Kale White Bean Soup Lemon (Printable)

Comforting blend of kale, white beans, lemon, and garlic in a wholesome, flavorful broth.

# What You’ll Use:

→ 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:

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

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in under an hour but tastes like you've been simmering it all day.
  • The lemon and garlic combination is so good you'll find yourself making extra just to have it on hand for other dishes.
  • It's one of those soups that somehow makes you feel better, whether you need comfort or a nutritional reset.
02 -
  • If you add the kale too early, it becomes mushy and loses its vibrant color; the last 10–12 minutes is exactly when you want it.
  • Lemon zest and juice go in at the very end so the brightness doesn't fade during cooking—this is the difference between a good soup and one you actually crave.
03 -
  • Buy pre-chopped kale if it saves you time and stress—the soup will be just as good, and what matters is that you actually make it.
  • Toast your bread in the oven with a little olive oil while the soup finishes; warm bread into warm soup is a small luxury that costs nothing.
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