Description
A simple, comforting, and creamy white bean soup made with just five main ingredients. This recipe uses blended beans for a rich texture without heavy cream, featuring kale, garlic, and a bright finish of lemon juice.
Ingredients
- 2 cans (15 oz / 425g each) white beans (Cannellini or Great Northern), rinsed and drained
- 32 oz (1 liter) chicken or vegetable broth (low-sodium recommended)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups kale, chopped (stems removed or finely chopped)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream or half-and-half (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prep ingredients: Rinse and drain the white beans, mince the garlic, and chop the kale.
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and golden, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the drained white beans to the pot and stir to coat them in the garlic oil.
- Pour in the broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any flavorful bits. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add the chopped kale to the pot, stirring until submerged. Simmer for about 5 minutes until the kale is wilted and tender.
- Remove the pot from heat. Using an immersion blender, blend about half of the soup directly in the pot to create a creamy base while leaving some chunks for texture.
- Stir in the heavy cream (if using) and let it warm through for one minute.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Squeeze in the fresh lemon juice, stir well, and let sit for a minute before serving.
- Ladle into bowls and serve with crusty bread or a drizzle of olive oil.
Notes
For extra creaminess, reserve a splash of the starchy liquid from the bean can to blend with the soup. Do not rinse all the liquid away. If using a countertop blender, blend in batches and vent the lid carefully. The soup thickens upon storage; thin with broth or water when reheating. Add fresh lemon juice upon reheating to maintain brightness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Carbohydrates: 40
- Fiber: 10
- Protein: 12
Keywords: Tuscan soup, white bean soup, kale soup, creamy bean soup, vegetarian soup, quick weeknight dinner, healthy soup, 5 ingredient recipes