White Bean and Kale Soup

INTRODUCTION

White Bean and Kale Soup is a simple yet hearty dish that is perfect for any day. It combines creamy white beans with the fresh taste of kale and cooked vegetables. This soup is not only delicious but also healthy and comforting. Whether you are looking for a quick meal after a long day or a cozy soup to warm you up during the colder months, White Bean and Kale Soup has got you covered.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

One reason you will love this recipe is that it is easy to make. You only need a few ingredients, and the steps are straightforward. Another great thing about this soup is that it is packed with nutrients. White beans are a good source of protein and fiber, while kale is loaded with vitamins and minerals. This soup is a perfect way to enjoy a healthy meal without sacrificing flavor.

Additionally, the flavors in this soup are fantastic. The creamy texture of the beans and the savory taste of the broth combine to create a warm and comforting dish. With the added touch of fresh herbs and lemon juice, each bite is bursting with flavor. Plus, this soup is very flexible. You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste.

HOW TO MAKE White Bean and Kale Soup

Creating your own White Bean and Kale Soup at home is a rewarding experience. Follow these simple steps to make your delicious soup.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Food processor
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon for stirring

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 3 (14.5 oz) cans great northern beans, divided, drained and rinsed
• 4 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil, divided
• 1 cup chopped yellow onion (1 small)
• 1 cup chopped carrots (2 medium)
• 1 cup chopped celery (2 ribs)
• 1 Tbsp minced garlic (3 cloves)
• 4 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth, divided
• 1 parmesan rind (about 6-inches)
• 1 Tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 4 oz. curly kale, chopped (4 packed cups)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 to 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice, to taste
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan, or to taste (for serving)

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

1. Prepare the Bean Puree: Start by adding one can of rinsed beans to a food processor. Pour in about 1/2 cup of broth. Process the beans until smooth. Set the puree aside for later use.

2. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot, heat 1 Tbsp of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook them for about 5 minutes, stirring often until the vegetables are tender.

3. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. The garlic adds a lovely aroma and flavor to the soup.

4. Make the Broth: Pour in the remaining 4 cups of broth and add the parmesan rind and chopped rosemary. Season the mixture with salt and black pepper to taste.

5. Bring to a Simmer: Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a simmer. Once it is simmering, lower the heat to medium-low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.

6. Add Remaining Beans: After 10 minutes, add the remaining two cans of beans (drained and rinsed) along with the bean puree you made earlier. Continue to simmer the soup for another 5 minutes, keeping it covered.

7. Incorporate the Kale: Add the chopped kale to the pot, covering again and simmering until the kale has softened, about 5 more minutes.

8. Finish the Soup: Remove the parmesan rind from the soup. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley, the remaining 3 tablespoons of olive oil, and the lemon juice. Each of these ingredients enhances the flavor, making the soup even more delightful.

9. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish each serving with grated parmesan cheese if desired.

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HOW TO SERVE White Bean and Kale Soup

Serving White Bean and Kale Soup can be done in many ways. It tastes great as is, but for extra flair, consider pairing it with crusty bread or a fresh salad. This soup is also wonderful with a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top. You can offer additional grated parmesan on the side so everyone can add as much as they like. Enjoy it hot for the best flavor and warmth.

STORAGE & FREEZING: White Bean and Kale Soup

Storing this soup is simple. Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 5 days. To freeze it, let the soup cool fully, then pour it into freezer-safe containers. This soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

For a complete meal, serve White Bean and Kale Soup with:

• A side of garlic bread or baguette
• A light side salad with vinaigrette
• Roasted vegetables for added nutrition
• A dollop of plain yogurt or sour cream on top for creaminess

Feel free to mix and match based on your preferences!

VARIATIONS

Want to switch things up? Here are some variations you can try with White Bean and Kale Soup:

• Add Meat: You can add cooked sausage or shredded chicken for a heartier meal.
• Change the Greens: Instead of kale, try spinach or Swiss chard. Just make sure to adjust cooking time as these greens cook faster.
• Switch the Beans: Use cannellini beans or chickpeas if you prefer.
• Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of paprika for a bit of heat.

FAQs

1. Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
Yes! If you prefer dried beans, cook them according to package instructions before adding them to the soup.

2. Is this soup vegan?
It can be made vegan by omitting the parmesan rind and cheese and using vegetable broth.

3. How can I make the soup thicker?
You can blend more of the beans for a creamier texture or add more bean puree.

4. What if I don’t have rosemary?
You can substitute with thyme or oregano, or simply omit it if you don’t have any herbs on hand.

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MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR White Bean and Kale Soup

You can prepare much of your White Bean and Kale Soup ahead of time. Chop all your vegetables the night before and store them in the fridge. You can also prepare the bean puree in advance. When you are ready to cook, just sauté the veggies and add the rest of the ingredients. This saves time and makes dinner stress-free!

By following these steps and using quality ingredients, you will create a delicious and healthy White Bean and Kale Soup that your family will love. Enjoy the process of cooking and savor every rich spoonful!

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