There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of soup, especially when it’s packed with vibrant, nutritious greens like kale. This vegetarian kale soup recipe is a hearty, flavorful dish that brings together the earthiness of kale with the sweetness of carrots and the savory depth of garlic and onions.
Perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you need a wholesome meal, this soup is easy to prepare and satisfies both your taste buds and your body.
Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or just looking to add more greens to your meals, this kale soup offers a delicious way to enjoy one of the healthiest leafy vegetables around. Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize with your favorite herbs and spices.
Join me as we explore why this recipe is a must-try, the essential ingredients and equipment, step-by-step instructions, and some pro tips to make your kale soup truly shine.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This kale soup recipe is a perfect blend of nutrition, flavor, and simplicity. Here’s why it stands out:
- Nutritious and Filling: Kale is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, along with fiber and antioxidants, making this soup a nourishing choice.
- Vegetarian and Vegan Friendly: This recipe contains no animal products, making it suitable for vegetarians and vegans.
- Easy to Customize: You can easily add beans, potatoes, or other vegetables to suit your preferences.
- Quick and Simple: Ready in under an hour, it’s great for busy weeknights or meal prep.
- Comforting and Warm: The combination of sautéed onions, garlic, and kale creates a cozy, satisfying soup perfect for all seasons.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 4 cups vegetable broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 large bunch kale (about 6 cups chopped, stems removed)
- 1 large potato, peeled and diced (optional for creaminess)
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed (optional for extra protein)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Juice of half a lemon (optional for brightness)
- Red pepper flakes, optional for a bit of heat
Equipment
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Ladle
- Optional: Immersion blender (for creamier texture)
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients: Wash and chop the kale, peel and dice the carrots and potato, finely chop the onion, and mince the garlic.
- Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in your large soup pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook for about 5 minutes until translucent and soft.
- Add garlic and carrots: Stir in the garlic and diced carrots, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
- Add potatoes and herbs: Toss in the diced potatoes, dried thyme, and oregano. Stir well to combine and cook for 2 minutes to toast the herbs slightly.
- Pour in vegetable broth: Add the 4 cups of vegetable broth to the pot. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
- Simmer the soup: Let the soup simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes and carrots are tender.
- Add kale and beans: Stir in the chopped kale and cannellini beans. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the kale has wilted and softened.
- Season the soup: Add salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste. If you want a bit of brightness, squeeze in the juice of half a lemon.
- Optional blending: For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup, leaving some chunks for texture.
- Serve hot: Ladle the kale soup into bowls and enjoy warm. Garnish with fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Tips & Variations
“Kale can sometimes be tough or bitter if not prepared properly. Be sure to remove the thick stems and chop the leaves finely to ensure a tender, smooth soup.”
- Swap kale for other greens: Feel free to substitute Swiss chard or spinach for a different flavor and texture. Check out my Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals for inspiration.
- Add grains: Stir in cooked quinoa, barley, or brown rice for added heartiness.
- Spice it up: Add smoked paprika or cumin for a smoky twist.
- Make it creamy without dairy: Blend in soaked cashews or coconut milk near the end for richness.
- Use slow cooker: Prepare all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours for an easy meal. Check out Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas for more slow cooker inspiration.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value* |
---|---|---|
Calories | 180 kcal | 9% |
Protein | 7 g | 14% |
Fat | 4.5 g | 7% |
Carbohydrates | 28 g | 10% |
Fiber | 7 g | 28% |
Vitamin A | 230% DV | |
Vitamin C | 90% DV | |
Calcium | 15% DV | |
Iron | 15% DV |
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Serving Suggestions
This kale soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or whole-grain rolls for dipping. For a light lunch, serve alongside a fresh garden salad or a side of roasted vegetables.
Adding a dollop of plant-based yogurt or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast can add a creamy or cheesy flavor without dairy. For those who enjoy a bit of crunch, toasted pumpkin seeds or nuts sprinkled on top make a delightful garnish.
To complete a wholesome meal, consider pairing this soup with one of these delightful recipes: Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious as a sweet finish, or a savory Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves to serve alongside.
Conclusion
This vegetarian kale soup recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a nutrient-packed meal that’s both delicious and easy to prepare. Its combination of fresh vegetables, hearty beans, and fragrant herbs makes it an ideal dish for anyone seeking comfort food that supports a healthy lifestyle.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this soup is sure to satisfy with its vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients. Plus, it’s flexible enough to adapt to whatever you have on hand, allowing you to make it your own.
For more wholesome vegetarian recipes to complement your kitchen repertoire, explore Low Calorie Vegetable Soup Recipe for Healthy Eating and other inspired dishes on our blog.
So grab your pot, chop some kale, and get ready to enjoy a warm, comforting bowl of vegetarian goodness!
📖 Recipe Card: Kale Soup Vegetarian Recipe
Description: A hearty and nutritious kale soup packed with vegetables and beans. Perfect for a comforting and healthy meal.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT45M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups chopped kale, tough stems removed
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 large potato, peeled and diced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic, sauté until soft.
- Add carrots, celery, and potato; cook for 5 minutes.
- Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add kale, beans, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Cook for another 10 minutes until kale is tender.
- Adjust seasoning and serve warm.
Nutrition: Calories: 220 kcal | Protein: 10 g | Fat: 5 g | Carbs: 35 g
{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Kale Soup Vegetarian Recipe”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A hearty and nutritious kale soup packed with vegetables and beans. Perfect for a comforting and healthy meal.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT30M”, “totalTime”: “PT45M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 tablespoon olive oil”, “1 medium onion, chopped”, “2 cloves garlic, minced”, “3 cups vegetable broth”, “1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed”, “4 cups chopped kale, tough stems removed”, “2 medium carrots, diced”, “2 celery stalks, diced”, “1 large potato, peeled and diced”, “1 teaspoon dried thyme”, “Salt and pepper to taste”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add onion and garlic, saut\u00e9 until soft.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add carrots, celery, and potato; cook for 5 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add kale, beans, thyme, salt, and pepper.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cook for another 10 minutes until kale is tender.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Adjust seasoning and serve warm.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “220 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “10 g”, “fatContent”: “5 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “35 g”}}