Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 carrots, peeled and diced
  • 3 stalks celery, diced
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 can (15 oz) great northern beans, drained and rinsed
  • 6 cups homemade vegetable broth (or store-bought)
  • 4 cups kale, stems removed and chopped
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced carrots, celery, and onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
  3. Stir in the diced potatoes and great northern beans, ensuring they are well combined with the other vegetables.
  4. Pour in the homemade vegetable broth, stirring to incorporate all the ingredients. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
  5. Once the potatoes are cooked through, add the chopped kale to the pot. Allow the kale to wilt into the soup, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes.
  6. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
  7. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired, for a burst of freshness and color.
  8. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting goodness of this hearty vegetable and bean soup!

This soup is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients from the assortment of vegetables and beans. It’s a perfect way to warm up on a chilly day or to enjoy as a nutritious meal any time of the year. Plus, it’s a great way to utilize fridge and pantry staples for a satisfying and wholesome dish.

Introduction: Indulge in the comforting embrace of our Nourishing Hearty Vegetable and Bean Soup with Kale, a soul-warming dish crafted from simple yet wholesome ingredients. Bursting with vibrant colors and robust flavors, this soup is a celebration of nourishment and comfort. Whether you’re seeking a cozy meal on a chilly evening or a nutritious option to fuel your body, our recipe promises to satisfy your cravings and lift your spirits. Let’s embark on a culinary journey filled with goodness and flavor!

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 carrots, peeled and diced
  • 3 stalks celery, diced
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 can (15 oz) great northern beans, drained and rinsed
  • 6 cups homemade vegetable broth (or store-bought)
  • 4 cups kale, stems removed and chopped
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Base: In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced carrots, celery, and onion, sautéing them until they soften and become translucent, approximately 5-7 minutes.
  2. Infuse Aromatics: Introduce the minced garlic to the pot, stirring it into the vegetable mixture. Allow the garlic to release its aromatic essence, enhancing the depth of flavor in the soup, for about 1-2 minutes.
  3. Incorporate Potatoes and Beans: Stir in the diced potatoes and drained great northern beans, ensuring they are evenly distributed amongst the vegetables. This hearty combination will provide satisfying texture and substance to the soup.
  4. Luscious Broth Addition: Pour in 6 cups of homemade vegetable broth, or opt for a high-quality store-bought version. The broth serves as the foundation of the soup, infusing it with rich flavor and nutrients. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
  5. Simmer to Perfection: Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and cooked through. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a harmonious blend of taste sensations.
  6. Kale Integration: Once the potatoes reach desired tenderness, add the chopped kale to the pot. Kale adds a nutritional powerhouse to the soup, packed with vitamins and minerals. Allow the kale to wilt gently into the soup, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes.
  7. Seasoning Sensation: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring the flavors are balanced and harmonious. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference, adding a pinch at a time until perfection is achieved.
  8. Garnish and Serve: Ladle the nourishing soup into bowls, garnishing each serving with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. This final touch adds a delightful visual appeal to the dish, elevating its presentation.

Nutritional Information:

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 180
  • Total Fat: 4g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.5g
  • Sodium: 380mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Dietary Fiber: 7g
  • Sugars: 5g
  • Protein: 7g

Smart WW Points: 3 points per serving

Conclusion: Elevate your culinary experience with our Nourishing Hearty Vegetable and Bean Soup with Kale, a testament to the beauty of simplicity and nourishment. This wholesome dish embodies the essence of comfort and wellness, offering a symphony of flavors and textures in every spoonful. Whether enjoyed as a comforting meal on a cold day or as a nutritious addition to your weekly menu, this soup is sure to delight your taste buds and warm your soul. Embrace the goodness of homemade goodness and savor the nourishing embrace of this delightful soup.