Name: Creamy Chipotle Lime White Bean Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 roma tomatoes; 2–3 tbsp avocado oil or olive oil; 2 large shallots, minced; 6–8 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp coriander; 2, 15 oz can white beans; 4 cups good quality vegetable broth; 2 tsp fresh thyme or 1 tsp dry thyme; 1 bay leaf; 1/4 cup raw cashews (plus boiling water); 2–3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce from a can; Zest of 1 lime; 1/2 cup water; Kosher salt; 2 ripe plantains, peeled and cut into slices; Oil for roasting; For serving: avocado, cilantro, lime wedges

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Get ready to fall in love with this Creamy Chipotle Lime White Bean Soup! It’s a bold, soul-warming bowl that brings smoky heat, zesty citrus, and satisfying creaminess to your table, all wrapped up in a vegan-friendly package. Hearts will be won over by the velvety texture, the layers of deep flavor thanks to charred tomatoes, chipotle peppers, and perfectly cooked white beans. It’s impossible not to crave seconds—especially with the vibrant garnishes and those irresistible baked plantains on the side!

Creamy Chipotle Lime White Bean Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Creamy Chipotle Lime White Bean Soup lies in a handful of simple, vibrant ingredients—each one bringing its own depth, texture, or freshness to the final dish. Whether it’s the zing from lime zest or the richness of slow-cooked shallots, every element is essential for coaxing out those memorable flavors.

Roma Tomatoes: Charring these adds a natural smoky sweetness and vivid color to the base.
Avocado Oil or Olive Oil: Offers a silky mouthfeel while providing a neutral or buttery undertone.
Shallots: Their mild, sweet flavor makes the aromatic base beautifully nuanced.
Garlic: Adds a punchy, comforting warmth that infuses the whole soup.
Smoked Paprika: Lends a deep red hue and extra dimension with its subtle smokiness.
Coriander: Brings gentle citrus notes that amplify the lime in the soup.
White Beans: These are the creamy foundation—full of protein and effortlessly blendable.
Vegetable Broth: Use the best quality you’ve got for richer, fuller background notes.
Fresh (or Dry) Thyme: Boosts the earthiness and savory notes of the soup.
Bay Leaf: Adds subtle herbal complexity while simmering.
Raw Cashews: Once soaked and blended, these give the soup its signature creamy body—no dairy needed.
Chipotle Peppers in Adobo: Delivers the recognizable smoky heat and authentic flavor punch.
Lime Zest: Offers a zip of freshness and brightness right at the finish.
Water: Helps blend the cashew-chipotle cream for drizzle-perfect smoothness.
Kosher Salt: Balances all the flavors and enhances every bite.
Baked Plantains (optional): For an extra treat—sweet, salty, and perfect for scooping.
Avocado, Cilantro, Lime Wedges: These garnishes add cooling, aromatic, and zesty contrast for serving.

How to Make Creamy Chipotle Lime White Bean Soup

Step 1: Char and Blend the Tomatoes

Start by tossing your roma tomatoes onto an unoiled skillet set over medium heat. Let them sizzle and char on all sides for about 5 minutes, bringing out their sweetness and giving the soup a deep, slightly smoky base. Pulse the blackened tomatoes in a blender with a pinch of salt until roughly blended, then set aside—this will infuse the whole soup with a gorgeous, complex flavor.

Step 2: Soak the Cashews

While your tomatoes cool, pour boiling water over the raw cashews and let them soak for at least 30 minutes. This softens them up so they’ll blend into the creamiest, silkiest addition imaginable. If you’re hungry and short on time, give them a quick soak in very hot water to speed things along!

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics and Spices

Heat your oil of choice in a large pot over medium-low heat. Toss in the minced shallots with a small sprinkle of kosher salt; stir until softened, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, followed by the smoked paprika and coriander—this creates a flavor-packed foundation that seeps through every spoonful of Creamy Chipotle Lime White Bean Soup.

Step 4: Add Tomatoes, Beans, and Simmer

Pour in your blended tomatoes, drained white beans, vegetable broth, and thyme. Stir everything together thoroughly—watch how the colors come alive! Add the bay leaf for good measure, bring the soup to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover with a lid and let it bubble away for 25 minutes, giving the flavors time to develop and mingle beautifully.

