Cozy Kale Cannellini Bean Soup with Lemon Parmesan

Cozy Kale White Bean Soup Recipe Easy Italian Comfort

By Emma PrescottSeptember 26, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction: Your New Favourite Soup!

Fancy a bowl of something proper comforting? I've got just the thing. This kale and white bean soup is not only tasty but packed with goodness.

Honestly, it's like a hug in a bowl! Plus, it's super easy to whip up, even on a busy weeknight.

A Humble Soup with a Story

This delicious soup has its roots in Italy and it is a proper winter warmer. It is often called Cannellini bean soup recipe .

The dish combines simple ingredients for a nourishing meal. It’s a vegetarian white bean soup that’s quick to make ready in under an hour.

This recipe makes about 6 servings. Perfect for a family dinner or batch cooking for the week.

Wholesome Goodness in Every Spoonful

This healthy kale and bean soup is full of fibre and vitamins. Kale is brilliant for you, and the beans provide a good dose of protein.

It’s the perfect thing to serve when you want something nourishing, but also utterly satisfying. The easy soup recipes make it really special is the touch of lemon and parmesan.

So simple but they lift the whole flavour. It can be served with Parmesan garnish soup

Ready to Make Magic?

Okay, right then, let's brew up a proper list of ingredients for our "Kale and White Bean Soup". Next, we dive into all the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious Italian soup recipe .

Don't worry, you probably have most of them already!

Ingredients & Equipment for Champion Kale and White Bean Soup

Okay, right then, let's brew up a proper list of ingredients. It's surprisingly simple. You won't be needing to remortgage the house for this beauty.

Main Ingredients Sorted

Olive oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) . Go for extra virgin for that extra oomph .
Yellow onion: 1 large , chopped. About 1 cup . Brown ones work in a pinch.
Carrots: 2 medium , diced. Aim for 1 cup . Adds a touch of sweetness.
Celery: 2 stalks , diced. Again, around 1 cup . Essential for depth of flavour.
Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Don't be shy.
Italian seasoning: 1 teaspoon . The secret weapon.
Red pepper flakes: ½ teaspoon (optional) . For a wee bit of kick.
Vegetable broth: 6 cups (1.4 liters) . The better the broth, the better the soup.
Cannellini beans: 2 (15-ounce) cans, rinsed and drained (approx. 850g total) . Creamy perfection.
Kale: 1 bunch (about 8 ounces), stems removed and chopped (225g) . The star of the show.
Lemon juice: From ½ lemon . Brightens everything up.
Salt and pepper: To taste. Season like you mean it.
Parmesan cheese: For serving. The salty, cheesy finish.
Extra virgin olive oil: For drizzling (optional). A final flourish.

I often use tinned beans, because, life! Cannellini bean soup recipe this way is just so easy. Make sure to rinse them though, or you might find it a bit chalky

Seasoning Notes - A Few Words

Italian seasoning is your best friend here. It brings all the flavours together. Red pepper flakes add a touch of warmth if you are brave enough.

It's like a gentle hug. Want to enhance kale soup recipe ? A bay leaf simmered in the broth works wonders.

Remember to take it out before serving though.

Equipment Needed - Keep it Simple, Silly!

You don't need fancy gadgets for this vegetarian white bean soup .

Large pot or Dutch oven. To hold all the goodness.
Cutting board. For your chopping escapades.
Chef's knife. A good one makes all the difference.
Ladle. For serving up the deliciousness.

Honestly? A big saucepan will do at a push. It's about the love you put in it. You can even use a spoon to serve the soup.

It might take a bit longer, but who's counting? It's worth grabbing some crusty bread to go with your easy soup recipes for dipping.

You know it makes sense.

Remember that soup is just the vehicle for getting cheesy goodness to the mouth as the Parmesan garnish soup .

Let's Get Soup erb: Cooking Your Kale and White Bean Soup

Okay, right then, let's talk Kale and White Bean Soup . It's proper lovely and dead easy to make. You know? It's like a warm hug in a bowl.

Plus, it’s packed with good stuff. We are looking for a perfect cannellini bean soup recipe ! Ready for easy soup recipes ?

Prep Steps for Your Culinary Masterpiece

First things first: mise en place . Chop your 1 large yellow onion , 2 carrots , and 2 celery stalks into small dice.

Mince your 2 cloves of garlic . Get your 1 bunch kale washed and chopped. Honestly, doing this bit beforehand saves you a world of bother later.

Time saving tip? Chop extra veg. Keep them in the fridge for other meals. Safety? Don't rush with the knife. Take your time.

