Kale White Bean Lemon Garlic (Printable)

Hearty blend of kale, white beans, lemon, and garlic cooked to warm comfort.

# 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 ounces 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
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

# Directions:

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 until well combined.
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 tender but still vibrant in color.
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.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Ready in 45 minutes — quick enough for a weeknight, satisfying enough for the weekend.
  • Naturally vegan and gluten-free — no substitutions needed, everyone at the table is welcome.
  • Packed with plant-based protein — white beans deliver 10 grams of protein per serving.
  • Bright and zesty — fresh lemon zest and juice lift the whole bowl with vibrant Mediterranean flavor.
  • Easy one-pot cooking — minimal cleanup, maximum comfort.
02 -
  • Mash some beans for a naturally creamier broth without adding any dairy.
  • Add lemon last — stirring in the zest and juice off the heat preserves the brightest citrus flavor.
  • Don't overcook the kale — 10 to 12 minutes keeps it tender and vibrantly green rather than dull and limp.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning at the very end, especially if your broth varies in saltiness.
  • Make it ahead — this soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to deepen overnight.
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