Leek and Butter Bean Soup with Rosemary Croutons

As a couple who loves sharing heartwarming recipes, we’re always on the lookout for dishes that bring us together in the kitchen and at the dinner table. Our Leek and Butter Bean Soup with rosemary croutons is just that: a hearty, nourishing dish perfect for a cozy meal, whether it’s a busy weeknight or a slow weekend afternoon. Reminiscent of an old-fashioned butter bean soup, it combines the smooth texture and mild sweetness of leeks with the rich creaminess of butter beans. And the best part? You can elevate this butterbean soup recipe even further with our Quick, Homemade Croutons recipe, adding a delightful crunch to each comforting spoonful.

Leek Butter Bean Soup Vertical picture

Table of Contents

About Leek Butter Bean Soup

Leek butter bean soup is rooted in European culinary traditions, where leeks and legumes such as butter beans are often featured in hearty, rustic soups. In many countries, leeks have been used for centuries, prized for their mild flavor and versatility in both broths and soups. Butter beans, also known as lima beans, add a velvety texture and plant-based protein to the soup, making it filling without being too heavy.

Leek butter bean soup is often associated with farm-to-table cooking, where fresh, seasonal produce is celebrated. The simplicity of the ingredients—leeks, butter beans, vegetable broth—combined with an easy preparation method makes this soup a staple in many households, especially during cooler months.

Why You’ll Love This Leek Butter Bean Soup

  • Comforting and Creamy: The blend of leeks and butter beans creates a smooth, creamy texture without the need for dairy.
  • Nutrient-Dense: Rich in fiber, protein, and vitamins, this soup is both nourishing and satisfying.
  • Simple and Quick: Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal ingredients.
  • Versatile: Easily customizable with different vegetables or herbs.
  • Vegan-Friendly: Naturally vegan, making it suitable for a variety of dietary preferences.

What’s in This Leek Butter Bean Soup

  • Leeks: Add a mild, sweet flavor that enhances the richness of the soup.
  • Butter Beans: Provide a creamy texture and plant-based protein.
  • Vegetable Broth: Serves as the base, adding depth to the flavors.
  • Red Onion: Brings aromatic warmth to the soup.
  • Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the leeks and garlic, adding a subtle richness.
  • Fresh Herbs: Parsley or thyme can elevate the dish with fresh, earthy notes.
Leek Butter Bean Soup ingredients
Cutting Leeks, Onions and Parsley for Leek Butter Bean Soup

Key Ingredients

  • Leeks: These mild, onion-like vegetables are the heart of the soup, offering a subtle sweetness.
  • Butter Beans: Known for their creamy texture, butter beans make the soup hearty and satisfying.
  • Vegetable Broth: A flavorful base that complements the leeks and beans.
  • Garlic: Adds an aromatic touch to balance the sweetness of the leeks.
  • Olive Oil: Used for sautéing, it gives the soup a rich mouthfeel.

How To Make

Leek Butter Bean Soup:

  1. In a large pot over medium heat, add extra virgin olive oil along with red onions. Saute until onions are softened.
Adding Oil to hot pot
adding Onion and Sauté
  1. Add the greens of the leeks, and cook until softened.
Adding Green part of the leeks in to the pot
  1. Add the white parts of the leeks and gently stir to avoid breaking up the rings or separating them. Gently stir and cook until slightly softened.
Adding white rings of Leeks in to the hot pot
  1. Add the butter beans, vegetable stock, salt, and black pepper. Cover and bring to a boil.
adding butter beans to the pot
adding vegetable stock to the pot
adding salt to the pot
adding Black Pepper into the pot
  1. Boil for 5 minutes and check for doneness by cutting the whites of the leek.
check for doneness but cutting cooked leeks with knife
  1. Once done, turn off the heat and add apple cider vinegar along with fresh parsley. Check for seasoning and adjust as desired.
adding Apple Cider Vinegar to the soup
  1. Serve with croutons, walnuts, more fresh parsley, and a drizzle of truffle oil.
Drizzle the Truffle Oil to the Leek and Butter Bean Soup
Leek and Butter Bean Soup served with Rosemary Croutons

Croutons:

