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.
Table of Contents
- About Leek Butter Bean Soup
- Why You’ll Love This Leek Butter Bean Soup
- What’s in This Leek Butter Bean Soup
- Key Ingredients
- How To Make
- Have It Your Way!
- Nutritional Facts and Health Benefits
- Health Benefits:
- Other Recipes You’ll Love
- Leek and Butter Bean Soup Recipe
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.
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:
- 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 🙂
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
- Manchow Soup with Air Fried Noodles
- White Bean Pasta Soup
- French Onion Soup
- Roasted Tomato Soup with Crostini
- Potato Leek Soup
Leek and Butter Bean Soup Recipe
Leek and Butter Bean Soup with Rosemary Croutons
Ingredients
Leek Butter Bean Soup:
- 30 Oz Butter Beans boiled
- 6 Leeks whites into 3/4″ rings, chiffonade greens
- 1 Red Onion thinly sliced
- 1 Cup Fresh Parsley
- 4 Cups Vegetable broth
- 2 Tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
- Salt to taste
- Black Pepper to taste
- 2 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Croutons:
- French Country style bread Cut into 1" cubes
- Olive Oil
- Salt to taste
- Black Pepper ground (to taste)
- Rosemary
- Lemon Zest
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh Parsley Roughly chopped
- Walnuts
- Truffle Oil
Equipment
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
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Ohhh this soup sounds delicious ❤️
Thank you. Try this hearty soup recipe and let us know how it goes.👍
I found your recipe on Pinterest. This looks so comforting. Saving it for later.
That’s awesome! Let me know how it goes 👍