Seriously Simple Lima Bean, Zucchini & Spinach Soup: Your Perfect Healthy Comfort Food Recipe

As the crisp autumn air takes hold and temperatures plummet, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of soup to bring comfort and joy. Here in Washington D.C., we’ve felt a noticeable chill since the end of September, marking the official return of soup season. While some might predict a sudden swing back to warmer days, I’m fully embracing the need for hearty, warming meals. After all, few places understand true cold quite like my former alma mater in upstate New York, where September snow flurries and mid-April blizzards were par for the course. Those long winters instilled a deep appreciation for truly comforting food.

From Upstate Snowstorms to Soulful Soups: A Chilly Inspiration

My memories of upstate New York winters are vivid. While most students elsewhere were enjoying the mild spring, breaking out their bikinis, and basking in lovely weather, we were bundled in our heaviest winter gear, navigating treacherous black ice, and freezing during long walks to lectures. It wasn’t uncommon for 16-inch snowstorms to hit in mid-April, often coinciding with visiting days for newly accepted applicants. I can only imagine our applicant yield those years!

Those experiences, though challenging, taught me the profound comfort a simple, warm meal can offer. It’s a feeling I’m happy to rekindle with the return of chilly weather.

Unveiling the Recipe: Lima Bean, Zucchini & Spinach Soup

And so, with the return of cooler temperatures, I bring you a recipe that truly embodies warmth, simplicity, and vibrant flavor:

Lima Bean, Zucchini & Spinach Soup

Inspired by Seriously Simple by Diane Worthington

Essential Ingredients for a Seriously Simple Soup:

• Fresh or frozen lima beans (also known as butterbeans)
• Fresh zucchini
• Fresh spinach
• Leeks
• Quality chicken or vegetable stock (choose according to dietary preference)
• Fresh lemon juice

Kitchen Equipment for Effortless Preparation:

An immersion blender for convenience, a regular blender for a silky smooth finish, or a food processor for batch blending.

The Philosophy of “Seriously Simple” Cooking

While I often enjoy putting my own twist on beloved recipes, for this particular soup, I followed the original instructions from Diane Worthington’s acclaimed cookbook, Seriously Simple, to the letter. (For those interested, you can read my previous recap of this fantastic cookbook). Why deviate from perfection when it’s already so good? This recipe exemplifies the “seriously simple” approach: minimal fuss, maximum flavor, and wholesome ingredients that shine.

The beauty of this soup lies in its elegant simplicity. It’s a testament to how few, high-quality ingredients can create something truly extraordinary. However, for those who love to experiment, this recipe is also wonderfully versatile. You could easily enhance it by adding more lima beans for extra plant-based protein and creaminess, incorporate additional spinach for a deeper green hue and nutrient boost, or even introduce other vegetables like diced potatoes, carrots, or a touch of sweet corn for added texture and sweetness. A pinch of red pepper flakes could add a subtle kick, or a swirl of cream (or a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk) could make it even more decadent. The core, however, remains its straightforward charm.

Capturing the Essence: Taste and Texture

The resulting soup is incredibly smooth, surprisingly filling, and boasts a wonderfully buttery taste, thanks to the star ingredient: lima beans. Often nicknamed ‘butterbeans,’ their inherent creaminess gives this soup a luxurious mouthfeel without the need for heavy cream. The zucchini adds a delicate freshness, while the spinach provides an earthy depth and a vibrant green hue. A hint of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens the entire composition, creating a beautifully balanced flavor profile that is both comforting and invigorating. It’s a truly satisfying bowl that warms you from the inside out.

Accessing the Full Recipe Directions

For a detailed, easy-to-follow ingredient list and comprehensive recipe directions, you can find the original from Seriously Simple on Google Books. Simply click here to access it directly. The process generally involves sautéing the aromatics like leeks, adding the vegetables and stock, simmering until tender, and then blending to your desired consistency. It’s a straightforward method that even novice cooks can master with ease.

Serving Suggestions and Smart Storage

The original recipe suggests it makes enough soup for six servings. However, in my experience, that might be a bit conservative, especially if you’re serving it as a main course. If this is intended as a first course for a dinner party, six smaller portions could work. But for a hearty main meal, I’d say it comfortably serves about four people, allowing each person a generous bowl and a half. If you’re anything like me and love having delicious leftovers for lunch or dinner the next day, I highly recommend increasing the recipe by 1.5 times, or even doubling it entirely.

One of the best things about homemade soup is its freezer-friendliness. This Lima Bean, Zucchini & Spinach Soup freezes beautifully, making it perfect for meal prepping. Simply let it cool completely, portion it into airtight containers, and freeze for up to three months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and gently warm on the stovetop, adding a splash of stock or water if needed to reach your preferred consistency. And honestly, like many good soups, this one often tastes even better the second day, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen overnight.

The Perfect Pairing: What to Serve with Your Soup

While this soup is wonderfully satisfying on its own, it truly shines when paired with a good piece of bread. In fact, it’s absolutely phenomenal with Cheesy No-Knead Homemade Whole-Wheat Focaccia! But you’ll have to wait for *that* recipe in my next post, so stay tuned for a game-changing bread recipe that will elevate your soup experience.

Beyond focaccia, a simple crusty baguette, a slice of artisan sourdough, or even a classic grilled cheese sandwich would make an excellent accompaniment. For a lighter meal, consider serving it alongside a crisp, green salad with a bright vinaigrette. No matter how you choose to enjoy it, this Lima Bean, Zucchini & Spinach Soup is destined to become a staple in your kitchen, offering comfort, nutrition, and ease in every delicious spoonful.