Name: Cool Jade Soup
Cook time: 1 1/4 hr (includes shelling beans)
Total time: 2 1/2 hr
Ingredients: 3 pounds lima beans in pods, shelled (scant 3 cups beans), or 2 (10-ounces) packages frozen baby lima beans, thawed; 1 pound green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces (5 cups); 4 cups water; 2 1/2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth; 2 scallions, chopped; 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/8 teaspoon cayenne; 1/4 cup packed flat-leaf parsley leaves; 1/4 cup packed cilantro leaves; 2 tablespoons dill leaves; 2 tablespoons mint leaves; 1/2 cup olive oil

Image may contain Bowl Food Dish Meal Cutlery Spoon Pottery Art Porcelain Saucer Plant Vase Jar and Soup Bowl

Photo by John Kernick

The inspiration for test kitchen director Ruth Cousineaus velvety chilled bean soup comes from Mediterranean-cooking authority Claudia Roden's recipe for bissara, an Egyptian bean-and-herb purée. The beans here are lima and green, simmered in chicken broth (you can use vegetable broth if you want to go vegetarian) and then puréed until silky. The herbs—parsley, cilantro, dill, and mint—are blended with olive oil so that you can finish the soup with a verdant drizzle, but dont think of the herb oil as merely a garnish: Its bright flavor brings everything together.

Cooks' Note

Soup, without herb oil, can be chilled up to 2 days. Add herb oil just before serving.

Recipe notes

See Related Recipes and Cooking Tips

36 Cold Soup Recipes to Keep You Cool This Summer
Whether you're craving classic Spanish gazpacho or an earthy-sweet bowl of blended beets, these cold soups are just the refreshment you're looking for.

Cod With Lemon Butter Sauce

A flurry of fresh tarragon makes this speedy weeknight dish of seared cod and luscious, sun-colored pan sauce feel restaurant worthy.

Caramelized Onion Pasta

Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.

Hot Honey–Glazed Salmon

This broiled hot honey salmon recipe results in sweet, spicy, glossy fish coated in a homemade hot honey glaze for an easy weeknight dinner or make-ahead lunch.

Classic French Vinaigrette

Use this simple vinaigrette to dress a plate of greens, some steamed potatoes, or anything else that strikes your fancy.

Easy Banana Bread Recipe

Our go-to banana bread recipe is moist, nutty, and incredibly easy to make.

Super Seedy Power Cookies

As energizing as an energy bar, with a much simpler ingredient list.

Speedy Chicken Stroganoff

This easy, one-skillet chicken stroganoff features tender chicken breasts, savory mushrooms, and a creamy Dijon-crème fraîche sauce—perfect for weeknights.

Meatball Tagine

Warming harissa and cinnamon, briny olives, and sweet dried fruit make up the flavorful base for this weeknight-friendly take on tagine.

Recipe notes

36 Cold Soup Recipes to Keep You Cool This Summer