Print

Creamy White Bean and Kale Soup

creamy white bean and kale soup - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick, hearty, and healthy soup featuring creamy white beans blended with earthy kale, brightened by lemon juice and topped with Parmesan cheese. Perfect for cozy dinners and adaptable for various diets.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) cannellini or great northern beans, drained and rinsed
  • 6 cups loosely packed chopped kale, stems removed (curly or Tuscan kale)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups vegetable broth (low-sodium preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Juice and zest of 1 medium lemon
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • A handful of chopped parsley or thyme for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse and drain the canned beans, chop the kale into bite-sized pieces, dice the onion, and mince the garlic. Zest and juice the lemon, setting both aside.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent and soft, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  4. Pour in the beans and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 minutes to build flavor and soften the beans.
  5. Using an immersion blender, blend about half the soup in the pot until smooth and creamy. If using a regular blender, puree half in batches and return to the pot. For a chunkier texture, blend less.
  6. Stir in the chopped kale and simmer for 5 to 7 minutes until the greens are tender but still vibrant.
  7. Add the lemon juice, zest, and grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to meld flavors.
  8. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs if desired. Serve warm with crusty bread or your favorite side.

Notes

If the soup is too thick after blending, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it. Add lemon juice at the end to preserve its brightness. For a dairy-free version, substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese. You can add shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked sausage for extra protein. Overcooking kale will dull its color and texture, so add it near the end.

Nutrition

Keywords: white bean soup, kale soup, creamy soup, healthy soup, vegetarian soup, vegan option, quick dinner, comfort food

Find it online: https://lucydishes.com/creamy-white-bean-and-kale-soup-recipe-easy-healthy-comfort-food/