Hearty Kale and Bean Soup (Printable)

Nourishing kale and white bean soup with carrots, celery, and potato in a savory vegetable broth.

# What You 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 fresh 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

# Directions:

01 - In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3 minutes until translucent.
02 - Stir in the minced garlic, diced carrots, diced celery, and diced potato. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
03 - Add the chopped kale and sauté for 2 minutes until slightly wilted.
04 - Pour in the vegetable broth and add the dried thyme, ground cumin, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
05 - Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
06 - Stir in the 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 Advice:

01 -
  • It's ready in under an hour, which means weeknight dinners suddenly feel manageable and intentional.
  • The soup tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep without the cooking fatigue.
  • You can easily swap vegetables or beans based on what you have, so it never feels like a rigid formula.
02 -
  • Don't skip removing the kale stems, they stay tough even after simmering and will catch between your teeth in an annoying way.
  • Drain and rinse your canned beans thoroughly, because the starchy liquid can make the soup feel cloudier than it should be.
03 -
  • Don't add the lemon juice until the very end, because its brightness belongs right when it meets your tongue, not simmered into oblivion.
  • If you prefer a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot with your spoon, which releases their starch naturally.
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