Looking for a healthy, easy meal that’s quick to make? Try the slow cooker white bean & kale soup. It’s a hearty option for a weeknight dinner. The soup is rich in flavor and packed with nutrients, making it a guilt-free choice.
It’s perfect for those busy days. Cook it all day and come home to a warm, comforting meal. It’s a great choice for a slow cooker white bean & kale soup.
This soup is not just healthy but also easy to make with few ingredients. It’s a great vegetarian option. With its nutritional value and low calories, it’s a smart choice for a healthy meal.
Introduction to Slow Cooker White Bean & Kale Soup
This soup is a low-calorie meal with only 522 kcal per serving. It has 47 g of carbs, 29 g of protein, and 25 g of fat. It’s also high in dietary fiber with 18 g per serving and low in sugar at just 3 g.
Key Takeaways
- You can make a delicious slow cooker white bean & kale soup with minimal ingredients.
- This slow cooker white bean & kale soup is a healthy soup recipe with low calories per serving.
- The soup is an excellent option for a weeknight dinner, as it can be cooked all day while you are busy with other activities.
- The slow cooker white bean & kale soup is a hearty soup that is perfect for a vegetarian meal.
- The soup has a high nutritional value, with 18 g of dietary fiber and 29 g of protein per serving.
- You can store the soup in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze it for up to 6 months.
Benefits of Making White Bean & Kale Soup in Your Slow Cooker
Thinking about making a tasty and healthy soup? Wondering about slow cooker benefits? Making White Bean and Kale Soup in a slow cooker saves time. It only takes 5 minutes to prep, and then the slow cooker cooks it for you. This is perfect for a winter soup recipe that cooks all day while you’re busy.
This slow cooker soup recipe is also a great way to get a lot of nutrients. It’s full of protein, fiber, and vitamins. The mix of white beans and kale boosts your health and energy. And, it’s ready in just 25 minutes, so you can enjoy a hot meal quickly.
- High protein content: 10 grams per serving
- High fiber content: 7 grams per serving
- Low calorie count: 198 calories per serving
- Rich in vitamins and minerals: including Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and potassium
In summary, making White Bean and Kale Soup in a slow cooker is a smart choice. It’s quick, nutritious, and budget-friendly. This winter soup recipe is a great choice for any meal plan.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Slow Cooker White Bean & Kale Soup
To make a tasty healthy white bean soup, you need some key ingredients. You’ll need cannellini beans, kale, onions, garlic, and Italian seasoning. The cannellini beans are packed with protein and fiber. Kale is full of vitamins and antioxidants.
Onions and garlic add a lot of flavor. Italian seasoning gives it an extra kick.
Choosing the right ingredients is key for an easy slow cooker soup. You can add diced tomatoes or spinach to customize it. For a vegetarian kale soup, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The goal is to find ingredients that complement each other well.
- 2 cans of cannellini beans (15 oz. each)
- 5 cups of vegetable broth
- 8 oz. of kale
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons of Italian herb seasoning
These ingredients will help you create a delicious and nutritious healthy white bean soup. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Kitchen Equipment and Preparation Tips
To make a delicious winter soup, like the slow cooker White Bean and Kale Soup, you need the right tools. Your slow cooker’s size and settings are key. Choose a 5-quart slow cooker and set it to low or high, based on your schedule.
You’ll also need basic kitchen tools like a cutting board, knife, and spoon. These help when chopping onions and garlic, and washing and chopping kale. Prepping ingredients ahead of time is also helpful. This makes the soup one of the most convenient crockpot meals.
You might also need a can opener, measuring cup, and wooden spoon. With these tools and some prep, you can make many comforting winter soups. The slow cooker White Bean and Kale Soup is a great example. By following these tips, you can enjoy a delicious, hearty meal any time of the year.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Slow Cooker White Bean & Kale Soup
To make a delicious and healthy soup with kale, follow this easy slow cooker recipe. Start by chopping the onions and garlic. Then, wash and chop the kale. These ingredients will be the base of your homemade soup with vegetables.
Next, add the ingredients to the slow cooker. Include the cannellini beans, diced tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. You can also add some smoked sausage for extra flavor. This easy slow cooker recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend meal.
Here are the steps to follow:
* Chop the onions and garlic
* Wash and chop the kale
* Add the ingredients to the slow cooker
* Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours
* Add the kale and cook for an additional 30-45 minutes
This healthy soup with kale is not only delicious, but it’s also packed with nutrients. With a total of 382 calories per serving, it’s a great option for a healthy meal. The homemade soup with vegetables is also easy to make and can be customized to your taste.
The nutritional information for this recipe is as follows:
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
| — | — |
| Calories | 382 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Protein | 18 g |
| Total fat | 22 g |
| Saturated fat | 7 g |
| Polyunsaturated fat | 3 g |
| Monounsaturated fat | 8 g |
| Cholesterol | 44 mg |
| Sodium | 1371 mg |
| Potassium | 976 mg |
| Dietary fiber | 6 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Vitamin A | 4351 IU |
| Vitamin C | 42 mg |
| Calcium | 150 mg |
| Iron | 5 mg |
Selecting and Preparing Your White Beans
Choosing the right white beans is key for a tasty vegetarian slow cooker meal. White beans are a staple in many comfort food recipes, like white bean soup. With so many types, picking the right one can be tough.
