Ingredients
Gathering your ingredients is the first step towards creating magic in the kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) butter beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Feel free to substitute vegetable broth with chicken broth for added richness, or add a pinch of chili flakes if you like a bit of heat, reminiscent of the spices my abuela often used.
Instructions
Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these steps to bring this delightful soup to life:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, until soft and translucent.
- Add the minced garlic, diced carrots, and celery. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, as the aromas begin to fill your kitchen, much like those vibrant family meals from my childhood.
- Pour in the vegetable broth, followed by the butter beans, diced tomatoes, dried thyme, and smoked paprika. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, much like the layers of stories shared over dinner tables in my family.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, use an immersion blender to puree the soup slightly for a creamier texture, but be sure to leave some beans whole for a satisfying bite.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if using, and enjoy the warmth and comfort that only a homemade soup can bring.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International