Kale and White Bean Soup Recipe | Sur La Table (2024)

By Tested and perfected in the Sur la Table kitchen

Images

Serves

Makes 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces dried white beans, such as cannellini beans or Great Northern
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 large carrot, ¼-inch dice
  • 1-½ pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into ½-inch dice
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tablespoon fresh, minced thyme (if using dried thyme, use 1 teaspoon)
  • 6 cups vegetable stock, low-sodium
  • 4 cups kale (preferably lacinato), stems and center ribs discarded and leaves coarsely chopped
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Procedure

Snuggle up to this hearty and nutritious vegetarian soup, delicious on its own or as a starter for a special fall meal.

To soak the dried white beans: There are 2 methods you may choose to use. To soak overnight, rinse the beans and place in a large bowl and cover with cold water, cover with plastic wrap and leave at room temperature for at least 4 hours or overnight. Drain and rinse the beans again prior to use. Alternatively, there is a quicker method. Rinse the beans, place in a saucepan, covered with an inch of water and bring to a boil. Boil for a few minutes and leave the beans to soak for about an hour off the heat, until the beans are puffed. Add fresh water and continue to cook the beans until soft, about 60 to 90 minutes. For every 1 cup of uncooked beans you will need 3 cups of water.

To prepare the soup: Place a large, heavy bottomed saucepan on the stove over medium-high heat and add the oil. When the oil is shimmering, add the onion and, carrot and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender, about 6 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the sweet potatoes and cook until coated in the aromatics, about 2 minutes.

Drain and rinse the soaked beans and transfer to the saucepan until well coated in the vegetables, about 2 minutes. Use a wooden spoon to stir in bay leaf and thyme.

Add the stock, until the beans are well covered in liquid. Bring the liquid to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, cover and cook until the beans are tender, about 45 minutes. If beans are not tender, let simmer on stove for another 10 to 15 minutes.

When the beans are tender, stir in the kale and simmer until tender, about 8 minutes. Taste and season with salt and pepper.

By Tested and perfected in the Sur la Table kitchen

Serves

Makes 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces dried white beans, such as cannellini beans or Great Northern
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 large carrot, ¼-inch dice
  • 1-½ pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into ½-inch dice
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tablespoon fresh, minced thyme (if using dried thyme, use 1 teaspoon)
  • 6 cups vegetable stock, low-sodium
  • 4 cups kale (preferably lacinato), stems and center ribs discarded and leaves coarsely chopped
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Procedure

Snuggle up to this hearty and nutritious vegetarian soup, delicious on its own or as a starter for a special fall meal.

To soak the dried white beans: There are 2 methods you may choose to use. To soak overnight, rinse the beans and place in a large bowl and cover with cold water, cover with plastic wrap and leave at room temperature for at least 4 hours or overnight. Drain and rinse the beans again prior to use. Alternatively, there is a quicker method. Rinse the beans, place in a saucepan, covered with an inch of water and bring to a boil. Boil for a few minutes and leave the beans to soak for about an hour off the heat, until the beans are puffed. Add fresh water and continue to cook the beans until soft, about 60 to 90 minutes. For every 1 cup of uncooked beans you will need 3 cups of water.

To prepare the soup: Place a large, heavy bottomed saucepan on the stove over medium-high heat and add the oil. When the oil is shimmering, add the onion and, carrot and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender, about 6 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the sweet potatoes and cook until coated in the aromatics, about 2 minutes.

Drain and rinse the soaked beans and transfer to the saucepan until well coated in the vegetables, about 2 minutes. Use a wooden spoon to stir in bay leaf and thyme.

Add the stock, until the beans are well covered in liquid. Bring the liquid to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, cover and cook until the beans are tender, about 45 minutes. If beans are not tender, let simmer on stove for another 10 to 15 minutes.

When the beans are tender, stir in the kale and simmer until tender, about 8 minutes. Taste and season with salt and pepper.

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Kale and White Bean Soup Recipe | Sur La Table (2024)

FAQs

How can I thicken my white bean soup? ›

The most obvious being a slurry — or a combination of the broth and flour (or starch). Other options for thickening a soup include blending some of the cooked soup vegetables and adding them back in; throwing in some bread; or adding in a beurre manié — aka the “reverse roux” — made from flour mixed with butter.

