Name: Carrot and Butter Bean Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 1 large onion, finely chopped; 2 large carrots (approx 500g/17.5oz), sliced thinly; 1 (400g/14oz) tin of butter beans, drained; 4 cups (960ml) of vegetable stock; salt and black pepper to season; 1/2 teaspoon of fennel seed; 1 tablespoon of tomato paste; a handful of fresh parsley, finely chopped; olive oil spray

Jump to Recipe

Carrot and Butter Bean Soup - a simple comforting soup with sweet carrots and creamy butter beans blended into a smooth flavour packed bowl that is perfect for lunch or a light dinner. It is quick to make, filling and delicious served with some warm crusty bread on the side.

Carrot and Butter Bean Soup in a double wooden handled ceramic non stick pan with wooden spoon

This soup always reminds me of those comforting bowls of carrot and butter bean soup I used to love years ago whenever I felt under the weather or wanted something easy and warming. I had actually been making a simpler carrot soup version for quite a while, mainly because proper butter beans were harder to find here in Canada and the lima beans available just never quite had the same creamy texture I was used to. Once I finally managed to get hold of some butter beans again though, this soup instantly became everything I remembered and loved about it.

It is actually such an easy soup to make too. The only ingredients you may not already have sitting in your pantry are the butter beans and dried fennel, but the fennel really is worth adding. It gives the soup a subtle flavour that works perfectly with the sweetness of the carrots and really helps make this taste like a proper carrot and butter bean soup.

Calories in Carrot Butter Bean Soup

This recipe serves 4 and is 105 calories per serving

If you're looking for more recipes by calories, you'll find plenty of options grouped by calorie range here: Slimming Eats Low Calorie Recipes

If you're following a calorie-controlled diet or a healthy eating plan, it's important to calculate your daily calorie needs using a reliable calorie calculator. The calorie counts provided are estimates and can vary depending on the exact ingredients and portion sizes you use. Using your own calculations helps ensure you're meeting your individual needs. A calorie calculator can help you make informed choices and stay on track with your goals.

See the recipe card for full nutritional estimation.

close up of Carrot and Butter Bean Soup in a double wooden handled ceramic non stick pan with wooden spoon

Ingredients Notes

To make this recipe you will need the following ingredients:

Onion - Adds sweetness and flavour to the base of the soup as it softens and cooks down.
Carrots - The main flavour of the soup, adding natural sweetness and a lovely vibrant colour once blended.
Butter Beans - Add creaminess and extra protein to the soup while helping create a smooth velvety texture.
Vegetable Stock - Forms the base of the soup and adds extra savoury flavour. Be sure to use the right ratio of stock cubes or paste to water for a balanced, tasty broth. Too little and it'll taste flat; too much and it can become overly salty.
Salt and Black Pepper - Important for seasoning and balancing the sweetness of the carrots.
Fennel Seed - Adds a subtle flavour that works perfectly with the carrots and really helps give the soup its distinctive taste.
Tomato Paste - Adds a little richness and depth to the soup without overpowering the carrot flavour.
Fresh Parsley - Adds freshness and a lovely finishing touch when serving.
Olive Oil Spray - Used for softening the onion and carrots without needing lots of oil.

Once you've gathered all the ingredients and prepared them accordingly, you're all set to create this easy and delightful recipe.

See the recipe card for specific quantities and instructions.

Variations and Substitutes

This carrot and butter bean soup is really easy to adapt depending on what ingredients you have on hand.

Cannellini beans or great northern beans can be used instead of butter beans.
Add a little coconut milk or light cream for an extra creamy soup.
Sweet potato can be added alongside the carrots for extra sweetness and thickness.
A pinch of chilli flakes adds a little warmth if you like a bit of heat.
Fresh thyme or rosemary work really well alongside the fennel.
If you are not a fan of fennel, use a little celery seed or simply leave it out, although it does add a lovely flavour to the soup.
Swap the parsley for fresh coriander or chives if preferred.
For extra protein, top with crispy chickpeas or shredded chicken before serving.
A squeeze of lemon juice before serving adds a lovely fresh finish.

Carrot and Butter Bean Soup in a white with turquoise bottom soup mug with spoon

Side Suggestions

This soup is delicious served with some warm crusty bread for dipping into the creamy soup and soaking up every last spoonful. A grilled cheese sandwich or cheese toastie also works really well alongside the sweet carrot flavour.

For something lighter, a simple green salad on the side is perfect, while toppings like crispy chickpeas, croutons or fresh herbs can add a little extra texture and flavour.

Storing, Freezing and Reheating

Storing

Allow the soup to cool before transferring to an airtight container and storing in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavours become even more delicious the next day once everything has had time to sit together.

Freezing

This soup freezes really well. Allow to cool completely before transferring to freezer safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a saucepan over a medium low heat until piping hot, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of stock or water if needed to loosen the soup. You can also reheat portions in the microwave in short bursts, stirring halfway through until heated through.

spooning up Carrot and Butter Bean Soup from a white with turquoise bottom soup mug with spoon

More Soup Recipes

Looking for other soup recipes to try? Check out these:

See more Soup Recipes →

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All recipes on Slimming Eats have estimated nutritional information for your convenience.

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Recipe Card

Yield: SERVES 4

Carrot and Butter Bean Soup

Carrot and Butter Bean Soup - a simple creamy soup with sweet carrots, buttery beans and a subtle hint of fennel for a comforting flavour packed bowl.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 40 minutes

Total Time 50 minutes

Ingredients

1 large onion, finely chopped
2 large carrots (approx 500g/17.5oz), sliced thinly
1 (400g/14oz) tin of butter beans, drained
4 cups (960ml) of vegetable stock
salt and black pepper to season
½ teaspoon of fennel seed
1 tablespoon of tomato paste
a handful of fresh parsley, finely chopped
olive oil spray

Instructions

Stove Top

Spray a large saucepan with olive oil spray and add the onion and fry until softened.
In a mortar and pestle, grind the fennel seed into a powder.
Add this to the pot, along with the carrots and tomato paste and mix to evenly coat.
Add the stock and season with some salt and black pepper, bring to the boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for approx 30 mins
Add about ¾ of the soup to a blender and blend until smooth.
Add the butter beans and fresh parsley and continue to simmer for about 5 mins.
Serve and enjoy

Instant Pot/Pressure Cooker

Set to saute mode, once hot, spray with olive oil spray and add the onion and fry to soften.
Add in the fennel, tomato, paste, carrots and stock, and stir to combine.
Add lid, and set to manual, high pressure for 8 minutes.
When time is up, Quick release the pressure.
Blend ¾ of the soup in a blender.
Add back to the Instant Pot, along with the butter beans and parsley, set to saute and let simmer for about 5 mins.
Serve and enjoy

Notes

Please see below for full nutritional info and additional details about recipe:

Calories - scroll down to nutritional info box
WW Points and other Slimming or Weight Loss programs - due to plans regularly changing and updating, we recommend calculating with the official tools you get as a member to those plans to ensure accuracy of values.
Dairy Free Friendly
Gluten Free Friendly - use gluten free stock
Vegetarian Friendly
❄️ Freezer Friendly - see storing, freezing and reheating section

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Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1 serving
Amount Per Serving Calories 105Total Fat 1gSaturated Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 0gSodium 769mgCarbohydrates 21gFiber 5gSugar 6gProtein 5g

Nutritional information and values etc are an estimate and is to be used for informational purposes only. Ingredients can vary greatly from brand to brand and therefore it would be impossible to give accurate information. It is always advised that you calculate by the ingredients you use.

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