Hearty Lima Bean Soup
A hearty and flavorful lima bean soup enriched with bacon, vegetables, and a tangy vinegar finish, perfect for comforting meals and family gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash and soak the dry lima beans overnight.
- Cook the soaked beans in water for about one hour until tender.
- Cut the bacon into small pieces and fry in a large skillet until crisp.
- Add chopped onion, carrot, green pepper, and tomato to the bacon and cook until the vegetables are limp, about five minutes.
- Add the cooked vegetables and bacon to the cooked beans.
- Stir in the consomme, salt, and vinegar, then simmer for additional flavor if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider blending a portion of the soup before serving. If you don't have lima beans, navy or great northern beans work well as substitutes. For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use olive oil for sautéing the vegetables. You can also add spices like cumin or smoked paprika for extra flavor, which complements this hearty soup beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the hearty lima bean soup with crusty bread or a fresh side salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Hot Ham And Cheese Dip for a comforting dinner. For an extra touch, garnish each bowl with freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much. This soup also freezes well; just make sure to cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hearty Lima Bean Soup contains roughly 509 calories, with 13g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (48% of the Daily Value), protein (25% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2539mg per serving (110% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned lima beans instead of dry beans?
Yes, you can use canned lima beans for a quicker preparation. Just rinse and drain them, then add them to the soup during the last 15 minutes of cooking to heat through and absorb the flavors.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To add some heat, include diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the vegetables. You can also serve the soup with a side of hot sauce for those who prefer to adjust the spice level individually.
What can I serve with lima bean soup?
This soup pairs well with a variety of sides. Consider serving it alongside a simple green salad or some cornbread. For a more filling meal, try Pasta Salad And Ham as a side dish to complement the soup's flavors.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).