Spring Green Bean And Herb Soup
Highlighted under: Healthy Home Meals
I absolutely love making this Spring Green Bean and Herb Soup during the vibrant months of spring! The freshness of the green beans combined with fragrant herbs creates a delightful harmony of flavors that lightens my day. This soup is not only easy to whip up but also nutritious, making it a perfect addition to my meal rotation. With a few simple ingredients, I can create a comforting bowl that warms my soul and brings a burst of freshness to my table.
When I first stumbled upon this soup recipe, I was immediately drawn to its simplicity and the vibrant colors of the fresh ingredients. Cooking this soup is a breeze, making it a perfect weeknight meal. I remember the first time I made it for my family; everyone adored the bright, wholesome flavors!
The key to achieving the best taste lies in using fresh green beans and an assortment of aromatic herbs. I often switch up the herbs based on what's seasonal, which always brings a unique twist. Each bowl is a delightful taste of spring that I just can't resist!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Bright, fresh flavors that scream spring
- Quick to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights
- Nutritious and light, ideal for a healthy meal
Mastering the Blending Technique
Using an immersion blender for this soup elevates its texture dramatically. Blending the mixture until smooth creates a creamy mouthfeel without the need for heavy cream. If you prefer a more rustic soup, blend only half the mixture, leaving some green beans intact for added bite. This method not only enhances the visual appeal but ensures you retain some of the fresh flavors and bright color of the beans, making the bowl of soup more inviting.
When blending, work slowly at first to prevent splattering. I recommend tilting the pot slightly to make it easier to reach every part of the soup with the blender. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the hot soup in batches to a countertop blender. Just be cautious with steam; I like to let the soup cool slightly to avoid spills, blending in small quantities for the best results.
Storing and Serving Suggestions
This Spring Green Bean and Herb Soup stores wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to three days, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. To reheat, gently warm it over medium heat, stirring occasionally to maintain even temperatures. If the soup thickens too much, simply add a splash of vegetable broth or water to restore your desired consistency. I often like to save a bit of fresh herb garnish for a pop of color when serving.
For a heartier meal, consider pairing this soup with crusty bread or a light salad. I love serving it alongside a quinoa salad to round out the nutrients. Alternatively, for a more filling option, you can add cooked potatoes or white beans during the simmering step. This additional ingredient will provide more body to the soup without overwhelming its herbaceous character.
Ingredients
Ingredients for Spring Green Bean and Herb Soup
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed and cut
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
Cook the Green Beans
Add the trimmed green beans to the pot and pour in the vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the green beans are tender.
Blend and Season
Remove the pot from heat and stir in the chopped basil and parsley. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier texture, blend only half of the soup.
Serve
Taste and season with salt and pepper as desired. Serve warm in bowls, garnished with additional herbs if desired.
Pro Tips
- For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving.
Ingredient Insights
Choosing fresh green beans is crucial for this recipe's success. Look for beans that are bright green, firm, and free from blemishes. Older beans tend to be tougher; therefore, when in doubt, snap one to test the crispness. Fresh herbs such as basil and parsley lend a vibrant, grassy note that sings of spring. If you're out of basil, oregano can be a nice substitute, adding a different yet complementary flavor profile to the soup.
Don’t hesitate to customize this soup based on your dietary preferences. For instance, to make it heartier while keeping it vegetarian or vegan, you could toss in some cooked chickpeas or lentils. These additions not only boost protein but also enhance the soup's overall texture—providing a satisfying contrast to the tender green beans.
Variations and Flavor Enhancements
To spice up this green bean and herb soup, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the onions. This adds warmth without overpowering the fresh flavors of the herbs. For an Asian-inspired twist, you might incorporate a splash of soy sauce or a dash of sesame oil just before serving, which can deepen the savory notes of the broth without masking the bright, fresh herb essence.
Another delightful variation includes adding seasonal vegetables such as peas or asparagus, which could be thrown in with the green beans. Their sweet profiles and vibrant colors not only enhance the nutritional content but also make your soup visually stunning. Remember to adjust cooking times accordingly, as softer vegetables may require less simmering.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the soup and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stove before serving.
→ Can I freeze the soup?
Absolutely! Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months.
→ Can I use frozen green beans?
Yes, frozen green beans work well too! Just adjust the cooking time slightly as they may cook faster.
→ What can I serve with this soup?
This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal.
Spring Green Bean And Herb Soup
I absolutely love making this Spring Green Bean and Herb Soup during the vibrant months of spring! The freshness of the green beans combined with fragrant herbs creates a delightful harmony of flavors that lightens my day. This soup is not only easy to whip up but also nutritious, making it a perfect addition to my meal rotation. With a few simple ingredients, I can create a comforting bowl that warms my soul and brings a burst of freshness to my table.
Created by: Harriet Mason
Recipe Type: Healthy Home Meals
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients for Spring Green Bean and Herb Soup
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed and cut
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
How-To Steps
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the trimmed green beans to the pot and pour in the vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the green beans are tender.
Remove the pot from heat and stir in the chopped basil and parsley. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier texture, blend only half of the soup.
Taste and season with salt and pepper as desired. Serve warm in bowls, garnished with additional herbs if desired.
Extra Tips
- For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Total Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 25g
- Dietary Fiber: 5g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 5g