Curried Butter bean soup: a 15-minute goodness

Nutritious, creamy and ready minutes; this butter bean curry will envelop you like a warm hug on a hectic workday

We all need something comforting and nutritious for lunch, but too often, we settle for sloppy leftovers, uninspiring sandwiches, or a supermarket meal deal that requires a 20-minute walk and a long checkout queue. Therefore, this curried butter bean soup is my answer to that midday dilemma; creamy, indulgent, packed with protein and fiber, and ready in under 30 minutes.

Why Butter Beans?

Butter beans (also known as double beans, lima beans, sieva beans, Madagascar beans, or val) are a staple in many lentil-loving cultures. They are nutritionally dense and can be turned into rich, hearty dishes with minimal effort. Despite the history of this bean, I love how quick and high quality the canned version is. My favourite is the Waitrose Essential Butter Beans.

But, with the rise of plant-based eating, these beans are having their main character moment, and for good reason!

• In India, butter beans (val in Gujarat and double beans in South India) frequently appear in dals and curries.
• This recipe is inspired by South Indian flavors, using coconut milk and mild spices to create a deeply satisfying, family-friendly dish.

Whatever may be its origins, it is absolutely perfect for work-from-home lunches: warm, wholesome, and easy to prepare. Additionally, it can also be packed in airtight containers for a meal at work. My husband loves this and takes this to his at-office job at least once a week.

What You’ll Need

The non-negotiables for this dish:

• 1 can (240 g, drained) butter beans (rinsed and drained to reduce bloating and flatulence)
• 1 onion (or onion powder in a pinch)
• Garlic (fresh, preserved, or powder)
• 400 ml Canned coconut milk (I love the Waitrose reduced-fat coconut milk; Chako, a popular Asian brand is also great) – if you live in a tropical country, you can also use a cup of freshly made coconut milk
• A few spoons of canned tomatoes (or 1 fresh tomato, finely chopped)
• Spices & herbs (customizable, see below for inspiration based on different cuisines!) – doing this ensures that you can whip up this dish, no matter what is in your store cupboard.

I use classic Indian spices: turmeric, curry leaves, cumin, coriander powder, and a pinch of garam masala. But depending on what is in your store cabinet, you can use the modification ideas below!

Curried Butter Bean Soup Recipe

👩‍🍳 Serves: 2

⏱ Time: 30 minutes

1️⃣ Prep the Aromatics

• Finely chop 1 onion.
  • While onion powder is an option, I don’t recommend storing pre-chopped onions. They attract bacteria quickly, which can lead to foodborne illnesses.

2️⃣ Build the Base

• Heat 2 tbsp olive oil (or any other neutral oil) in a pan.
• Add 2 bay leaves and 1 tsp cumin seeds, let them splutter.
• Toss in 4-5 curry leaves and the chopped onion.
• Add 1 tbsp chopped garlic (or 3 fresh cloves, minced).
• Sauté until onions turn translucent.

3️⃣ Cook the Masala

• Stir in 3 tbsp canned chopped tomato (or 1 tomato, finely chopped).
• Add 1 tsp turmeric, 2 tsp chili powder (optional), and 1 tbsp coriander powder.
• Let everything cook until the tomatoes soften and the spices release their aroma.
• Let this cool slightly, then blend into a smooth purée. (If you’re short on time, skip the blending—it works as a chunky curry, too!)

4️⃣ Simmer the Soup

• Pour the blended mixture back into the pan.
• Stir in 1 can (400ml) coconut milk.
• Add 1 can (240g) butter beans, rinsed and drained.
• Cover and simmer for 10 minutes.

5️⃣ Final Touches

• Stir in 1 tsp garam masala and salt, to taste.
• Add a splash of water if needed, and simmer for 2 more minutes.
• Garnish with fresh coriander and juice from ¼ of a lemon.

6️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!

• My favorite pairing? Crusty sourdough bread!
• But it’s just as delicious with naan, rice, pasta, or even couscous.

Modifications to the Butter Bean Soup

Want to switch up the flavors? Try these variations:

🍅 Italian-Inspired Butter Bean Soup

• Swap Indian spices for mixed herbs or oregano.
• Add chili flakes instead of chili powder.
• Garnish with fresh basil & chili olive oil.

🥢 Chinese-Inspired Butter Bean Soup

• Replace cumin seeds with cumin powder.
• Add ½ tsp ginger powder.
• Use Chinese 5-spice instead of garam masala.
• Garnish with coriander leaves.

🌿 Thai-Inspired Butter Bean Soup

• Add 1 tbsp chopped basil, 1 tsp soy sauce, 1 tsp coriander powder, 1 tsp cumin powder, 1 tsp galangal, and ½ tsp white pepper.
• Simmer with 1 stalk of lemongrass.
• Garnish with Thai basil & lemon juice.

Tried this recipe? Let me know in the comments how it turned out! Were you inspired by another cuisine or did you add your own twist? I’d love to hear your ideas.

If you loved this recipe, tell me what paired it with in the comments below. Also check out this wonderful Kidney bean recipe for another 15-minute, protein-packed bean-filled lunch.