Healthy Creamy White Bean, Artichoke & Kale Soup Recipe
This healthy soup is packed with hearty white beans, tender artichoke hearts, and vibrant kale, all in a creamy base created naturally by blending a portion of the beans. It's a comforting and nutritious dish perfect for cold weather or a wholesome meal any day of the week.
Blender or immersion blender (optional, for creating creaminess)
Ingredients
2tablespoonsolive oil
1medium yellow oniondiced
2celery stalksdiced
2medium carrotsdiced
4garlic clovesminced
1/2teaspoondried thyme
1/2teaspoondried oregano
1/4teaspooncrushed red pepper flakesor more to taste
5cupslow-sodium vegetable broth
215.5-ounce cans of white beans (such as cannellini or navy), drained and rinsed
1teaspoonkosher salt
1/2teaspoonfreshly ground black pepper
114-ounce can artichoke hearts, drained and roughly chopped
3cupsroughly chopped kale leavesfrom about 1 bunch
3tablespoonsfresh lemon juicefrom about 1 lemon
2tablespoonschopped fresh parsley
Grated Parmesanoptional, for garnish
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Instructions
Cook the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once warm, add the onion, celery, and carrots, stirring and cooking for about 4-5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic, thyme, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir and cook for another 30 seconds to release the flavors.
Simmer the Base: Pour the vegetable broth into the pot, then add the white beans along with the salt and black pepper. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to let it simmer gently. Allow it to cook for about 15 minutes to blend the flavors. For a creamier texture, scoop out a few ladles of the soup and blend them until smooth in a blender or with an immersion blender. Return the blended portion to the pot and stir well.
Add the Greens and Artichokes: Mix in the chopped artichoke hearts and kale, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the kale begins to wilt but retains its vibrant color. Stir in the lemon juice and fresh parsley to brighten the flavors. Adjust the seasoning by adding more salt and pepper if necessary.
Serve and Enjoy: Divide the soup into bowls and, if desired, top with grated Parmesan for extra richness. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy.
Notes
Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.Reheating: Heat leftovers on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if the soup has thickened too much.Tip: The soup may thicken as it sits due to the starch from the beans. To adjust, simply add a small amount of liquid when reheating.