Mom's Butter Bean Soup Recipe

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe is crafted to yield 4 generous servings. Quantities are adjustable, but cooking times and steps should remain the same for best results.

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 large carrot, diced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon dried marjoram
• 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 5 cups chicken broth
• 4 (14.5 ounce) cans butter beans, drained
• 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions

1. Warm the olive oil in a large stockpot over medium-high heat. Toss in the chopped onion, carrot, and celery, stirring occasionally until the onion becomes translucent, about 3 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic along with the marjoram, parsley, and thyme. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until the aromas fill your kitchen.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the drained butter beans. Season with vinegar, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
4. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and let the soup cook for 30 minutes, allowing all flavors to meld beautifully.
5. Serve hot in bowls, perfect for a comforting meal on any day.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 575
• Total Fat: 6g (7% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 1g (5% DV)
• Cholesterol: 6mg (2% DV)
• Sodium: 1458mg (63% DV)
• Total Carbohydrate: 98g (36% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 32g (115% DV)
• Total Sugars: 16g
• Protein: 37g (74% DV)
• Vitamin C: 3mg (3% DV)
• Calcium: 112mg (9% DV)
• Iron: 11mg (61% DV)
• Potassium: 2430mg (52% DV)

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Individual needs may vary. Consult your healthcare professional for personalized guidance, especially if you are following a restricted diet.

The Story Behind Mom's Butter Bean Soup

Mom's Butter Bean Soup is a comforting dish rooted in the rich culinary traditions of American home cooking. Its origins trace back to mid-20th century households where simplicity, nutrition, and flavor were paramount. Butter beans, also known as lima beans, were a pantry staple due to their long shelf life and versatility. This soup reflects the ingenuity of home cooks who transformed basic ingredientsbeans, vegetables, and herbsinto a hearty meal that could feed a family with minimal effort.

Regional Variations

Although popular throughout the United States, this soup carries distinctive regional touches. In the South, for instance, it might be enriched with smoked ham hocks or bacon for a smoky depth, while in the Northeast, lighter versions with a focus on fresh herbs are common. Some coastal regions add a splash of vinegar or lemon to brighten the flavors, highlighting the adaptability of the recipe to local tastes and available produce. Each region tweaks the seasoning, but the core remains the tender butter beans in a flavorful broth.

How It Differs from Similar Dishes

Butter bean soup is often compared to other legume-based soups like navy bean soup or chickpea stew, but it stands out for its creamy texture and naturally buttery flavor. Unlike lentil soups that tend to be earthy and slightly grainy, butter bean soup achieves a silky mouthfeel without heavy cream or pureeing. Additionally, the combination of herbs such as marjoram, thyme, and parsley gives it a subtle complexity, distinguishing it from simpler bean soups that rely solely on salt and pepper.

Where Youll Typically Find It

Mom's Butter Bean Soup is commonly served in family kitchens, casual diners, and local cafs, often as a starter or light lunch. It is particularly popular during colder months, served alongside crusty bread or cornbread. In some Southern restaurants, it appears as part of a hearty lunch special, paired with fried chicken or roasted vegetables. Its homestyle appeal and nourishing qualities make it a go-to comfort dish that is both familiar and satisfying.

Interesting Facts

• Butter beans are rich in protein and fiber, making this soup highly nutritious and filling.
• The addition of a small amount of vinegar is a traditional trick to enhance the beans natural sweetness and balance the flavors.
• This soup can be prepared in under an hour, showcasing the ingenuity of home cooks who created quick yet wholesome meals long before modern convenience foods.
• Though simple, the recipe has been passed down through generations, often adapted slightly by each cook to reflect personal or regional preferences.
• Despite its simplicity, butter bean soup is celebrated for its elegant taste and creamy texture, proving that humble ingredients can yield remarkable culinary results.

FAQ about Mom's Butter Bean Soup Recipe