Creamy Green Bean and Potato Soup: A Comforting Delight

There’s something inherently comforting about a warm bowl of soup, especially when it’s packed with wholesome vegetables and boasts a luxuriously creamy texture. This Creamy Green Bean and Potato Soup recipe is exactly that – a simple yet satisfying dish that’s perfect for a chilly evening, a light lunch, or anytime you’re craving a nourishing and delicious meal. It’s easy to make, utilizes readily available ingredients, and can be customized to suit your dietary preferences.

Why You’ll Love This Soup

• Creamy and Comforting: The potatoes naturally thicken the soup, creating a creamy texture without the need for excessive amounts of cream.
• Nutritious and Wholesome: Loaded with green beans, potatoes, and optional vegetables, this soup is a great source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
• Simple to Make: With minimal ingredients and straightforward instructions, this soup is perfect for beginner cooks.
• Versatile: Easily adaptable to different dietary needs and preferences, this soup can be made vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free.
• Budget-Friendly: The ingredients are inexpensive and readily available, making this soup a great option for budget-conscious meals.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of potatoes, green beans, and aromatic herbs creates a flavorful and satisfying soup.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Green Beans: Fresh or frozen green beans work well in this recipe. If using fresh, trim and snap them into bite-sized pieces.
• Potatoes: Russet potatoes are ideal for their starchy texture, which helps thicken the soup. Yukon Gold potatoes also work well.
• Onion: Yellow or white onion adds a savory base flavor.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic provides a pungent aroma and flavor.
• Vegetable Broth: Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian/vegan option. Chicken broth can also be used for a richer flavor.
• Heavy Cream (Optional): Adds a touch of richness and creaminess. Can be substituted with coconut milk for a vegan option.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the vegetables.
• Dried Thyme: Adds a subtle earthy flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste.
• Optional Add-ins: Carrots, celery, leeks, spinach, kale, bacon bits, croutons, fresh parsley, grated Parmesan cheese.

Detailed Recipe Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Begin by washing and preparing your vegetables. If using fresh green beans, trim off the ends and snap them into 1-inch pieces. Peel and dice the potatoes into ½-inch cubes. Dice the onion and mince the garlic.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Step 3: Add Potatoes and Broth

Add the diced potatoes to the pot and stir to coat them with the sautéed onion and garlic. Pour in the vegetable broth (or chicken broth) and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes. You should be able to easily pierce a potato cube with a fork.

Step 4: Add Green Beans and Thyme

Add the green beans and dried thyme to the pot. Stir to combine. Cover the pot and continue to simmer for another 5-7 minutes, or until the green beans are tender-crisp and bright green. Avoid overcooking them.

Step 5: Blend the Soup (Optional)

For a creamier soup, you can partially or fully blend the soup using an immersion blender. If using an immersion blender, carefully blend directly in the pot until you reach your desired consistency. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender. Be extremely cautious when blending hot liquids, as they can splatter and cause burns. If using a regular blender, remove the center piece of the lid and cover with a clean kitchen towel to allow steam to escape.

Step 6: Add Cream (Optional) and Season

If desired, stir in the heavy cream (or coconut milk) to add richness and creaminess. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed to achieve your preferred flavor profile.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the creamy green bean and potato soup into bowls and serve hot. Garnish with your favorite toppings, such as bacon bits, croutons, fresh parsley, or grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy!

Recipe Variations and Tips

• Vegan Option: Omit the heavy cream or substitute with full-fat coconut milk for a creamy vegan version. Ensure you are using vegetable broth.
• Gluten-Free Option: This recipe is naturally gluten-free.
• Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables such as carrots, celery, leeks, spinach, or kale for added nutrients and flavor. Add heartier vegetables along with the potatoes and leafy greens during the last 5-7 minutes of cooking time.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
• Add Protein: Consider adding cooked bacon, ham, or sausage for a heartier meal.
• Use Different Herbs: Experiment with other herbs such as rosemary, oregano, or marjoram.
• Make it Thicker: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the potatoes with a fork or use a potato masher before blending. You can also add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) during the last few minutes of cooking.
• Make it Thinner: Add more broth until you reach your desired consistency.
• Storage: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
• Freezing: This soup can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Keep in mind that the texture of the potatoes may change slightly after freezing and thawing.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy green bean and potato soup is delicious on its own, but it can also be paired with a variety of sides for a more complete meal:

• Crusty Bread: Serve with a slice of crusty bread for dipping.
• Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A classic pairing for soup.
• Side Salad: A light and refreshing salad complements the richness of the soup.
• Crackers: Serve with your favorite crackers for a crunchy contrast.

Recipe Summary

This Creamy Green Bean and Potato Soup is a simple, comforting, and nutritious meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy texture, wholesome ingredients, and easy preparation, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Feel free to customize the recipe to your liking by adding your favorite vegetables, herbs, or protein. Enjoy!

Detailed Recipe Card

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Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
• 1.5 lbs Russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 lb green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ cup heavy cream (optional, or use coconut milk)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional garnishes: bacon bits, croutons, fresh parsley, grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Add potatoes and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 15-20 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
3. Add green beans and thyme. Simmer, covered, for 5-7 minutes, or until green beans are tender-crisp.
4. (Optional) Use an immersion blender to partially or fully blend the soup until desired consistency is reached. Be careful when blending hot liquids.
5. (Optional) Stir in heavy cream or coconut milk. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

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Approximate nutritional information per serving (without added cream or garnishes): Calories: 250-300, Carbohydrates: 40-50g, Protein: 8-10g, Fat: 5-7g. Actual values may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Conclusion

This creamy green bean and potato soup is a delightful and versatile dish that’s perfect for any time of year. Its simple ingredients and easy preparation make it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights, while its comforting flavor and creamy texture make it a welcome treat on cold days. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out in the kitchen, this soup is sure to impress. So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to enjoy a bowl of pure comfort!