ the vegetables, brings out their natural sweetness without browning. Adding the minced garlic towards the end, and cooking only until fragrant (about 30-60 seconds), prevents it from burning and becoming bitter. Finally, the diced ham, prepared lima beans, and chicken stock are introduced, beginning the long, slow simmer that melds all the flavors together. The extended simmering time is essential for the beans to become tender and the soup to thicken to a rich consistency. Remember to add more liquid if the soup becomes too thick during cooking, adjusting to your preference.
- Season and Garnish: Once the soup has reached your desired consistency and the beans are tender, stir in the salt and pepper. This is the moment to taste and adjust the seasonings; the saltiness of the ham and stock can vary, so always taste before adding more. Finally, stir in fresh chopped parsley. Parsley adds a bright, fresh herbaceous note that cuts through the richness of the soup and provides a beautiful splash of color, making the dish even more appealing.
Serving Suggestions and Delicious Pairings
While this Lima Bean Soup is a satisfying meal on its own, certain accompaniments can elevate the experience and make it even more memorable.
Bread is Essential: A crusty artisan bread, a warm slice of homemade cornbread, or even a simple garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the rich broth. The textures complement each other beautifully.
Toppings Galore: Offer a variety of toppings at the table. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt can add a tangy creaminess. Shredded sharp cheddar or Parmesan cheese melts wonderfully into the hot soup. A sprinkle of extra fresh parsley, chives, or a dash of hot sauce can also enhance the flavor.
Side Salads: A light, crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty soup, balancing the meal perfectly.
Sandwich Pairing: For a classic lunch combination, serve a smaller bowl of Lima Bean Soup alongside a simple grilled cheese sandwich or a light deli sandwich.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
This soup is a fantastic candidate for meal prepping, and knowing how to store and reheat it properly will ensure its deliciousness for days.
Refrigeration: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making leftovers even better!
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cooled soup in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Leave about an inch of headspace if using containers, as liquids expand when frozen. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Gently reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s warmed through. If the soup has thickened too much, you can add a splash of chicken or vegetable stock or water to reach your desired consistency. Avoid boiling vigorously, as this can affect the texture of the beans.
Recipe Variations to Explore
Don’t hesitate to customize this Lima Bean Soup recipe to suit your palate or whatever ingredients you have on hand. It’s a forgiving dish that welcomes experimentation!
- Spicy Kick: For those who love a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic, or stir in a dash of your favorite hot sauce at the end.
- Add More Greens: Stir in a handful of fresh spinach, kale, or collard greens during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking until wilted for an extra boost of nutrients and color.
- Different Proteins: Instead of ham, consider using smoked sausage (chorizo or kielbasa would be delicious), leftover shredded chicken, or even ground turkey or beef browned with the aromatics.
- Creamier Texture: For an even creamier soup, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a swirl of puréed roasted butternut squash or sweet potato during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Herb Variations: While parsley is classic, experiment with other herbs like fresh thyme, oregano, or a touch of smoked paprika for a deeper, earthier flavor.
More Cozy Soup Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re a fan of comforting, hearty soups, be sure to check out these other delicious recipes from our collection:
- Smoked Turkey Soup with White Beans
- Pumpkin Bisque Soup Recipe
- Creamy Kale and White Bean Soup
- Loaded Gluten Free Potato Soup
- Chinese Vegetable Soup Recipe with Bok Choi
- Creamy Irish Potato Soup Recipe
If you loved this recipe as much as we did, don’t forget to leave us a review below. ★ Follow Easy Healthy Recipes on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram, too!
For more delicious recipes, visit our sister sites, 40 Aprons and Easy Cheap Recipes.
Lima Bean Soup
Cheryl Malik
Print
SaveSaved!
Ingredients
- 6 cups chicken stock or water, plus more if needed
- 1 pound dried lima beans
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil or vegetable oil
- 3 stalks celery diced
- 1 onion diced
- 3 carrots peeled and sliced
- 4 cloves garlic minced or pressed
- 8 ounces cooked ham diced
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
-
Place lima beans in a large pot; pour in enough cold water to cover. Bring to a boil; remove pot from heat, cover, and let stand for 1 hour. Drain and rinse beans.
-
Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add celery, onion, and carrots; cook and stir until onion is translucent, 5 to 7 minutes. Add garlic and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant about 30-60 seconds. Add diced ham, lima beans, and 6 cups stock or water. Reduce heat and simmer, adding additional water as needed, until soup is thickened to desired consistency, about 90 minutes.
-
Stir in salt and pepper, taste seasonings and add more as necessary. Stir in fresh parsley if using.
Notes
- You can get ahead on the soaking the lima beans (butter beans) the day before you plan to make the soup. Alternativly, to seriously speed up cooking time you can use canned beans. But, you’ll miss out on the delicious creaminess you only get from home-cooked beans.
- For a thicker soup, mash up some of the beans into the broth towards the end of cooking.
- To make this soup vegan-friendly, use vegetable stock or broth, and be sure to season the soup well to make up for the loss of the salty ham.
Nutrition Information
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.