Are you ready to dive into a soul-warming, protein-packed soup that will revolutionize your plant-based meal repertoire? This vegan Lima Bean Soup is not just another recipe—it's a culinary journey that combines simplicity, nutrition, and incredible flavor in one delightful bowl. Perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a hearty, wholesome meal that doesn't compromise on taste, this recipe will become your new go-to comfort food that even non-vegans will crave!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Vegan
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup lima beans, soaked overnight
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Drain and rinse the lima beans that have been soaked overnight, ensuring they are clean and soft.
- In a large soup pot, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and slightly golden, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and diced carrots to the pot. Stir and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and add the soaked lima beans. Sprinkle cumin, salt, and pepper into the mixture.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for 35-40 minutes, or until the lima beans are completely tender and soft.
- Use a potato masher or the back of a spoon to partially mash some of the beans, creating a creamier texture for the soup.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or cumin to enhance the flavor profile.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or a drizzle of olive oil.
Tips
- Soaking is Crucial: Always soak lima beans overnight to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility. This step helps soften the beans and removes some of the complex sugars that can cause digestive discomfort.
- Layer Your Flavors: Sauté onions and garlic first to create a flavor base that will enhance the entire soup's taste profile.
- Don't Rush the Simmer: Allow the soup to cook slowly on low heat. This helps the beans become tender and allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Texture Matters: Partially mashing some beans creates a creamy consistency without using dairy, making the soup rich and satisfying.
- Seasoning Tip: Add cumin for a warm, earthy undertone that complements the lima beans perfectly. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Make Ahead Friendly: This soup tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make a larger batch for meal prep!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