Why is my bean soup so watery? ›

Sometimes soup just needs to simmer longer to reach the perfect consistency. Check to see if the vegetables are tender, and then taste the broth. If the soup tastes a bit watery, give it more time.

What does bean soup do to you? ›

Beans are an excellent source of nutrients and offer numerous health benefits. They're a great of plant-based protein, fiber, iron and antioxidants. Eating beans on a regular basis can help in maintaining a healthy weight, reducing the risk of chronic diseases and supporting your gut health.

What is the secret ingredient to thicken soup? ›

Soup Thickening Method: Cornstarch Slurry

About this method: One of the most common ways to thicken sauces and soups is with a starch-based slurry, and cornstarch is a popular choice. Cornstarch is flavorless, easy to mix up, and versatile, which makes it a go-to pantry ingredient.

Does adding potatoes thicken soup? ›

While the tater hack is a good one, it's not the only way to thicken a soup. If you don't have instant mashed potatoes on hand or are looking for another way, try making a roux. Whisk a few tablespoons of flour or cornstarch into a little water or broth, then whisk that mixture into the soup itself.

What is the best thickener for soup? ›

Cornstarch is a great option as it is a natural thickening agent, but you'll want to be careful about how much you use. Start with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch whisked together with cold water to create a slurry. Then, gradually add the slurry to the soup, letting it boil for one to two minutes before adding more.

Why do you put baking soda in bean soup? ›

Baking soda creates an alkaline environment which reduces soaking and cooking time and preserves the beans' skin. As a result, the old bean's color comes to life, keeping them vibrant instead of dull. Compared to the grainy texture offered by old beans, baking soda beans can yield a creamy and smooth texture.

How to add more liquid to soup? ›

If your stew or soup has gotten too thick, add more broth if you have it; if not, water will work, though you may need to add more seasonings to avoid diluting the flavor.

Is White Bean keto friendly? ›

Beans are linked to health benefits, including a lower risk of chronic diseases such as obesity, cardiovascular issues, and type 2 diabetes. However, beans aren't the best choice for a strict keto diet because of their carbohydrate content. You could include them in small amounts or when keto cycling.

How many carbs are in 2 cups of homemade vegetable soup? ›

Vegetable Soup Homemade (2 cups) contains 9g total carbs, 3g net carbs, 2g fat, 4g protein, and 80 calories.

How nutritious is kale? ›

Kale is a nutrition superstar due to the amounts of vitamins A, B6, C, K, folate, fiber, carotenoids and manganese it contains. One cup of raw kale has just 20 calories.

Can you eat bean soup everyday? ›

Yes! "Eating beans, including canned beans, every day is one of the best things you can do to help increase nutrients [that you may fall short on] and substantially improve the quality of your diet," says Papanikolaou.

What happens to your body when you eat a lot of beans? ›

The abundance of fiber in beans can support healthy digestion and help prevent constipation. Furthermore, some studies have indicated that the fiber present in beans may also contribute to a positive environment for beneficial gut bacteria growth which leads to improved digestive health.

How to add flavor to bean soup? ›

For One Pot of Soup
  1. 1 3/4 tsp Chili Powder.
  2. 1 tsp Dried Basil.
  3. 3/4 tsp Ground Cumin.
  4. 3/4 tsp Dried Oregano.
  5. 3/4 tsp Black Pepper.
  6. 1/2 tsp Salt.
  7. 1/4 tsp Garlic Powder.
  8. 1/4 tsp Onion Powder.

Why is my bean soup not thick? ›

If you need it a little thicker, just blend up a more beans and broth until your desired consistency is reached. First make sure that your beans are fully cooked. If you are satisfied with the done-ness of your beans, puree half of the soup in a blender and then mix it with the other half of the soup.

How do you make bean liquid thicker? ›

I like my juices thick with my beans, therefore in a separate bowl I added 1/4 cup of cornstarch or flour and 1/4 cup of water to make a thickening paste. Then, slowly add your thickening paste to the boiling beans and ham. Be sure to stir as you add it in.

How do you thicken bean soup without flour? ›

Beans and legumes, such as lentils or chickpeas, can be a fantastic way to thicken your soup while adding protein and fiber. Cook the beans or legumes separately until they are tender, then mash them or blend them into a paste. Stir the paste into your soup and let it simmer for a few minutes to thicken.

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