Quick Double Bean Soup
A hearty and flavorful bean soup featuring green beans, cannellini beans, and a zesty lemon-ginger finish. Creamy sour cream topping adds richness, making it perfect for a comforting lunch or light dinner. Its fresh, bright flavors appeal to vegetarians and bean lovers alike.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp. butter ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped onions ⓘ
- 1 lb. green beans, trimmed and coarsely chopped ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, crushed through press ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 (19 oz.) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. lemon juice ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. grated fresh ginger
- 1/4 tsp. grated lemon zest ⓘ
- 1/4 cup sour cream ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions and cook, stirring frequently, until golden but not brown, about 8 minutes.
- Add green beans and crushed garlic; stir to coat with butter.
- Add chicken broth, water, rinsed and drained cannellini beans, salt, and peppers.
- Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 15 minutes.
- Process the soup in batches in a food processor or blender until finely pureed.
- Return the pureed soup to the saucepan and stir in grated fresh ginger and lemon zest.
- Heat through.
- Mix sour cream and pepper sauce in a small bowl.
- Stir lemon juice into the soup and adjust seasonings.
- Ladle soup into bowls and top with a dollop of the sour cream mixture.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamy texture without sour cream, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or Greek yogurt. If you want to enhance the flavor, try using homemade chicken broth or adding a bay leaf during cooking. For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth and omit the butter, using olive oil instead. Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can also elevate the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Quick Double Bean Soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Chicken Or Turkey Lattice Pie for a comforting dinner. Garnish each bowl with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or additional lemon zest for a bright finish. A light white wine can complement the flavors nicely.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to loosen the soup, as it may thicken in the fridge. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick Double Bean Soup contains roughly 82 calories, with 2g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (56% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2623mg per serving (114% 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 frozen green beans instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen green beans can be used in this recipe. Just add them directly to the pot without thawing. They may cook a bit faster, so check for tenderness after about 10 minutes of simmering.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To increase the heat, add more cayenne pepper or incorporate fresh chopped jalapeños. You can also serve with a hot sauce on the side for those who enjoy a kick. Adjusting the cayenne to taste allows each individual to customize the spice level.
Is there a vegan alternative for sour cream?
Absolutely! For a vegan version, you can use cashew cream or coconut yogurt as a substitute for sour cream. Both options will provide creaminess without the dairy, maintaining the richness of the soup while keeping it plant-based.
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).