Kale White Bean Soup Lemon (Printable view)

A zesty blend of kale, white beans, lemon, and garlic for a light, nourishing meal.

# What You Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
03 - 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
04 - 2 celery ribs, sliced
05 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 6 cups curly kale, stems removed and leaves chopped

→ Beans & Broth

07 - 2 cans (15 oz each) cannellini or great northern beans, rinsed and drained
08 - 6 cups low-sodium vegetable broth

→ Flavorings & Seasonings

09 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
10 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
11 - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional
12 - Zest of 1 lemon
13 - Juice of 1 lemon
14 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Finishing Touches

15 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, optional

# How To Make:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
02 - Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Stir in the thyme, oregano, and red pepper flakes if using.
04 - Add the beans and vegetable broth. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
05 - Add the chopped kale and cook for another 10 to 12 minutes, until the kale is tender but still vibrant.
06 - Stir in lemon zest and juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
07 - Remove from heat. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It is incredibly nutrient-dense, providing high amounts of fiber, iron, and plant-based protein.
  • Ready in just 45 minutes, it is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
  • The lemon and garlic create a vibrant flavor profile that tastes fresh and clean.
  • This recipe is naturally vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free, making it inclusive for all guests.
02 -
  • Ensure you remove the tough center stems from the kale to maintain a pleasant texture throughout the soup.
  • Use low-sodium vegetable broth so you can better control the salt levels of the final dish.
  • Always add the lemon juice at the very end of cooking to keep the citrus flavor bright and prevent it from becoming bitter.
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