Three-Bean Soup

Ingredients for Three-Bean Soup

• 2 medium leeks, dark green parts removed

• 1 head of garlic, cloves separated

• 90g bacon, chopped

• 2 tablespoons plus 120ml extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling

• 2 small fennel bulbs, finely chopped, fronds reserved

• 1 celery stalk, finely chopped

• 3 sprigs thyme

• 1 bay leaf

• 1 tablespoon plus 3/4 teaspoons kosher salt

• 180ml dried large lima beans, soaked overnight

• 3/4 teaspoons red pepper flakes

• 230g Romano beans, cut into 1" pieces

• 230g sugar snap peas, trimmed, halved crosswise

• 1/2 small bunch dill

• 1 lemon

• 1/4 cup crème fraîche or soured cream

• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• 60g Parmesan, shaved

• Toasted crusty bread (for serving)

Quarter leeks lengthwise, then cut crosswise into 1/2" pieces. Rinse leeks in a fine-mesh strainer and pat dry with paper towels. Smash garlic cloves with the flat side of a chef’s knife and peel; set 2 cloves aside.

Cook bacon in a large Dutch oven or other heavy pot over medium heat, stirring, until golden brown and starting to crisp, 8–10 minutes. Add smashed garlic and 2 tablespoons oil and cook, stirring often, until garlic is just beginning to turn golden 3–4 minutes. Add leeks, chopped fennel, celery, thyme, bay leaf, and 1 tablespoon salt. Cook, stirring often, until vegetables are beginning to soften, about 4 minutes. Add lima beans, red pepper flakes, and 1450ml water and bring to a simmer. Partially cover pot, reduce heat to low, and gently simmer, occasionally skimming and discarding any foam that rises to the surface, until beans are slightly crunchy but not quite creamy, 25 minutes. Add Romano beans and snap peas, return to a simmer, and continue to cook, adding just enough water to keep beans submerged, until dried beans are creamy and fresh beans are just cooked through, about 15 minutes more.

Meanwhile, pulse dill, zest of whole lemon, fennel fronds, and 1 reserved garlic clove in a food processor until finely chopped. With the motor running, stream in 120ml oil. Add 3/4 teaspoons salt and squeeze in 2 teaspoons lemon juice. Transfer pesto to a small bowl and set aside.

Remove stew from heat and stir in crème fraîche, black pepper, and 20ml lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Rub bread with remaining garlic clove, drizzle with oil, and season lightly with salt.

Ladle soup into bowls. Drizzle with pesto, then top with shaved Parmesan. Serve with garlic bread and remaining pesto alongside.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.