This White Bean and Kale Soup is warm and comforting, perfect for chilly days! It’s packed with nutritious white beans, fresh kale, and a hint of garlic to bring it all together.
Whenever I make this soup, it feels like a big hug in a bowl! Plus, it’s super easy to whip up—just toss everything in a pot and let it simmer. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: This adds richness to the soup. You can use any cooking oil like canola or avocado oil if you prefer. I love the flavor of extra-virgin olive oil for this dish!
Onion: A medium onion is essential for a solid base flavor. If you’re out, shallots or leeks can be a nice switch. They offer a lighter taste that works well too.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must for depth of flavor! If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can be used—just add less than you would fresh since it’s more concentrated.
White Beans: Cannellini or great northern beans are perfect here, providing creaminess. Black beans or chickpeas can work, but the texture will change slightly.
Kale: This leafy green adds nutrition and heartiness. Collard greens or Swiss chard can be used as alternatives. Spinach is a quicker-cooking substitute if you want to save time.
Dried Herbs: The thyme and rosemary create lovely aroma and flavor. If you have fresh herbs, feel free to substitute with three times the amount, as fresh herbs are less potent.
Lemon Juice: It brightens the soup’s flavor at the end. If you don’t have lemons, a little vinegar can add acidity, but be careful not to use too much!
How Can I Make Sure my Soup is Flavorful?
The real trick to a flavorful soup lies in the cooking methods. Start by caramelizing the onions well; it brings out their natural sweetness. Then, always let your broth come to a simmer to meld the flavors together!
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat and add onions. Cook until softened and translucent, around 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and stir for 1-2 minutes, avoiding burning it to keep the flavors fresh.
- Simmer your broth and beans for at least 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to deepen.
- Don’t forget to season intermittently! Taste as you cook to find your perfect balance of salt and brightness.
Make sure to take your time during each step for the best results! Enjoy your warm and nourishing soup!
How to Make White Bean and Kale Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
- 1 bunch kale, washed, stems removed, and chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Juice of 1/2 lemon (optional, to brighten flavors)
- Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and about 25 minutes to cook. So, in total, you’ll need around 35 minutes to have a hearty bowl of delicious soup ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Onions:
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and translucent. This is the base of your soup, and you want those lovely flavors to develop!
2. Add the Garlic:
Once the onions are ready, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, just until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to let it brown, as it can become bitter if overcooked.
3. Pour in the Broth and Beans:
Now, it’s time to add the vegetable broth and white beans! Stir in the dried thyme and, if you’re using it, the dried rosemary. Bring everything to a gentle simmer. This will help all those delicious flavors come together.
4. Simmer for Flavor:
Let your soup simmer for about 10 minutes. This is the perfect time for the flavors to meld. It will start smelling fantastic, and you’ll want to let it go a little longer!
5. Add the Kale:
After the soup has simmered, add the chopped kale to the pot. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, until the kale is tender but still vibrant green. This adds both nutrition and beautiful color to your soup.
6. Season to Taste:
Now it’s time to season! Sprinkle in some salt, freshly ground black pepper, and the crushed red pepper flakes if you’d like a little kick. Be sure to taste and adjust as needed—every batch can be a bit different!
7. Finish with Lemon Juice:
If you like, squeeze in the juice of half a lemon. This brightens up the flavor of the soup beautifully. Stir it in and give it one final taste!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Now it’s time to serve your delicious soup. Ladle it into bowls and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if you wish. Enjoy this cozy, healthy meal with some crusty bread on the side!
This hearty, warming soup is easy to make and full of nourishing ingredients. Perfect for a cozy meal! Enjoy your cooking!
Can I Use Fresh Kale Instead of Cooking It All the Way?
Absolutely! If you prefer a bit of crunch in your kale, you can add it at the end of the cooking process and let it wilt gently for just a couple of minutes. This will retain more of its texture and nutrients.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, just warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a bit of water or broth if it thickens up too much.
Can I Freeze This Soup?
Yes, this soup freezes beautifully! Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Is There a Substitute for White Beans?
Definitely! If you don’t have white beans on hand, chickpeas or black beans can be used as substitutions. Keep in mind that they will change the soup’s flavor and color slightly, but they’ll still taste delicious!
