Tuscan White Bean and Kale Soup
Tuscan White Bean and Kale Soup is a comforting, hearty soup combining tender white beans, fresh kale, aromatic garlic and onion, and savory herbs in a flavorful broth. Perfect for a nourishing weeknight dinner or sharing with friends, this soup is a wholesome and vibrant celebration of simple, nutritious ingredients inspired by traditional Italian countryside kitchens.
- Author: Lilly
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soups
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan option
Main Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups cooked white beans (Cannellini or Great Northern)
- 4 cups fresh kale leaves, torn into bite-sized pieces
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice or vinegar
- Prepare the Aromatics: Heat extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until soft and fragrant to develop a rich depth of flavor.
- Add Beans and Herbs: Stir in the cooked white beans along with dried rosemary and thyme. Allow the herbs to release their aromatic oils as they mingle with the beans and aromatics.
- Pour in Broth and Simmer: Slowly add vegetable or chicken broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, which lets the flavors blend and prepares the kale for cooking.
- Incorporate Kale: Tear fresh kale leaves into bite-sized pieces and add them to the simmering soup. Cook until the kale is tender but still vibrant green, balancing crispness and softness.
- Season and Finish: Season the soup with salt, black pepper, and optional crushed red pepper flakes for heat. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a splash of vinegar to add brightness before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh beans when possible; if using canned, rinse well to reduce sodium.
- Do not overcook kale; add it towards the end to preserve texture and color.
- Sauté aromatics thoroughly to enhance the depth of the broth.
- Use a quality broth for richer flavor.
- Adjust soup consistency by adding broth or water to thin, or simmer uncovered to thicken.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: Tuscan soup, white bean soup, kale soup, healthy soup, vegan soup, gluten free soup, Italian soup, hearty soup