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Healthy Slow Cooker White Bean and Kale Soup

white bean kale soup slow cooker - featured image

A hearty, hands-off slow cooker soup featuring creamy white beans and tender kale in a savory, garlicky broth. Perfect for meal prep and packed with plant-based protein and fiber.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 3 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 (15-ounce) cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
  • 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
  • 1 Parmesan rind (optional)
  • 2 teaspoons dried thyme
  • 1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • 4 cups fresh kale, stems removed and chopped
  • 1 lemon, juiced
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 7 minutes until softened and onion is translucent.
  2. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Transfer the sautéed vegetables to a 6-quart or larger slow cooker.
  4. Add vegetable broth, drained and rinsed cannellini beans, Parmesan rind (if using), dried thyme, red pepper flakes (if using), and salt. Stir to combine.
  5. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours.
  6. About 5 to 10 minutes before serving, remove the lid and discard the Parmesan rind. Stir in the chopped kale until wilted.
  7. Turn off the slow cooker. Squeeze in the lemon juice and stir well. Season with additional salt and black pepper to taste.
  8. Ladle into bowls and serve hot. Optionally, drizzle with extra olive oil and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

For a vegan version, omit the Parmesan rind and add 1 teaspoon white miso paste or 1 tablespoon soy sauce at the end for umami. The soup thickens upon standing; add a splash of broth or water when reheating if desired. Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker soup, white bean soup, kale soup, healthy soup, vegetarian soup, vegan soup, meal prep soup