Hearty Kale Bean Soup (Printable)

A warming bowl featuring tender kale, vegetables, and creamy beans in a fragrant herb-infused broth.

# 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 fresh 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 fresh lemon juice

→ Spices and 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

# Directions:

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, celery, and 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, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
05 - Bring mixture 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 fresh lemon juice, adjust seasoning to taste, and serve hot.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The lemon juice at the end acts like a light switch for all the earthy flavors.
  • It fills your house with a savory garden scent that makes everyone ask when dinner is ready.
02 -
  • Adding the beans too early can make them mushy so wait until the very end.
  • Overcooking the kale can make it lose that bright color and become a dull olive green.
03 -
  • Always zest the lemon before juicing it for an extra hit of brightness.
  • Save your parmesan rinds in the freezer and drop one into the simmering broth.
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