Butternut White Bean Soup Recipe

The Coziest Butternut White Bean Soup Recipe for Chilly Days

Every winter, my butternut white bean soup becomes a comforting culinary adventure that warms chilly evenings.

hearty ingredients mingle in a delightful dance of flavors and textures.

Creamy beans blend seamlessly with roasted butternut squash, creating a velvety experience.

nutritious and satisfying, this recipe offers a simple solution for quick meals.

Mediterranean herbs and a touch of olive oil elevate the soup rustic charm.

Home cooks appreciate how easily these ingredients come together in one pot.

You’ll find this recipe so effortless that it might become your new cold-weather favorite.

FAQs

  • Is butternut squash healthy?

Yes, it’s packed with vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants. It supports eye health, boosts immunity, and helps maintain healthy skin.

  • Can I use canned white beans instead of dried?

Absolutely! Canned white beans work perfectly and save cooking time. Just rinse them thoroughly before adding to the soup.

  • How nutritious is kale in this soup?

Kale is a superfood loaded with vitamins K, A, and C, calcium, and powerful antioxidants. It adds significant nutritional value and a delicious earthy flavor to the soup.

  • What makes white beans beneficial in this recipe?

White beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, and minerals like iron and magnesium. They help promote digestive health and provide sustained energy.

Butternut Squash Soup That’s Warm, Wholesome, and Filling

  • Speed Up Weeknight Dinner: Whip up this comforting soup in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy families craving a quick and nutritious meal.
  • Boost Nutrition Effortlessly: Packed with protein-rich white beans, fiber-loaded kale, and vitamin-packed butternut squash, this soup delivers a powerful health punch in every spoonful.
  • Minimal Cooking Skills Required: Even novice cooks can master this simple one-pot recipe with basic chopping and sautéing techniques, making it an excellent confidence-building dish.
  • Budget-Friendly Comfort: Affordable ingredients combine to create a hearty, filling soup that stretches your grocery budget while satisfying hunger and taste buds.

Nutrition-Packed Ingredients in Butternut Squash Soup

Soup Base:
  • Olive Oil: Foundation for sautéing and adding rich flavor base.
  • Onion, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that create depth and warmth in the soup.
Vegetables:
  • Butternut Squash: Sweet, hearty vegetable that provides creamy texture and nutritional density.
  • Kale: Nutrient-packed leafy green that adds color and robust texture.
Protein and Beans:
  • White Beans: Creamy protein source that gives the soup substance and creates a satisfying mouthfeel.
Liquid and Seasoning:
  • Vegetable Broth: Provides liquid base and enhances overall soup flavor.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings for balancing and enhancing taste.
  • Dried Thyme, Bay Leaf: Herbs that contribute subtle, earthy undertones to the soup.

Squash Kale Soup Hearty Bowl Prep

Step 1: Warm Up the Pot

Place a large pot on the stove and drizzle olive oil across the bottom.

Turn the heat to medium and let the oil shimmer and become fluid.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Veggies

Toss in chopped onions and let them dance in the hot oil.

Stir occasionally as they soften and turn translucent, which takes about 5 minutes.

Add minced garlic and continue cooking for another minute until a delightful fragrance fills your kitchen.

Step 3: Build the Soup Foundation

Add these ingredients to the pot:
  • Diced butternut squash
  • Chopped kale
  • Canned white beans (drained and rinsed)
  • Vegetable broth
  • Dried thyme
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Stir everything together, allowing the vegetables to mingle and start releasing their flavors.

Step 4: Bring to a Gentle Simmer

Increase heat slightly and bring the soup to a soft bubbling state.

Reduce heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the butternut squash becomes tender when pierced with a fork.

Step 5: Crush and Blend

Use a potato masher to partially crush some of the beans and squash, creating a thicker, creamier texture.

For an extra smooth consistency, use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup.

Step 6: Final Seasoning and Serve

Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives.

Nutritious Soup Tips with Butternut and Kale

  • Take your time cooking onions to develop a sweet, mellow flavor that forms the soup's flavor foundation.
  • Sauté garlic briefly to release its aromatic oils without burning, which can create a bitter taste.
  • Chop kale into smaller pieces to ensure even cooking and easier eating, maximizing its nutrient absorption.
  • Gently mash some white beans to create a creamier soup consistency while keeping others whole for texture variety.
  • Consider adding a splash of white wine or a dash of smoked paprika to elevate the soup's complexity and warmth.

Butternut Squash Soup Storage

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the soup fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight, then warm gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
  • Transfer desired portion to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.