You don't want any chopped fingers. I once nearly chopped the end off my thumb. Not fun, let me tell you.

step-by-step to Souperior Soup

Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a big pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 8 minutes , until soft.
Stir in your minced garlic, 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning , and ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (if you fancy a bit of a kick). Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in 6 cups vegetable broth . Bring it to a simmer. That's when it starts bubbling gently.
Add 2 (15-ounce) cans cannellini beans , rinsed and drained. Give it a good stir. This is how you make a vegetarian white bean soup !
Throw in your chopped kale. Cook for 5 minutes , until the kale wilts. Don't overcook it. It gets a bit bitter if you do.
Stir in the juice of ½ lemon . Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil is nice too.

Pro Tips for Soup Perfection

Massage your kale. Rub it with a bit of olive oil and salt before adding it. It tenderizes it and reduces bitterness.

Use good broth. It makes a huge difference to the flavour. The Winter warmer soup is ready! Want a creamier texture? Blitz a cup or two of the soup in a blender and stir it back in.

Common mistake? Overcooking the kale. Don’t do it! You can even make this ahead. Store it in the fridge for up to three days.

This will become your favourite Quick weeknight soup dinner .

Enjoy your hearty, healthy, and utterly delicious kale and white bean soup ! It's the Italian soup recipe of your dreams.

You can even make a Vegan kale soup option skipping the Parmesan.

Recipe Notes for Your Kale and White Bean Soup

Okay, right then, let's talk details about this kale and white bean soup . Honestly, the basic recipe is just the beginning.

Here's how to make it truly your own. These are some important notes about serving, storing, variations, and nutrition.

Plating and Presentation Pointers

This Cannellini bean soup recipe is rustic, so don't overthink the presentation. A simple bowl is great. You can try a swirl of extra virgin olive oil on top.

Add a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Maybe a lemon wedge on the side for an extra zing.

Serve with crusty bread for dipping! That's always a winner.

Storage Savvy

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Italian soup recipe tastes even better the next day.

Refrigeration: Store the soup in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep for 3-4 days .
Freezing: This Easy soup recipe is great for freezing too! Let it cool completely, then portion it into freezer safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge first.

Recipe Variations

Fancy a change? Here are a couple of ideas.

Vegan Option: Skip the Parmesan garnish. You can use nutritional yeast if you want a cheesy flavour. Make sure your broth is veggie friendly. That way, your Vegan kale soup option will be amazing.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce. A bit of chilli oil would work too for Winter warmer soup

Quick Nutrition Lowdown

This Healthy kale and bean soup is packed with goodness. It’s low in fat and high in fiber and protein.

Each serving is roughly 250 calories, with a good dose of vitamins from the kale. It's the perfect way to get your greens in.

Plus, beans are brilliant for your gut health.

Honestly, this kale and white bean soup recipe is a blank canvas. Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own! It’s a delightful and healthy meal, any time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze this kale and white bean soup for later? I'm trying to get ahead of the game, like a proper Blue Peter badge winner.

Absolutely! This soup freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers or freezer bags. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop. You might need to add a splash of water or broth as it can thicken up a bit after freezing.

I'm not a huge fan of kale; is there something else I can use in this kale and white bean soup recipe?

No worries, mate! If kale isn't your cup of tea, spinach or Swiss chard make excellent substitutes. They'll both wilt down nicely in the soup and provide similar nutritional benefits. Just add them towards the end of the cooking time, like you would with kale, so they don't overcook and get mushy.

My kale and white bean soup tastes a bit bland. How can I add more flavour?

Bland soup is a crime against humanity! First, ensure you've seasoned generously with salt and pepper don't be shy! A squeeze of extra lemon juice at the end can also brighten the flavours. For an extra depth, try adding a Parmesan rind to the soup while it simmers, removing it before serving.

A dash of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes will give it a nice kick too.

I'm vegetarian, can I still make this kale and white bean soup?

Bob's your uncle, you absolutely can! This recipe is naturally vegetarian. Just be sure to use vegetable broth and skip the Parmesan cheese garnish, or use a vegetarian alternative. If you want to make it a fully plant based vegan dish, ensure your vegetable broth is vegan friendly and skip the parmesan.

Can I use dried beans instead of canned in this recipe for kale and white bean soup?

You certainly can, but it requires a bit more planning! You'll need to soak the dried beans overnight, then cook them until tender before adding them to the soup. This will add some prep time. Adjust the cooking time for the soup accordingly to ensure the beans are perfectly cooked through and tender.

How long will leftovers of kale and white bean soup last in the fridge?

Leftover soup should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and will typically last for 3-4 days. Always make sure to reheat it thoroughly before serving. If you see any signs of spoilage (off smell, strange texture), it's best to err on the side of caution and toss it.