Kale and Bean Soup (Printer-friendly)

Hearty soup combining kale, vegetables, and protein-rich beans for a nourishing meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 - 1 large onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
04 - 3 medium carrots, diced
05 - 2 celery stalks, diced
06 - 1 large potato, peeled and diced
07 - 6 cups kale, stems removed and leaves chopped

→ Legumes

08 - 1 can (15 ounces) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

→ Liquids

09 - 6 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
10 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice

→ Spices & Seasonings

11 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
12 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
13 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
14 - Pinch of red pepper flakes, optional

# How To Make It:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3 minutes until translucent.
02 - Stir in minced garlic, diced carrots, diced celery, and diced potato. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
03 - Add chopped kale and sauté for 2 minutes until slightly wilted.
04 - Pour in vegetable broth and add dried thyme, ground cumin, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Stir to combine.
05 - Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes until vegetables are tender.
06 - Stir in drained cannellini beans and simmer for 5 additional minutes to heat through.
07 - Add lemon juice and adjust seasoning to taste. Serve hot.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It turns humble pantry staples into a vibrant meal that feels much fancier than it is.
  • The beans create a natural creaminess without needing a drop of heavy dairy.
02 -
  • Adding the beans too early can make them mushy so wait until the very end.
  • Removing the woody kale stems is nonnegotiable for a smooth eating experience.
03 -
  • Sautéing the spices with the vegetables for thirty seconds before adding liquid releases their essential oils.
  • A tiny pinch of sugar can balance the acidity if your lemon is particularly tart.
Go Back