Description
A hearty and nutritious Mediterranean-inspired soup that combines creamy white beans with fresh kale in a flavorful vegetable broth. This simple and healthy soup offers a satisfying blend of textures and can be easily customized with milk or cream for added richness.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups white beans (cooked or canned)
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup kale, chopped
- ½ cup milk or cream (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Ingredients
- Lemon juice, for brightness
- Sausage, for extra protein (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the Oil: Warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a pot over medium heat until shimmering to prepare for sautéing.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes soft and translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Beans and Broth: Stir in the cooked or canned white beans along with 3 cups of vegetable broth. Increase heat to bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer the Soup: Let the soup simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and the soup to slightly thicken.
- Add Kale: Incorporate the chopped kale into the pot and cook until the kale wilts and becomes tender, about 3-5 minutes.
- Blend for Creaminess (Optional): Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup in the pot, creating a creamy texture while leaving some beans whole for body.
- Stir in Milk or Cream (Optional): Add ½ cup of milk or cream to enrich the soup, stirring gently to combine and warm through without boiling.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Optionally, add a splash of lemon juice to brighten the flavors before serving warm.
Notes
- For extra protein and flavor, add cooked sausage to the soup.
- A splash of fresh lemon juice lifts the flavor and adds brightness.
- Using an immersion blender allows you to control the texture—blend to desired creaminess.
- This soup can be made vegan by omitting the milk or cream or substituting with plant-based alternatives.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired
