Introduction

Discover the unique charm of Christmas Lima Bean Macaroni Soup, a delightful and comforting dish. This recipe transforms distinctive heirloom beans into a hearty, flavorful meal perfect for any occasion. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare this satisfying soup, packed with rich taste and wholesome ingredients. It truly is a beginner-friendly delight.

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Lima Bean Macaroni Soup

This special Christmas Lima Bean Macaroni Soup quickly becomes a household favorite for several excellent reasons:

• It showcases unique heirloom beans with a beautiful color and creamy texture.
• This soup offers a deeply comforting and hearty meal, ideal for cooler evenings.
• The preparation is simple and straightforward, making it perfect for busy individuals.
• It’s a nutritious, fiber-rich, and incredibly satisfying dish for the whole family.
• Enjoy a warm bowl that brings coziness and delicious flavors to your table.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh and wholesome ingredients to create your delicious Christmas Lima Bean Macaroni Soup:

• 1 pound Christmas lima beans (cooked, with broth reserved, or 2 1/2 pounds cooked beans)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/2 pound macaroni
• 8 garlic cloves, chopped (use every bit; the garlic absorbs into the soup)
• 1/2 onion, chopped
• 1 large can Italian plum tomatoes (roughly chopped, with juice)
• 6 cups chicken broth
• Chopped parsley to garnish soup
• Black pepper
• Salt
• Pecorino Romano (freshly grated)

Notes & Substitutions

Christmas Lima beans are known for their beautiful maroon and white markings and buttery, starchy texture. If unavailable, use cannellini or butter beans for a similar creaminess. For tomatoes, fresh ripe tomatoes are excellent when in season; otherwise, high-quality canned plum or crushed tomatoes work perfectly. Chicken broth adds depth, but vegetable broth is a great substitute for a vegetarian version. Feel free to use ditalini, small shells, or elbow pasta instead of macaroni for variety.

Equipment

You only need a few basic kitchen tools to make this comforting soup:

• Large pot or Dutch oven: For simmering the soup.
• Cutting board and knife: For preparing vegetables.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient portions.
• Colander: For rinsing beans and macaroni.
• Wooden spoon: For stirring and sautéing.

Instructions

Crafting this delightful Christmas Lima Bean Macaroni Soup is a straightforward process. Follow these steps for a perfect bowl every time.

How to Cook Christmas Lima Beans

1. Soak the Beans: Place 1 pound of dried Christmas lima beans in a large bowl. Cover them with plenty of water, adding 1 tablespoon of salt. Let them soak overnight, or for at least 8 hours.
2. Rinse Thoroughly: Drain the soaked beans using a colander. Rinse them under cold running water for several minutes to remove excess salt and any debris.
3. Simmer Until Tender: Transfer the rinsed beans to a large pot. Cover them with 6-8 cups of fresh cold water or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer.
4. Cook to Perfection: Cook for 45-60 minutes, or until the beans are tender but still hold their shape. Drain the beans, reserving about 1 cup of the cooking liquid if you want to use it instead of some chicken broth later.

Assembling the Soup

1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat 1/4 cup of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and onion. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the onions are translucent and fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
2. Add Tomatoes: Stir in the roughly chopped Italian plum tomatoes, along with their juice. Cook for another 5 minutes, breaking up the tomatoes with your spoon, until they soften and their flavors deepen.
3. Combine Main Ingredients: Add the cooked Christmas lima beans and 6 cups of chicken broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the soup simmer for at least 20-25 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld beautifully.
4. Cook Macaroni Separately: While the soup simmers, cook 1/2 pound of macaroni according to package directions in a separate pot of salted water. Cook until al dente, firm to the bite. Drain the macaroni thoroughly.
5. Finish the Soup: Stir the drained macaroni into the simmering soup just before serving. This prevents the pasta from becoming mushy and absorbing too much broth.
6. Season and Garnish: Season the Christmas Lima Bean Macaroni Soup generously with salt and black pepper to taste. Ladle into bowls and garnish with plenty of freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of grated Pecorino Romano cheese. Serve hot.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

To ensure your soup is perfect, avoid overcooking the macaroni directly in the soup; it can become mushy. Always cook it separately. Taste and adjust seasoning throughout the cooking process; flavors develop, so add salt and pepper incrementally. If using dried beans, don’t skip the soaking step for even cooking and improved digestion. Fresh herbs like parsley or basil greatly enhance the soup’s aroma and taste. If your soup tastes bland, add a pinch more salt or a splash of lemon juice to brighten the flavors.

