Imagine a soup so warming, so packed with flavor, that it transforms your entire winter dining experience! This Smoky White Bean and Winter Vegetable Soup isn't just another recipe—it's a culinary journey that will transport your taste buds to a cozy kitchen filled with aromatic herbs and rich, smoky undertones. Perfect for those chilly days when you crave something nutritious, hearty, and absolutely delicious, this vegetarian delight promises to become your new cold-weather obsession.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cans white beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups kale, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chopped onion. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Add the chopped carrots and celery to the pot. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Stir in the minced garlic and smoked paprika. Cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the garlic to become fragrant and the paprika to coat the vegetables evenly.
- Pour in the vegetable broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to deglaze and incorporate any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Once boiling, add the drained and rinsed white beans to the pot. Stir to combine, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let the soup cook for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- After 20 minutes, add the chopped kale to the pot. Stir well and continue to simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the kale is tender and bright green.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed, keeping in mind that the flavors will deepen as the soup sits.
- Remove the pot from heat and let the soup sit for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and enhances the overall taste.
- Serve the soup hot, garnished with a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of smoked paprika if desired. Enjoy your Smoky White Bean and Winter Vegetable Soup!
Tips
- Use fresh, high-quality vegetable broth for the most robust flavor profile.
- Don't rush the sautéing process—allowing vegetables to caramelize develops deeper, more complex tastes.
- For extra smokiness, consider adding a small amount of smoked salt or using fire-roasted canned tomatoes as an optional ingredient.
- Rinse canned beans thoroughly to reduce sodium and improve digestibility.
- Chop kale into small, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and better texture integration.
- Let the soup rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking to allow flavors to fully meld together.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, use a potato masher to partially crush some beans while cooking.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg