Print

Cozy Slow Cooker Tuscan White Bean and Kale Soup

slow cooker tuscan white bean and kale soup - featured image
Print Recipe

A hearty and healthy slow cooker soup featuring white beans, kale, and aromatic vegetables, perfect for cozy nights and easy meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups dried cannellini beans or 3 cans (15 oz each) white beans, drained and rinsed
  • 4 cups chopped kale leaves, tough stems removed
  • 6 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 large bay leaf
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. If using dried beans, rinse 2 cups thoroughly and soak overnight or quick soak by boiling for 2 minutes then letting sit covered for 1 hour. Drain before cooking. Skip if using canned beans.
  2. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 7-8 minutes until softened.
  3. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until aromatic.
  4. Transfer sautéed vegetables to the slow cooker. Add soaked or canned beans, 6 cups vegetable broth, dried thyme, dried rosemary, red pepper flakes, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until beans are tender.
  6. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in chopped kale. Cover and cook until kale is tender but still vibrant.
  7. Remove bay leaf. Stir in fresh lemon juice. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

Sautéing the aromatics before adding to the slow cooker builds deeper flavor. Add kale near the end to keep it vibrant and tender. Adjust salt at the end to avoid over-salting. If soup is too thick, add broth or water before serving; if too thin, simmer uncovered to reduce. Can substitute kale with Swiss chard or spinach. For a meatier version, add cooked Italian sausage or pancetta. Parmesan cheese is optional; use vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for a vegan version.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker soup, Tuscan soup, white bean soup, kale soup, healthy soup, easy dinner, vegetarian soup, comfort food

Find it online: https://goldensimmer.com/cozy-slow-cooker-tuscan-white-bean-and-kale-soup-recipe-for-easy-healthy-meals/