Serving, Storage & Variations

Serving Suggestions

Serve your hearty Christmas Lima Bean Macaroni Soup with warm, crusty bread or homemade cornbread for dipping. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil and a generous dusting of grated Pecorino Romano cheese make a beautiful garnish. Consider a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette to complement the richness of the soup.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze cooled soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. When reheating, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave. You might need to add a splash of extra broth or water to thin it slightly, as the pasta can absorb liquid upon standing.

Variations

• Vegan: Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth and omit the Pecorino Romano cheese.
• Protein Boost: Stir in cooked crumbled sausage, shredded chicken, or even diced ham for extra protein.
• Extra Vegetables: Enhance nutritional value by adding diced carrots, celery, or a handful of fresh spinach during the last 10 minutes of simmering.
• Spicy Kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes added with the aromatics will introduce a pleasant warmth.
• Other Pasta: Ditalini, small shells, or elbow pasta are excellent alternatives to macaroni in this Christmas Lima Bean Macaroni Soup.

Nutrition

This Christmas Lima Bean Macaroni Soup is a wholesome, nutrient-dense meal. Christmas lima beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein and dietary fiber, promoting satiety and digestive health. Tomatoes provide essential vitamins like Vitamin C and powerful antioxidants. The inclusion of fresh herbs further boosts the vitamin content. Overall, it’s a balanced, satisfying dish that can easily be adapted for low-fat or vegetarian diets.

Research highlights the significant health benefits of a diet rich in plant-based protein and dietary fiber, including better blood sugar regulation and improved digestive health.

Nutrient	Per Serving (approx.)
Calories	350-450
Protein	18-25g
Fiber	10-15g
Fat	10-15g
Carbohydrates	50-60g

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.

FAQ

• What are Christmas Lima Beans? They are a unique heirloom variety of lima beans, known for their striking maroon and white patterns and creamy, buttery texture when cooked.

  For more information on the distinct qualities of these beautiful legumes, you can explore details on heirloom Christmas Lima Beans from Rancho Gordo.

• Can I use canned lima beans for this Christmas Lima Bean Macaroni Soup? Yes, you can. Use about 4-5 cans (15-ounce) of rinsed and drained canned lima beans, adjusting the broth amount slightly as they won’t absorb as much liquid.

• Why cook macaroni separately? Cooking pasta separately prevents it from becoming mushy and absorbing too much of the delicious broth, maintaining the soup’s consistency and pasta texture.

• Is this soup vegetarian/vegan? It is easily adaptable. Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omit the Pecorino Romano cheese for a complete vegan option.

• Can I make this in a slow cooker? While possible, it’s best to cook the dried Christmas lima beans separately first as direct slow cooking can sometimes result in unevenly cooked beans. Then combine everything in the slow cooker for the simmering phase.

• How do I thicken the soup? For a thicker consistency, scoop out about a cup of the cooked beans, mash them, and stir them back into the soup. Simmering longer also helps to naturally reduce and thicken the broth.

Conclusion

This Christmas Lima Bean Macaroni Soup truly offers a delightful and comforting culinary experience. Its unique blend of hearty heirloom beans, tender macaroni, and savory broth makes for an incredibly satisfying meal. Embrace the simplicity and rich flavors of this easy-to-make, wholesome recipe. We encourage you to try this delightful Christmas Lima Bean Macaroni Soup and enjoy a truly hearty bowl of goodness that’s perfect for any day of the week.