Description
This cozy, one-pot soup is a rustic blend of sweet butternut squash, hearty white beans, and fresh lacinato kale. Inspired by traditional peasant cooking, it offers a creamy, nourishing texture without the need for heavy thickeners. It is a straightforward, vegetable-forward meal perfect for busy weeknights, delivering deep, comforting flavors that warm you from the inside out while remaining entirely vegetarian and alcohol-free.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
2 celery ribs, finely chopped
5 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
1 pound peeled and cubed butternut squash
8 thyme sprigs
1 15-ounce can Great Northern Beans, rinsed and drained
4 cups stemmed and roughly chopped lacinato kale
4 cups lower-sodium vegetable broth
2 cups water
3/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/3 cup heavy cream or cashew cream
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 to 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh sage leaves
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add the onion and celery, sautéing until soft and translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic, chili flakes, and smoked paprika, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the butternut squash cubes and thyme sprigs to the pot.
Pour in the vegetable broth and water, then bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to a simmer and cook until the squash is tender, about 20-25 minutes.
Remove the thyme stems, then stir in the white beans and kale.
Simmer for an additional 5-8 minutes until the kale is wilted and tender.
Stir in the cream, Parmesan cheese, and fresh sage.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper before serving.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This soup also freezes exceptionally well for up to 3 months. For a vegan version, substitute the heavy cream with full-fat canned coconut milk or blended cashew cream, and use a vegan parmesan alternative.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 40
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Rustic American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 15mg