This warm and cozy white bean and kale soup is packed with flavors! The creamy beans mix with fresh, healthy kale to make a tasty dish that’s good for your body and soul.
Honestly, it’s like a hug in a bowl! I often make this when I need a quick meal because it’s simple to whip up. Just toss everything in the pot and let it simmer. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: A good quality olive oil adds flavor. If you’re in a pinch, you can substitute with canola oil or avocado oil, but olive oil is best for taste.
Onion: A medium onion works wonders in this soup. If you don’t have it, shallots can be a nice alternative for a milder flavor.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must for deep flavor. If you don’t have fresh garlic, garlic powder can be used, but use it sparingly as it’s more concentrated.
White Beans: Cannellini beans are my top pick, but Great Northern or navy beans are also great choices. If you’re looking for a lower-carb option, chickpeas could also work.
Kale: Kale is the star here for its texture and nutrition! If you can’t find kale, spinach or Swiss chard can be used instead, adjusting the cooking time slightly since they cook faster.
Broth: Vegetable broth keeps it vegetarian, but chicken broth adds a bit more flavor. Use homemade if you have it on hand!
How Do I Get the Best Flavor from the Onions and Garlic?
Cooking the onions and garlic properly sets a great foundation for your soup. Timing is key here:
- Start with medium heat for the olive oil, then add onions and cook until they’re soft, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic last, as it cooks quickly. Just one minute will do—once it’s fragrant, you’re ready to move to the next step!
This method ensures that you build up a rich flavor base without burning the garlic, which can turn bitter. Enjoy the aromas as they fill your kitchen!
White Bean and Kale Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Base Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
For The Soup:
- 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans (such as cannellini or Great Northern beans), drained and rinsed
- 1 bunch kale, stems removed and leaves chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Juice of half a lemon (optional, to brighten flavors)
For Serving:
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious White Bean and Kale Soup takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 25 minutes of cook time. In total, you’ll need about 35 minutes to create this warm and comforting meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sautéing Aromatics:
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it’s soft and translucent, which should take around 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant. This is where the delicious aroma starts to fill your kitchen!
2. Adding Broth and Beans:
Pour the vegetable broth into the pot and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once it’s bubbling away, add the rinsed white beans and dried thyme to the mix. Give it a good stir to combine everything well.
3. Simmering the Soup:
Let the soup simmer gently for about 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a rich and comforting base.
4. Incorporating Kale:
Now it’s time to add the chopped kale and crushed red pepper flakes if you’re feeling a bit adventurous! Cook the soup for an additional 5-7 minutes until the kale is tender but still bright green. This gives the soup its lovely color and added nutrition.
5. Final Seasoning:
Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If you like a zesty kick, squeeze the juice of half a lemon into the pot for an extra burst of flavor. Stir everything together and then it’s ready to serve!
6. Serving Up:
Ladle the warm soup into bowls and sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top if desired. Enjoy your delicious White Bean and Kale Soup with a slice of crusty bread or your favorite side dish!
Enjoy this hearty, healthy soup as a comforting meal that’s simple to prepare and full of nourishing ingredients!
Can I Use Other Greens Besides Kale?
Absolutely! While kale adds a nice texture and flavor, you can substitute it with spinach or Swiss chard. Just remember that spinach will cook faster, so add it a few minutes before serving to avoid overcooking.
Can I Freeze Leftover Soup?
Yes, this soup freezes wonderfully! Allow it to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or freezer bags. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
What If I Don’t Have White Beans?
If you don’t have white beans on hand, you can use chickpeas or kidney beans as substitutes. Both will change the flavor a bit, but they’ll still make for a hearty and delicious soup.
How Can I Make This Soup Creamier?
For a creamier texture, you can blend a portion of the soup using an immersion blender or standard blender until smooth. Stir it back into the pot before serving for that creamy delight! Alternatively, adding a splash of coconut milk or heavy cream can also enhance creaminess.