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Creamy Tuscan White Bean and Kale Soup

creamy tuscan white bean and kale soup - featured image

A hearty and healthy slow-cooked soup featuring white beans and kale in a creamy, garlicky broth, perfect for cozy nights and easy crockpot comfort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 45 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 3 cups white beans (canned or cooked; Great Northern or Cannellini), drained and rinsed
  • 4 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
  • 4 cups fresh kale, chopped (Tuscan kale or curly kale)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (optional)
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (for garnish)
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme mix)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Red pepper flakes (optional, a pinch)

Instructions

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion, diced carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is translucent and vegetables soften, about 7-8 minutes.
  2. Add minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Transfer sautéed vegetables to the crockpot. Add rinsed white beans, dried Italian herbs, and vegetable broth. Stir gently to combine. Season with salt and pepper lightly.
  4. Cover crockpot and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until flavors meld and beans are tender.
  5. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in chopped kale and heavy cream or half-and-half if using. Allow kale to wilt but remain bright green.
  6. Use an immersion blender to puree about one-third of the soup in the crockpot for a creamy texture. Alternatively, carefully blend a few cups in a regular blender and stir back in.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
  8. Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

Notes

Sautéing vegetables before slow cooking enhances flavor. Blend part of the soup for creaminess without flour or starch. Add kale late to avoid bitterness and mushiness. Adjust seasoning in layers for best flavor. Use plant-based milk and omit cheese for vegan version. If soup is too thick after blending, add broth or water to adjust consistency.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy soup, white bean soup, kale soup, crockpot recipe, Tuscan soup, healthy soup, easy dinner, comfort food