Cozy Pairings for Butternut Squash White Bean Soup

  • Pair with Rustic Sourdough Bread: Tear into a crusty slice of sourdough to soak up the rich, velvety broth, adding a delightful tangy contrast to the soup's earthy flavors.
  • Complement with Crisp Sauvignon Blanc: The wine's bright acidity and herbal notes will cut through the soup's creamy texture, refreshing your palate with each sip.
  • Match with Parmesan Crisps: Bake thin, crispy Parmesan cheese rounds to garnish the soup, providing a salty, crunchy element that elevates the dish's overall taste profile.
  • Serve with Roasted Herb Chicken: A simple roasted chicken seasoned with rosemary and thyme will create a hearty, protein-rich companion to the vegetable-packed soup.

Butternut Squash Kale Bean Soup Cozy Blends

  • Vegan Powerhouse Soup: Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and add nutritional yeast for extra depth and protein. Swap white beans with protein-packed lentils for added nutritional boost.
  • Spicy Southwest Spin: Incorporate diced green chiles, ground cumin, and smoked paprika. Top with crispy tortilla strips and fresh cilantro for a zesty flavor profile.
  • Gluten-Free Comfort Version: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Use gluten-free vegetable broth and skip any potential wheat-based thickeners.
  • Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Add fresh rosemary, thyme, and a splash of white wine. Finish with a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil and crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean touch.
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Butternut White Bean Soup Recipe

Butternut White Bean Soup Recipe


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4.9 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Savory butternut squash, kale, and white bean soup blends Mediterranean comfort with wholesome nutrition. Creamy textures and earthy flavors welcome you to a nourishing culinary journey that warms both body and soul.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Vegetables:

  • 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 bunch kale, stems removed and chopped

Proteins and Liquids:

  • 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
  • 6 cups vegetable broth

Seasonings and Aromatics:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
  • Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Warm olive oil in a generously sized pot, creating a sizzling base for the soup’s aromatic foundation.
  2. Gently introduce chopped onions, allowing them to soften and become translucent, releasing their sweet undertones over medium heat.
  3. Incorporate minced garlic, stirring briefly until its pungent aroma permeates the kitchen and enhances the vegetable medley.
  4. Introduce diced butternut squash, stirring to coat the cubes with the fragrant oil and onion mixture, preparing them for a transformative cooking process.
  5. Pour in vegetable broth, creating a liquid canvas that will gradually tenderize the squash and meld the soup’s complex flavors.
  6. Sprinkle dried thyme and a pinch of red pepper flakes, infusing the broth with herbaceous warmth and subtle heat.
  7. Reduce heat and allow the soup to simmer, letting the squash become tender and begin to break down, thickening the broth naturally.
  8. Drain and rinse white beans, then fold them into the simmering mixture, adding creamy texture and protein-rich substance.
  9. Tear kale leaves into bite-sized pieces, nestling them into the soup during the final moments of cooking to preserve their vibrant color and nutritional integrity.
  10. Season with salt and black pepper, tasting and adjusting to create a harmonious flavor profile.
  11. Remove from heat and let the soup rest momentarily, allowing flavors to unite and intensify before serving.

Notes

  • Roast butternut squash beforehand for deeper, caramelized flavor that enhances the soup’s overall richness.
  • Use fresh kale instead of frozen to maintain crisp texture and maximize nutrient retention.
  • Swap white beans with chickpeas or cannellini beans for variety and different protein profiles.
  • Select low-sodium vegetable broth to control salt content and customize seasoning according to personal preference.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 400 mg
  • Fat: 5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Fiber: 6 g
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Emily Harper

Emily Harper

Nutrition Consultant & Recipe Analyst

Expertise

Healthy Recipe Modification, Nutritional Analysis & Meal Planning, Global Cuisine & Dietary Adaptations​

Education

School: French Pastry School, Chicago, IL

Program: L’Art de la Pâtisserie

Focus: Intensive training in traditional French pastry techniques, baking theory, and confectionery arts. ​


Emily’s journey started in a pastry kitchen but took a detour into the world of health and flavor science.
Graduating from the French Pastry School and studying nutrition opened her eyes to a new mission: making healthy food taste like something you’d actually crave.
At Dining At Home, Emily’s the go-to for smart, feel-good recipes that don’t trade flavor for nutrition.
She’s all about adding a fresh spin on old favorites and finding small ways to make everyday meals a little brighter.
Outside of the kitchen, Emily is most at home walking forest trails, testing plant-based recipes, or sharing a picnic under a wide-open sky.

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