This earthy soup is comforting and full of wholesome vegetables, including our farm-fresh kale. A splash of white wine and a blend of Italian herbs add depth and warmth, making this soup taste as if it has been simmering all day, even though it comes together in under an hour.
You’ll need:
- 3 (15-ounce) cans of cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
- 1 stalk celery, diced
- ⅓ cup white wine (like Pinot Grigio)
- 2 cups chopped kale, stems removed
- 2 ½ to 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth (start with 2½ cups)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
To make:
Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large pot. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it starts to brown slightly. Stir in the garlic, carrot, and celery. Let everything cook for 10 minutes, until the vegetables have softened and developed flavor.
Pour in the white wine and let it simmer until most of the liquid evaporates—about 5 minutes. Please note that more broth can be used in place of wine.
Stir in the tomato paste, drained beans, herbs, spices, salt, pepper, and 2½ cups of broth. (You can add more later if you like a thinner consistency.) Add the bay leaves and bring everything to a gentle boil.
Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Once done, remove the bay leaves and transfer 2½ to 3 cups of the soup to a blender. Blend until smooth, then return it to the pot. This gives the soup a creamy texture without the need for cream.
Stir in the chopped kale and simmer for a few more minutes until it’s tender. Taste and adjust seasoning—add more salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy it on its own or with a slice of crusty bread. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a hug in a bowl.
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