Creamy Tuscan White Bean & Kale Soup

This Creamy Tuscan White Bean & Kale Soup is a perfect balance of hearty beans, fresh kale, and rich coconut milk. It’s warm, comforting, and full of flavor, making it the ideal dish for a cozy night in.

With its vibrant green kale and creamy white bean base, this soup offers a nutritious, plant-based meal that’s satisfying without being too heavy. You can also adjust the flavors by adding more or less herbs to suit your taste. Whether you serve it as a main course or alongside a light salad, this soup is a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love!

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 onion, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes

• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary

• 1 (15 oz) can white beans, drained and rinsed

• 4 cups vegetable broth

• 3 cups kale, chopped

• 1/2 cup coconut milk (or almond milk)

• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until softened and fragrant.

2. Stir in diced tomatoes, thyme, rosemary, and white beans, cooking for another 2 minutes.

3. Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.

4. Add kale to the pot and cook for 5 more minutes, or until wilted.

5. Stir in coconut milk and season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 2 more minutes to combine the flavors.

6. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, hearty texture.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes Kcal: 250 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

How to Make Creamy Tuscan White Bean & Kale Soup:

To create this delicious soup, we start with a flavorful base. Begin by sautéing onions, carrots, and celery in olive oil until they’re softened and aromatic. This forms the foundation of the soup, infusing it with savory flavors that develop as the soup simmers. Then, a combination of herbs and spices is added to elevate the taste—tomato paste, red pepper flakes, rosemary, thyme, and basil give the soup its authentic Tuscan flair.

Once these base ingredients are ready, vegetable broth is added to bring everything together, along with white beans for protein and texture. The tomatoes provide a subtle acidity and sweetness, while the white beans help create a creamy base. After simmering, a quick purée of the soup using an immersion blender brings everything into a smooth and rich texture, while leaving some beans intact for a rustic feel.

Now comes the magic—add in the kale. Kale is a nutrient-packed green that adds a satisfying chewiness and earthiness to the soup. After adding the kale, let it soften and then stir in balsamic vinegar and coconut milk (or cashew cream for a milder flavor). These final touches balance the soup with a hint of sweetness and provide a creamy richness that makes it even more comforting.

The Key Ingredients:

The beauty of this soup lies in its simplicity and the quality of the ingredients. Olive oil, onion, carrots, and celery serve as the backbone, while the white beans offer protein and texture. Kale is not only delicious but also highly nutritious, loaded with vitamins A, C, and K. Coconut milk adds creaminess without dairy, and the balsamic vinegar adds a subtle complexity that complements the earthy beans and greens.

Additionally, if you prefer a more refined texture, you can purée the soup a bit more to create a smoother consistency, or leave it chunky for a heartier bite. This flexibility allows the recipe to suit your preferences perfectly.

Why You’ll Love This Soup:

This soup is a perfect combination of flavors and textures. It is:

• Hearty: The white beans provide a satisfying, filling base that makes this soup a complete meal.

• Nourishing: With its abundance of vegetables and legumes, this soup is packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

• Creamy: The addition of coconut milk (or cashew cream) makes the soup velvety and comforting.

• Warming: Perfect for colder months, this soup has the kind of warmth and richness that will comfort you on chilly days.

• Subtly Spicy: A touch of red pepper flakes adds just the right amount of heat to balance the other flavors.

Serving Suggestions:

While this soup is delightful on its own, you can elevate it even further with some tasty sides. Fresh basil, vegan parmesan cheese, and crispy homemade croutons are perfect accompaniments, adding a burst of freshness and crunch. For a more substantial meal, pair it with a side of Vegan Garlic Bread, Spicy Tempeh Sausage, or Pesto “Parmesan” Turkey Meatballs to round out your dinner.

Storage and Freezing:

One of the best things about this soup is that it stores and freezes beautifully. After preparing the soup, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you’re meal prepping or want to save it for later, freeze the soup for up to one month. When reheating, simply add more broth or water to adjust the consistency if needed. It’s the perfect make-ahead meal that keeps on giving.

Customization Tips:

This soup is highly customizable based on what you have on hand. If you’re not a fan of kale, try substituting spinach, chard, or even collard greens. You can also switch up the beans—cannellini beans are the traditional choice, but other varieties like butter beans or navy beans work just as well. For a slightly different flavor, add some fresh herbs like thyme, oregano, or sage.

Health Benefits of Key Ingredients:

• White Beans: Rich in fiber, protein, and iron, white beans help to keep you full and provide a great source of plant-based protein. They also promote digestive health and support heart function.

• Kale: A powerhouse of nutrients, kale is packed with vitamins A, C, and K. It’s also high in antioxidants, supporting immune health and reducing inflammation.

• Coconut Milk: A dairy-free option that adds creaminess to the soup without the heaviness of traditional cream. It also contains healthy fats, which promote brain and heart health.

Why This Soup Is Perfect for Meal Prep:

This creamy Tuscan white bean and kale soup is ideal for meal prep. It’s easy to make in large batches, and it stores well for several days. Plus, it freezes wonderfully, making it a great option for preparing in advance and enjoying later. Simply reheat the soup on a busy day for a quick, nutritious meal that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.

Conclusion:

The Creamy Tuscan White Bean & Kale Soup is a hearty, warming, and nourishing dish that embodies everything we love about comforting soups. Packed with plant-based ingredients, it’s full of flavor and perfect for cozy meals during colder months. Whether you make it for yourself or share it with loved ones, it’s sure to become a new favorite in your soup repertoire. It’s easy to make, customizable, and guaranteed to warm your soul with every spoonful. Don’t forget to pair it with some crunchy croutons or a slice of garlic bread for the ultimate experience!