Soup is one of the most comforting and satisfying meals, especially during colder months. The Tuscan White Bean & Kale Soup is a perfect example of a warm, nutritious dish that brings together the earthy flavors of kale and white beans with the rich aroma of herbs. This hearty soup is not only packed with nutrients but also easy to prepare, making it an ideal option for a cozy weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. With its savory broth, wholesome vegetables, and a touch of Parmesan cheese, this soup offers both comfort and flavor. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch or a full meal, the Tuscan White Bean & Kale Soup delivers a bowl of goodness that’s sure to please.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Hearty and Nutritious
Packed with fiber and protein from the white beans and loaded with vitamins from the kale, this soup is a healthy and fulfilling meal.
2. Simple Ingredients
Made with everyday pantry staples like white beans, vegetable broth, and dried herbs, this soup is a great go-to when you want something quick, tasty, and nutritious.
3. Full of Flavor
With the perfect combination of savory herbs like thyme and rosemary, this soup has a rich and comforting flavor that will keep you coming back for more.
4. Quick and Easy
Ready in under 30 minutes, this soup is perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a wholesome meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
5. Customizable
Add your favorite ingredients, like diced tomatoes, carrots, or even sausage, to make this soup your own. It’s versatile and can be adapted to suit your taste.
Ingredients
- Olive oil
- Onion, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Dried thyme
- Dried rosemary
- White beans (canned)
- Vegetable broth
- Kale (stems removed, leaves chopped)
- Salt and pepper
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Variations
- Add Carrots: For a touch of sweetness, add diced carrots when sautéing the onions and garlic.
- Add Sausage: To make the soup more hearty, you can add cooked sausage or bacon for extra flavor.
- Use Chicken Broth: If you’re not vegetarian, chicken broth can be used instead of vegetable broth to enhance the richness of the soup.
- Add Tomatoes: Add a can of diced tomatoes for a tangy twist on this classic soup.
- Spicy Kick: For a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper when sautéing the garlic and onion.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Heat Olive Oil
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until softened and fragrant.
Step 3: Add Herbs
Stir in the dried thyme and rosemary, cooking for another minute to release the flavors.
Step 4: Add White Beans and Broth
Add the white beans and vegetable broth to the pot. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
Step 5: Stir in Kale
Once the soup is simmering, stir in the chopped kale. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the kale has wilted and softened.
Step 6: Season
Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as necessary.
Step 7: Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese before serving. Enjoy your warm, comforting meal!
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use Fresh Kale: If using fresh kale, be sure to remove the stems and chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces for easier eating.
- Simmer for Flavor: For a deeper flavor, allow the soup to simmer for 15-20 minutes. This gives the herbs time to infuse into the broth.
- Make It Creamy: For a creamier version, you can blend part of the soup using an immersion blender or regular blender and then return it to the pot.
- Add More Beans: If you prefer a thicker soup, add more white beans or mash some of them to create a heartier consistency.
- Top with Croutons: Add homemade or store-bought croutons for extra crunch and texture.
How to Serve
- With Crusty Bread: Serve with a slice of toasted baguette or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth.
- As a Main or Side: This soup can be served as a main dish for lunch or dinner, or as a side to a larger Italian meal.
- With Salad: A side salad with mixed greens or a Mediterranean-style salad makes for a complete meal.
- Topped with Parmesan: For added richness, top each bowl with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Simply transfer the leftover soup to an airtight container and refrigerate.
Freezing
The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and heat on the stove until hot.
Reheating
Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened too much after being stored, add a splash of broth or water to thin it out.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen kale instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen kale works well in this soup. Just thaw and drain any excess water before adding it to the soup.
2. Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans?
Yes, canned beans are more convenient and still provide great texture in the soup. Be sure to drain and rinse them before adding.
3. Is this soup vegetarian?
Yes, the soup is vegetarian as it uses vegetable broth. If you want to make it vegan, skip the Parmesan cheese topping.
4. Can I make this soup spicier?
Yes, you can add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
5. What other greens can I use instead of kale?
You can use other greens like spinach, Swiss chard, or collard greens if you prefer.
6. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, the soup stores well in the fridge for several days, making it perfect for meal prep.
7. How can I make this soup more filling?
Add potatoes, sausage, or even some pasta to make the soup more hearty and filling.
8. Can I use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth?
Yes, you can substitute chicken broth for a richer flavor.
9. How long does the soup last in the fridge?
The soup will last for about 4 days in the fridge when stored in an airtight container.
10. Can I freeze the soup?
Yes, you can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Just be sure to cool it completely before freezing.
Conclusion
Tuscan White Bean & Kale Soup is a delicious and nutritious dish that’s perfect for any season. With its rich broth, hearty beans, and nutrient-packed kale, this soup is both comforting and satisfying. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner or preparing it ahead of time for lunch, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your household. Simple to make, full of flavor, and incredibly customizable, this soup is a keeper for any occasion!
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Tuscan White Bean & Kale Soup
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This hearty and healthy Tuscan-inspired white bean and kale soup is packed with flavor from garlic, herbs, and a savory vegetable broth, making it a comforting meal perfect for cooler days.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 bunch kale, stems removed and leaves chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic, sautéing until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in dried thyme and rosemary, cooking for an additional minute to release the flavors.
- Add the white beans and vegetable broth, bringing the mixture to a simmer.
- Stir in the chopped kale and cook until wilted, about 3-5 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- You can use any type of white beans, such as cannellini or great northern beans.
- This soup can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. It also freezes well for later use.
- For added richness, drizzle with a little extra olive oil before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes