Lemon Bean Soup
Lemon Bean Soup offers a bright, tangy flavor with tender vegetables and hearty white beans, making it a comforting yet refreshing dish perfect for light lunches or dinners. Its citrus notes add a zesty touch, appealing to those who enjoy vibrant, wholesome flavors and simple, healthy recipes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine chicken broth, thinly sliced carrots, thinly sliced celery, lemon juice, and lemon peel in a saucepan.
- Simmer covered until carrots are tender.
- Stir in drained, cooked white beans, chopped parsley, and pepper.
- Heat through and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider sautéing some garlic or onion in the saucepan before adding the broth and vegetables. If you don't have white beans, navy or cannellini beans work well as substitutes. Fresh herbs like thyme or dill can enhance the soup's brightness, complementing the lemon. Adjust the lemon juice to taste if you prefer more acidity.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Lemon Bean Soup with a slice of crusty bread or a fresh side salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Chicken Breasts With Prosciutto for a heartier dinner. Garnish with extra parsley for color and freshness, and consider a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for added richness.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much. This soup can also be frozen for up to 2 months; just let it cool completely before freezing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lemon Bean Soup contains roughly 331 calories, with 20g protein, 64g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (235% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (87% of the Daily Value), and iron (50% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 636mg per serving (28% 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 vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
Yes, you can easily substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth to make this soup vegetarian-friendly. The flavor will still be delicious, and you might even enhance the vegetable taste by adding more herbs or spices.
How can I make this soup creamier?
To make the soup creamier, blend a portion of the cooked white beans with a little broth and stir it back into the soup. Alternatively, you could add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream just before serving for a rich finish.
What other vegetables can I add?
Feel free to incorporate other vegetables such as diced potatoes, spinach, or zucchini. These can add texture and nutrients, making it a more robust soup. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure everything is tender.
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).