  1. Cut French bread into roughly 1″ cubes.
cut bread in to the cubes
  1. Transfer the bread to a foil lined air fryer tray.
transfer bread cubes to an air fryer tray
  1. Drizzle with Olive Oil, salt, and black pepper. Stir to coat all pieces with Oil and seasoning.
adding salt, pepper and Oil to the bread cubes
  1. Bake at 400F until golden brown.
cook bread cubes until golden brown
  1. 10 minutes before croutons are done, spray or rub the fresh rosemary with oil and add to the air fry to toast.
adding oil oil to the rosemary
putting olive oil rosemary to the air fryer tray
  1. Remove croutons and rosemary from oven and allow to cool.
let it cool the croutons in an air fryer tray
  1. Crush the rosemary, and sprinkle on top of croutons along with lemon zest and toss.
adding lemon zest to the croutons
Crush Rosemary and mix the Croutons
  1. Enjoy 🙂
adding Rosemary Croutons to Leek and Butter Bean Soup

Have It Your Way!

  • Add More Veggies: Toss in spinach, kale, or diced carrots for an extra nutritional boost.
  • Herb It Up: Try adding thyme or rosemary for a more earthy, fragrant flavor.
  • Texture Preference: For a chunkier soup, blend only half the mixture or skip blending entirely.
  • Make It Heartier: Add some cooked quinoa or wild rice for a more filling meal.

Nutritional Facts and Health Benefits

  • Calories: Approximately 250 calories per serving
  • Protein: 8 grams
  • Fat: 5 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 40 grams
  • Fiber: 8 grams
  • Sodium: 400 milligrams

Health Benefits:

  • High in Fiber: Butter beans provide a great source of dietary fiber, promoting healthy digestion.
  • Rich in Vitamins: Leeks are packed with vitamins A, C, and K, which support immune health and bone strength.
  • Low in Fat: With a base of vegetable broth and olive oil, this soup is lower in fat but still rich in flavor.
  • Heart-Healthy: Olive oil adds healthy monounsaturated fats, which are good for cardiovascular health.

Other Recipes You’ll Love

Leek Butter Bean Soup served in a white plate

Leek and Butter Bean Soup with Rosemary Croutons

Berry Berry Life
Leek Butter Bean Soup is a creamy, hearty, and nourishing dish perfect for a cozy meal. With its smooth texture, mild sweetness from leeks, and rich creaminess from butter beans, this soup provides comfort in every spoonful. It's a simple, yet flavor-packed recipe that’s also easy to prepare, making it an ideal go-to for both busy weeknights and leisurely weekends.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Soup
Cuisine French
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

Leek Butter Bean Soup:

Croutons:

  • French Country style bread Cut into 1" cubes
  • Olive Oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Black Pepper ground (to taste)
  • Rosemary
  • Lemon Zest

Optional Garnish:

Instructions
 

Leek Butter Bean Soup:

  • In a large pot over medium heat, add extra virgin olive oil along with red onions. Saute until onions are softened.
  • Add the greens of the leeks, and cook until softened.
  • Add the white parts of the leeks and gently stir to avoid breaking up the rings or separating them. Gently stir and cook until slightly softened.
  • Add the butter beans, vegetable stock, salt, and black pepper. Cover and bring to a boil.
  • Boil for 5 minutes and check for doneness by cutting the whites of the leek.
  • Once done, turn off the heat and add apple cider vinegar along with fresh parsley. Check for seasoning and adjust as desired.
  • Serve with croutons, walnuts, more fresh parsley, and a drizzle of truffle oil.

Croutons:

  • Cut french bread into roughly 1″ cubes.
  • Transfer the bread to a foil lined air fryer tray.
  • Drizzle with Olive Oil, salt, and black pepper. Stir to coat all pieces with Oil and seasoning.
  • Bake at 400F until golden brown.
  • 10 minutes before croutons are done, spray or rub the fresh rosemary with oil and add to the air fry to toast.
  • Remove croutons and rosemary from oven and allow to cool.
  • Crush the rosemary, and sprinkle on top of croutons along with lemon zest and toss.
  • Enjoy 🙂

Notes

  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The soup can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
  • Make Ahead: Prepare the soup in advance and reheat when ready to serve. The flavors tend to deepen over time.
  • Serving Suggestions: Pair with crusty bread, croutons, or a side salad for a more complete meal.
  • Reheating Tips: Reheat over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to thin it out.

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 250kcal
Keyword Butter Beans, Leek Potato Soup, Leeks, One Pot
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Leek Butter Bean Soup with Rosemary Croutons Vertical poster for Pinterest


4 thoughts on “Leek and Butter Bean Soup with Rosemary Croutons”

5 from 1 vote

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