Kale White Bean Lemon Garlic (Print-Friendly)

Nourishing soup with white beans, kale, lemon zest, and garlic for a cozy, light meal option.

# What You'll 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 oz 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, optional
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, optional

# How To Make It:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
02 - Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in thyme, oregano, and red pepper flakes if using.
03 - Add beans and vegetable broth. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
04 - Add chopped kale and cook for 10–12 minutes until tender but still vibrant green.
05 - Stir in lemon zest and juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
06 - Remove from heat. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ready in just 45 minutes with minimal prep and straightforward steps
  • Packed with plant-based protein and fiber from white beans and kale
  • Bright lemon and aromatic garlic elevate simple ingredients into something special
  • Naturally vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free to accommodate various dietary needs
  • Budget-friendly using pantry staples and accessible fresh vegetables
02 -
  • Remove kale stems completely—they're fibrous and won't soften during cooking
  • Don't overcook the kale; it should be tender but still bright green for the best color and nutrition
  • Add lemon juice at the very end to preserve its fresh, bright flavor
  • Use high-quality vegetable broth or homemade stock for the deepest flavor
  • Double the recipe and freeze half for an easy meal on busy nights
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