Step 5: Make the Cashew-Chipotle Cream

Once the cashews are soft and ready, drain them and add to your blender cup with the chipotle peppers, lime zest, a pinch of salt, and water. Blend on high speed until you have a dreamy, super-smooth mixture—this is where the Creamy Chipotle Lime White Bean Soup earns its creamy reputation!

Step 6: Combine, Finish, and Taste

Pour the blended cashew-chipotle cream right into your simmering soup. Give everything a hearty stir and let it cook for 5 more minutes, just long enough to thicken even further and let all the flavors meld. Taste and adjust salt or chipotle to your liking. Remove from heat and get ready to serve.

Step 7: Make the Baked Plantains (Optional)

If you’re treating yourself with baked plantains, line a baking tray, arrange your plantain slices, and coat them generously with oil. Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F for about 15 minutes, flip, then roast for another 5 to 10 minutes until golden and crispy at the edges. Finish with a touch of salt—they’re heaven with the soup!

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Ladle your Creamy Chipotle Lime White Bean Soup into bowls, top with baked plantains, sliced avocado, fresh cilantro, and lots of lime juice. Each spoonful is a riot of textures and fresh flavors—you’ll keep going back for more!

How to Serve Creamy Chipotle Lime White Bean Soup

Garnishes

Elevate each bowl with vibrant garnishes—think creamy avocado slices, a scatter of fresh cilantro, and plenty of lime wedges for squeezing. Add a spoonful of plantain (or plantain chips) for contrast and crunch, and sprinkle with a little extra smoked paprika or chili flakes if you’re feeling spicy. These little touches not only make the soup gorgeous but amplify every flavor note.

Side Dishes

This soup shines on its own, but it absolutely loves a good companion. Serve it alongside warm crusty bread or a hearty green salad for a simple meal. Sweet potato fries, tortilla chips, or a fresh corn salad would also be right at home. And if you have leftover plantains, they’re perfect for scooping up every last drop!

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the Creamy Chipotle Lime White Bean Soup in small mugs or mini bowls at a gathering, topped with a festive swirl of cashew cream and a sprinkle of microgreens. Or offer a DIY topping bar so guests can customize with their favorite garnishes—avocado cubes, jalapeños, pumpkin seeds, and lime zest for extra zing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool any leftover soup completely before transferring to a sealed container. It keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to four days, and the flavors deepen with time, making lunch the next day even more irresistible.

Freezing

The Creamy Chipotle Lime White Bean Soup is perfectly freezer-friendly! Let it reach room temperature, then ladle into airtight freezer containers or freezer bags (leave a little space for expansion). It will keep fresh for up to three months. Simply thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, giving it a good stir as it warms back up. If the soup thickens after chilling, just add a splash of water or vegetable broth to bring back the silky texture. Taste and brighten with a squeeze of fresh lime before serving.

FAQs

Can I use dried beans instead of canned?

Absolutely! Soak and cook dried white beans until tender before using. You’ll want about 3 cups cooked beans to replace the 2 cans. It’s a little extra work but delivers wonderful flavor and texture.

How spicy is the Creamy Chipotle Lime White Bean Soup?

The beauty of this soup is its flexibility! Use 2 chipotle peppers for gentle warmth or 3 for a bold kick. If you’re spice-shy, you can scale back the peppers or swap them for more smoked paprika and a hint of chili powder instead.

Can I skip the cashew cream for a nut-free version?

Yes! Coconut milk (full fat) makes a quick and delicious swap—just stir in about a cup at the end for a rich, creamy finish. It’s allergy-friendly and equally luscious.

What other toppings work well?

Get creative! Try a sprinkle of pumpkin seeds, roasted corn, pickled onions, vegan queso, or extra fresh herbs. The more texture and color, the better.

Can I make this ahead for meal prep?

Definitely. The flavors only get better the next day, making it perfect for batch lunches or prepping ahead for weeknight dinners. Store in the fridge or freezer as described above for easy meals on demand.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to shake up your soup routine, you truly can’t go wrong with this Creamy Chipotle Lime White Bean Soup. It’s comfort food with a twist—each spoonful brimming with creamy warmth, a little heat, and bright, fresh citrus. Gather your favorite garnishes, invite a friend, and dig in—you’re going to love every bite!