Imagine a bowl of steaming green bean soup, its aroma filling your kitchen with warmth and comfort.
This simple yet satisfying dish is a breeze to prepare, promising cozy evenings and delightful flavors.
As the onions sizzle and the broth simmers, the ingredients transform into a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.
Ready to indulge in this delightful creation? Let’s bring this dish to life and savor every spoonful.
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 large pot
- 1 wooden spoon
- 1 sharp knife
- 1 cutting board
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 ladle
Ingredients
- 2 cups green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 cup potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1/4 cup cream (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Green Bean Soup, you can follow this timeline:
- Reading and Familiarization (5 minutes)
- Read through the entire recipe to understand the steps and gather your ingredients and equipment.
- Prep Work (15 minutes)
- Begin by preparing your ingredients:
- Trim and cut green beans into 1-inch pieces.
- Chop the onion.
- Mince the garlic.
- Peel and dice the potatoes.
- Gather other ingredients and equipment: olive oil, chicken or vegetable broth, salt, pepper, thyme, cream (if using), and fresh parsley for garnish.
- Cooking (30 minutes)
- 0:00 – Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- 2:00 – Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent (about 5 minutes).
- 7:00 – Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- 8:00 – Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth.
- 9:00 – Add green beans, diced potatoes, salt, pepper, and thyme to the pot.
- 10:00 – Bring the mixture to a boil.
- 15:00 – Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes, checking occasionally.
- 35:00 – Confirm the potatoes are tender.
- 35:00 – Optional: Stir in cream and mix until heated through.
- Resting Time (5 minutes)
- 36:00 – Remove the pot from heat and let the soup rest for 5 minutes.
- Serving
- 41:00 – Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Extra tip: During the simmering time, if you have a few extra minutes, you can use that time to clean up your prep area or set the table.
Adjust the seasoning to your taste, and if desired, blend a portion of the soup for a thicker consistency.
Also, adjust the timing as needed based on your pace and any additional garnishes you might want to add.
Recipe Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth.
Add green beans, diced potatoes, salt, pepper, and thyme to the pot.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
Check that the potatoes are tender.
Optional: Stir in cream and mix until heated through.
Remove from heat and let the soup rest for 5 minutes.
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Serving Tips
- Crusty Bread: Pair the soup with a slice of warm, crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Serve alongside a gooey grilled cheese for a comforting and satisfying meal.
- Simple Green Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the soup’s flavors beautifully.
- Rice or Quinoa: Add a scoop of rice or quinoa to the soup for a heartier dish.
- Croutons: Sprinkle some homemade or store-bought croutons on top for added crunch and texture.
Storage
To store green bean soup, let it cool.
Then, transfer it to an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Alternatively, freeze for up to 3 months for longer preservation.
Freezing
To freeze green bean soup, allow it to cool completely.
Transfer to airtight containers and leave space for expansion.
Label with the date.
Freeze for up to three months.
Reheating
To reheat green bean soup, gently warm it over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally.
Alternatively, microwave in a covered dish, stirring midway, to guarantee even heating.
Final Thoughts
Green Bean Soup is a delightful and comforting dish that’s both simple to make and rich in flavors.
With just a few ingredients, you can create a soup that warms the soul and satisfies the palate.
Whether you choose to include cream for added richness or keep it light with just the broth, this soup is versatile and can be tailored to your preferences.
Remember to adjust the seasoning to your taste, and consider blending part of the soup if you prefer a thicker consistency.
Enjoy this classic Asian-inspired soup as a starter or a wholesome meal on its own.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Substitute Green Beans With Another Vegetable in This Soup?
Yes, you can substitute green beans with another vegetable. Try using asparagus or zucchini for a similar texture. Chop them into 1-inch pieces, ensuring even cooking. Adjust cooking time if needed, and check tenderness before serving.
What Is the Best Type of Onion to Use for This Recipe?
Choose yellow onions for their balanced flavor. Their sweetness complements the soup’s savory notes. Dice them evenly; uniform pieces guarantee consistent cooking. Avoid red onions, as their sharpness may overpower the dish’s delicate flavors.
How Can I Make the Soup Spicier?
Add heat by incorporating diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper. Sauté jalapeños with onions, or sprinkle cayenne during seasoning. Adjust to taste, ensuring the spice complements other flavors without overpowering them.
Is This Soup Suitable for a Low-Carb Diet?
Yes, it’s suitable if you reduce potatoes. Swap with cauliflower or zucchini for lower carbs. Focus on using chicken broth, fresh herbs, and spices like cayenne for flavor depth. Adjust cream for desired richness.
Can I Use Fresh Thyme Instead of Dried Thyme?
You can substitute fresh thyme for dried thyme in your dish. Use three times the amount of fresh thyme to match the flavor intensity. Chop it finely to release its essential oils, enhancing your soup’s aromatic profile.
Green Bean Soup
Equipment
- 1 Large pot
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 sharp knife
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 Ladle
Ingredients
- 2 cups green beans trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 cup potatoes peeled and diced
- 1/4 cup cream optional
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth.
- Add green beans, diced potatoes, salt, pepper, and thyme to the pot.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Check that the potatoes are tender.
- Optional: Stir in cream and mix until heated through.
- Remove from heat and let the soup rest for 5 minutes.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
