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Tuscan Vegetable Soup with White Beans and Kale

Elina James
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Soups
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6 servings
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • Base Ingredients
  • 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium zucchini, diced
  • 1 cup chopped tomatoes (fresh or canned)
  • 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 small bunch kale (about 3 cups), stems removed and chopped
  • 4 cups (1 L) vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
  • 1 cup water (optional, for consistency)
  • Seasoning u0026 Herbs
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • ½ tsp dried thyme
  • ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste (for richness)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Optional Add-ins
  • ½ cup cooked small pasta (like ditalini or elbow)
  • ½ cup chopped potatoes (for a thicker texture)
  • 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)

Instructions
 

  • Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics : In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 6–8 minutes until softened and fragrant. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
  • Step 2: Add Vegetables and Tomato Base : Add zucchini and cook for 2–3 minutes. Stir in tomato paste, coating the vegetables evenly. Add the chopped tomatoes, herbs (oregano, basil, thyme), and bay leaf. Stir well to combine.
  • Step 3: Add Broth and Beans : Pour in the vegetable broth and water (if needed). Add the white beans and season with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20–25 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the flavors meld together.
  • Step 4: Add the Kale : Stir in the chopped kale and simmer for another 5–8 minutes until the greens are wilted but still vibrant. Adjust seasoning — taste and add more salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.
  • Step 5: Optional Enrichment : For extra heartiness, stir in cooked small pasta or diced potatoes at this stage. For a touch of richness, stir in a drizzle of olive oil or a spoonful of Parmesan cheese before serving.