Hearty Kale and Vegetable Soup

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 6
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This Hearty Kale and Vegetable Soup is the kind of dish that wraps you in a warm hug. Bursting with vibrant veggies and cozy flavors, it’s perfect for those chilly days when you crave something nourishing. Plus, it's super simple to whip up!

Ingredients for Hearty Kale and Vegetable Soup

The base of this soup starts with olive oil, which adds a subtle richness and helps sauté the vegetables. Onion brings a sweet, aromatic depth, while garlic offers its unmistakable, savory kick. Choose chicken or vegetable broth as your liquid foundation; it infuses the soup with flavor. Kale not only adds a beautiful green color but also loads up the dish with vitamins. Carrots contribute sweetness and a pop of orange, whereas potatoes make the soup heartier and more filling. Finally, a blend of salt, black pepper, thyme, and oregano seasons the soup to perfection, enhancing all the natural flavors.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you prefer a thicker soup, mash a few potato pieces with the back of your spoon.
  • Consider adding a can of drained beans for extra protein.
  • Use fresh herbs if you have them; they can brighten up the flavor even more.

Serving Suggestions

This soup pairs beautifully with a slice of warm, crusty bread or a simple green salad. For a touch of indulgence, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top just before serving. A glass of crisp white wine complements the flavors nicely, too.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen kale?
Yes, frozen kale works well; just add it directly to the pot without thawing.
How can I make this soup vegan?
Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Can I make this soup in advance?
Absolutely! It tastes even better the next day. Just store it in the fridge and reheat it gently.

Hearty Kale and Vegetable Soup Recipe Walkthrough

Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, toss in your chopped onion. Sauté it for about five minutes, stirring occasionally, until it turns translucent. This step releases the onion's sweetness, creating a flavorful base.

Next, stir in the minced garlic. Let it cook for a minute, just until it's fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn, as that can turn the flavor bitter.

Pour in the broth, bringing it to a gentle simmer. This is the moment when your kitchen starts to smell amazing. While the broth heats, prepare your vegetables.

Add the chopped kale, sliced carrots, and diced potatoes to the pot. Give everything a good stir to combine. These veggies not only add color but also a lovely texture to your soup.

Season the mix with salt, black pepper, thyme, and oregano. Stir again to distribute the seasonings evenly. Reduce the heat to low, cover your pot, and let the soup simmer for 25 to 30 minutes. You'll know it's ready when the vegetables are tender and flavors have melded beautifully.

Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Ladle it into bowls and enjoy it hot. If you like, pair it with some crusty bread to soak up every last drop.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Packed with nutrient-rich kale and a variety of vegetables.
  • Comforting and filling without being heavy.
  • Customizable to suit your taste or dietary needs.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
3 cups kale, stems removed and chopped
2 large carrots, sliced
2 medium potatoes, diced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon thyme
1/2 teaspoon oregano

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Pour in the broth and bring to a simmer.
5. Add chopped kale, sliced carrots, and diced potatoes to the pot.
6. Season with salt, black pepper, thyme, and oregano.
7. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 25-30 minutes until vegetables are tender.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
9. Serve hot with crusty bread if desired.

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