Kale White Bean Soup (Printer Friendly)

Nourishing bowl with kale, white beans, lemon, and garlic, perfect for a cozy lunch or light dinner.

# What You Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
03 - 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
04 - 2 celery ribs, sliced
05 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 6 cups curly kale, stems removed and leaves chopped

→ Beans & Broth

07 - 2 cans (15 ounces each) cannellini or great northern beans, rinsed and drained
08 - 6 cups low-sodium vegetable broth

→ Flavorings & Seasonings

09 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
10 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
11 - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
12 - Zest of 1 lemon
13 - Juice of 1 lemon
14 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Finishing Touches

15 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

# Directions:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
02 - Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in thyme, oregano, and red pepper flakes.
03 - Add the beans and vegetable broth. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
04 - Add the chopped kale and cook for 10 to 12 minutes until tender but still vibrant.
05 - Stir in lemon zest and juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
06 - Remove from heat. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.

# Pro Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in under an hour, so weeknight dinners stop feeling like a chore.
  • The kale stays vibrant and tender, not mushy or bitter like soup versions that overcook.
  • That hit of lemon and garlic makes something so simple taste restaurant-worthy without any pretension.
02 -
  • Don't skip rinsing the canned beans—that starchy liquid makes the broth cloudy and dulls the brightness of the lemon.
  • If your kale seems tough, give the pot another few minutes of simmering, but watch it so it doesn't turn to mush and lose that vibrant color.
03 -
  • Keep the heat at a gentle simmer rather than a rolling boil so the kale stays vibrant green instead of turning dark and tired.
  • Make this soup a day ahead if you can—the flavors deepen and mellow overnight, and it reheats beautifully on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water.
Go Back