Tuscan White Bean Kale Soup
A hearty and nourishing Italian-inspired soup that combines creamy cannellini beans, earthy kale, and fragrant rosemary in a lightly tomato-kissed broth. This wholesome one-pot meal is naturally filling, packed with plant-based protein, and comes together in under 40 minutes on a busy weeknight.
Hearty Italian-style soup with creamy white beans, tender kale, and aromatic herbs.
Nutrition per serving
Ingredients
Soup
Aromatics
Seasoning
Instructions
Saute the Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic, dried rosemary, and red pepper flakes, stirring constantly for 1 minute until fragrant. This aromatic base gives the soup its distinctly Tuscan character and should not be skipped or shortened.
Add Tomatoes and Broth
Pour in the diced tomatoes with all their juices and stir to combine with the aromatics. Let the tomatoes cook for 2 minutes to slightly concentrate their flavor, then pour in the vegetable broth. Increase heat to bring the soup to a boil, then reduce to a steady simmer.
Simmer the Beans
Add the drained cannellini beans to the simmering broth. Using the back of a wooden spoon or a potato masher, lightly crush about one quarter of the beans directly in the pot. This thickens the broth naturally and gives the soup a creamy, velvety body without any added cream or flour. Simmer for 10 minutes.
Wilt the Kale
Add the chopped kale to the pot and stir it into the hot broth. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the kale is tender and has wilted down significantly. Tuscan kale also known as lacinato or dinosaur kale can be used for a more authentic texture and slightly less bitter flavor than curly kale.
Season and Serve
Taste the soup and season generously with salt and black pepper. Ladle into bowls and finish each serving with a drizzle of good quality olive oil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired. The soup thickens considerably as it sits, so add a splash of broth when reheating leftovers to restore the right consistency.
Substitutions
Common mistakes
I made this!
Cooked this recipe? Share your photo and inspire others.