Italian Bean & Kale Hearty (Printable Version)

A rich blend of beans and kale with Italian herbs, perfect for a cozy, wholesome dish.

# What You Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 - 1 large yellow onion, diced
03 - 2 medium carrots, diced
04 - 2 celery stalks, diced
05 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
06 - 1 large bunch kale, stems removed and leaves chopped (about 6 cups)

→ Beans & Tomatoes

07 - 2 cans (15 oz each) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
08 - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices

→ Liquids & Seasonings

09 - 4 cups vegetable broth (gluten-free if necessary)
10 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
11 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
12 - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
13 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Garnish (optional)

14 - Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (omit for vegan preparation)
15 - Chopped fresh parsley

# Step-by-Step Directions:

01 - Warm olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery; sauté for approximately 7 minutes until softened.
02 - Incorporate minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add chopped kale, stirring frequently, and cook until leaves are slightly wilted, about 2 minutes.
04 - Stir in rinsed cannellini beans, diced tomatoes with juices, vegetable broth, dried oregano, dried thyme, and crushed red pepper flakes.
05 - Bring mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender and flavors meld.
06 - Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve hot topped with Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Vegetarian and gluten-free for a variety of diets
  • Hearty, comforting, and packed with wholesome flavor
02 -
  • Kale shrinks considerably while cooking, so don't worry if it looks like a lot at first
  • This stew freezes beautifully—simply cool completely and store portions in containers for up to 2 months
03 -
  • Add a diced potato with the carrots for extra heartiness
  • Stir in a splash of quality olive oil before serving for rich flavor
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