THREE-BEAN SOUP

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Three-Bean Soup image

For those transitional chilly spring days when it's still brisk enough to merit a bowl of soup, this is your answer. It's a lighter, brighter stew that leans more on fresh beans than it does the dried ones. Just keep in mind you have to soak the lima beans overnight.

Provided by Molly Baz

Categories     Soup/Stew     Leek     Garlic     Bacon     Fennel     Celery     Thyme     Lima Bean     Bean     Sugar Snap Pea     Dill     Lemon     Parmesan     Bread

Yield 6-8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 19

2 medium leeks, dark green parts removed
1 head of garlic, cloves separated
3 oz. bacon, chopped
2 Tbsp. plus 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
2 small fennel bulbs, finely chopped, fronds reserved
1 celery stalk, finely chopped
3 sprigs thyme
1 bay leaf
1 Tbsp. plus 3/4 tsp. kosher salt
3/4 cup dried large lima beans, soaked overnight
3/4 tsp. red pepper flakes
8 oz. Romano beans, cut into 1" pieces
8 oz. sugar snap peas, trimmed, halved crosswise
1/2 small bunch dill
1 lemon
1/4 cup crème fraîche or sour cream
1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
2 oz. Parmesan, shaved
Toasted crusty bread (for serving)

Steps:

  • Quarter leeks lengthwise, then cut crosswise into 1/2" pieces. Rinse leeks in a fine-mesh strainer and pat dry with paper towels. Smash garlic cloves with the flat side of a chef's knife and peel; set 2 cloves aside.
  • Cook bacon in a large Dutch oven or other heavy pot over medium heat, stirring, until golden brown and starting to crisp, 8-10 minutes. Add smashed garlic and 2 Tbsp. oil and cook, stirring often, until garlic is just beginning to turn golden 3-4 minutes. Add leeks, chopped fennel, celery, thyme, bay leaf, and 1 Tbsp. salt. Cook, stirring often, until vegetables are beginning to soften, about 4 minutes. Add lima beans, red pepper flakes, and 6 cups water and bring to a simmer. Partially cover pot, reduce heat to low, and gently simmer, occasionally skimming and discarding any foam that rises to the surface, until beans are slightly crunchy but not quite creamy, 25 minutes. Add Romano beans and snap peas, return to a simmer, and continue to cook, adding just enough water to keep beans submerged, until dried beans are creamy and fresh beans are just cooked through, about 15 minutes more.
  • Meanwhile, pulse dill, zest of whole lemon, fennel fronds, and 1 reserved garlic clove in a food processor until finely chopped. With the motor running, stream in 1/2 cup oil. Add 3/4 tsp. salt and squeeze in 2 tsp. lemon juice. Transfer pesto to a small bowl and set aside.
  • Remove stew from heat and stir in crème fraîche, black pepper, and 4 tsp. lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  • Rub bread with remaining garlic clove, drizzle with oil, and season lightly with salt.
  • Ladle soup into bowls. Drizzle with pesto, then top with shaved Parmesan. Serve with garlic bread and remaining pesto alongside.

Blak Imran
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I made this soup for a potluck and it was a huge success. Everyone loved it! I'll definitely be making it again for my next party.


Athar Alee
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This is my favorite soup recipe. It's so easy to make and it's always a hit with my family and friends. I love that I can use canned beans, so there's no need to soak them overnight. I also love that I can add whatever vegetables I have on hand.


AriYan Nobita
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This soup is so easy to make and it's so delicious. I love that I can use canned beans, so there's no need to soak them overnight. I also love that I can make it in my slow cooker. It's so easy and convenient.


Lilyona Fields
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I'm a big fan of this soup. It's so hearty and filling. I love that I can use whatever beans I have on hand. I also like to add some chopped vegetables, like carrots, celery, and onions.


manahil mughal
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This soup is so delicious and comforting. It's the perfect meal for a cold winter day. I love serving it with a side of crusty bread.


Ghafoor Sahil
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I made this soup for a potluck and it was a huge success. Everyone loved it! I'll definitely be making it again for my next party.


Nymia Price
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This is my favorite soup recipe. It's so easy to make and it's always a hit with my family and friends. I love that I can use canned beans, so there's no need to soak them overnight.


sk Shahin
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I'm a big fan of this soup. It's so flavorful and the beans are cooked perfectly. I love adding a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro on top.


Saw Aung
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This soup is so hearty and filling. It's the perfect meal for a busy weeknight. I love that I can make it in my slow cooker. It's so easy and convenient.


Jamari Leveston
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I've been making this soup for years and it's always a hit. It's the perfect soup for a cold winter day. I love serving it with a side of cornbread.


mario chavez
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This soup is so easy to make and it's so delicious. I love that I can use whatever beans I have on hand. I also like to add some chopped vegetables, like carrots, celery, and onions.


Karona Frazier
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I'm not a huge fan of beans, but I actually really enjoyed this soup. The beans were cooked perfectly and the broth was so flavorful. I'll definitely be making this again.


pradeep Ashokakurup
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I'm a vegetarian and I'm always looking for new and exciting meatless recipes. This three-bean soup is a great option. It's packed with plant-based protein and it's so flavorful. I love serving it with a side of crusty bread.


Lindiwe Jamu
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This is my go-to soup recipe when I'm feeling under the weather. It's so comforting and filling, and it always helps me feel better. I love adding a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top.


Fiza Irfan
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I made this soup for my family last night and it was a hit! Everyone loved the hearty flavor and the beans were cooked perfectly. I'll definitely be making this again.


Swazie Ngwenya
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This three-bean soup is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. It's quick, easy, and packed with protein and flavor. I love that I can use canned beans, so there's no need to soak them overnight.