White Bean Kale Lemon Zest (Printable)
A vibrant blend of white beans, tender kale, and bright lemon zest for a wholesome, easy meal.
# What You Need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
02 - 2 medium carrots, diced
03 - 2 celery stalks, diced
04 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
05 - 1 bunch kale (about 7 oz), stems removed and leaves chopped
06 - Zest of 1 lemon
→ Beans & Broth
07 - 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans (cannellini or navy), drained and rinsed
08 - 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
09 - 1 cup water
→ Seasonings
10 - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
11 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
12 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
13 - 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
14 - 1 bay leaf
15 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Garnish
16 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
17 - Grated Parmesan (optional, omit for vegan/dairy-free)
# How To Make It:
01 - Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5-6 minutes.
02 - Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add dried thyme, oregano, chili flakes (if using), and bay leaf. Stir well to coat the vegetables with the seasonings.
04 - Add the white beans, vegetable broth, and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer uncovered for 15 minutes.
05 - Stir in the chopped kale and simmer for another 8-10 minutes, until the kale is tender.
06 - Remove the bay leaf. Stir in the lemon zest and taste for salt and pepper, adjusting as needed.
07 - Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan, if desired.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The lemon zest wakes up everything without making it taste like citrus dessert
- It comes together faster than you can decide whether to order takeout
- You probably have everything you need in your pantry right now
02 -
- Mash about a cup of beans against the side of the pot before adding kale for natural creaminess
- The lemon zest matters more than you think, do not skip it
- This soup actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together
03 -
- Use a vegetable broth you actually like drinking plain, it makes all the difference
- Grate the lemon zest directly into the pot at the end for maximum fragrance