One of my favorite soups.

I came up with this recipe a few weeks ago, and I've made it several times since then. It has quickly become one of my new favorites! Don't be intimidated by the ingredients list, either. It only looks complicated. You can make this hearty soup in no time. You will agree with my husband that it's definitely a keeper!

White Bean, Kale, and Vegetable Soup

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
½ cup chopped onion
1 cup chopped carrots, peeled
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups water or Vegetable Broth
1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed, drained
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
2 cups chopped B-size red potatoes, peeled, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 cups fresh or frozen green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 cups kale, torn into bite-size pieces, lightly packed
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried parsley
½ teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper

Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Cook onions and carrots until vegetables are softened. Stir in garlic, and cook for another minute, stirring constantly so garlic doesn’t burn.

Add water or broth, cannellini beans, tomatoes, potatoes, green beans, kale, basil, parsley, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil. Simmer, uncovered, over low heat about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.

Yield: 8 servings (serving size: about 1 cup)

Recipe Notes

• Remove ribs from kale before using.
• Substitute great northern beans for cannellini beans.
• Use russet potatoes instead of red potatoes.