First, you can pick between dried and canned beans. Dried beans need soaking and cooking. Canned beans are pre-cooked and go straight into the slow cooker. Your choice depends on what you like and the recipe you’re using.
Differences Between Dried and Canned Beans
Dried and canned beans differ in texture, taste, and nutrition. Dried beans are firmer and taste stronger. Canned beans are softer and milder. Dried beans have more fiber and protein but less sodium.
Popular White Bean Varieties
Popular white beans include cannellini, navy, and Great Northern beans. Each has its own taste and texture. For example, cannellini beans are creamy and mild, perfect for white bean soup.
Choosing and Preparing the Perfect Kale
Choosing the right kale is key for a hearty soup. Opt for lacinato or curly kale for its tender texture and mild taste. These varieties will enhance your crockpot soup with their delicious and nutritious qualities. To get ready, wash and chop the kale, then remove the stems and ribs.
For a nutritious meal like slow cooker White Bean and Kale Soup, pick the right kale amount. You can use fresh or frozen kale, with 10 to 12 ounces of frozen being a good substitute. If using frozen kale, thaw it first and squeeze out excess water before adding it to your soup.
Here are some tips for preparing kale:
- Choose fresh kale with crisp leaves and no signs of wilting
- Wash the kale thoroughly and remove the stems and ribs
- Chop the kale into small pieces to release its nutrients
- Use frozen kale as a convenient alternative to fresh kale
By following these tips, you can make a delicious and nutritious hearty soup with kale. This crockpot soup recipe is packed with nutrients and flavor, making it a favorite for healthy meals.
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 209 |
| Total fat | 4.0 g |
| Saturated fat | 4.0 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
Enhancing Your Soup’s Flavor Profile
Exploring slow cooker recipes opens up a world of flavors. Enhancing your dishes’ taste is an art that needs patience and creativity. For healthy soups like White Bean and Kale Soup, the secret is in the herbs, spices, and seasonings. Adding vegetarian slow cooker meals to your cooking can broaden your taste and offer healthy, plant-based options for everyone.
To make your soup taste better, try these tips:
- Play with herbs and spices, like Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes, to add depth and warmth.
- Use seasoning tips, such as a bay leaf or fresh rosemary, to make a rich, aromatic broth.
- Layer flavors by adding ingredients at different times. This lets each part blend together beautifully, just like in vegetarian slow cooker meals.
Using these methods in your slow cooker recipes will help you make healthy soups. These soups will not only be good for you but also a joy to eat. Vegetarian slow cooker meals will become a favorite in your kitchen.
Storage and Freezing Guidelines
Enjoying your easy crockpot dinners, like the tasty white bean soup, requires proper storage and freezing. To keep the flavor and nutrients of your kale soup slow cooker meal, follow some simple steps.
Let the soup cool down to room temperature after cooking. This step is key to prevent bacteria growth and keep the soup fresh. Once it’s cooled, put it in an airtight container. Make sure there’s space for it to expand if you plan to freeze it.
You can keep the soup in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze it for 3 months. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight or directly from the freezer. Freezing it in individual portions can be very convenient.
Some important tips for storing and freezing your white bean soup include:
- Use airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags to avoid freezer burn and keep it fresh.
- Label and date containers or bags so you can use the oldest items first and know how long they’ve been stored.
- Reheat the soup gently to avoid it getting too hot or having an unpleasant texture.
By following these simple storage and freezing tips, you can enjoy your easy crockpot dinners, including the delicious kale soup slow cooker recipe, for weeks. Whether you’re meal prepping or just want a healthy meal ready, proper storage and freezing will help you enjoy your white bean soup recipe for longer.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
There are many ways to serve your slow cooker white bean & kale soup. It’s not just tasty but also pairs well with different sides and garnishes. Try it with crusty bread or a green salad for a full meal. A grilled cheese sandwich or roasted veggies also make great pairings.
Customizing your soup is easy and fun. As one of the simplest slow cooker meals, you can add your favorite garnishes. Parmesan cheese, sour cream, or fresh herbs like parsley or rosemary can make it even better. These touches can really enhance the flavor and texture.
Pairing your soup with wine is a great idea. A Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc can complement its flavors nicely. This adds a touch of elegance to your meal. Whether it’s the main dish or part of a bigger meal, these pairings will make it memorable.
Here are some popular pairings for the slow cooker white bean & kale soup:
- Crusty bread for dipping into the soup
- A green salad with a light vinaigrette
- A grilled cheese sandwich for a comforting combination
- Raised croutons for added texture
- Fresh parsley or rosemary for garnish
These options let you enjoy your slow cooker white bean & kale soup in many ways. It’s a versatile and satisfying choice for any meal.
Customization Options and Dietary Variations
Slow cooker comfort food is great for everyone, no matter their dietary needs. This winter soup recipe can be changed to fit different diets. You can make it vegetarian or gluten-free with a few tweaks.
To make it vegetarian, swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth. You can also add more veggies like diced tomatoes or spinach. For gluten-free, use gluten-free bread or pasta. Or, replace wheat with gluten-free options. Adjust the spice by adding more or less red pepper flakes.
- Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian option
- Add more vegetables like diced tomatoes or spinach for added nutrition
- Use gluten-free bread or pasta for a gluten-free option
- Adjust the spice level to your taste with red pepper flakes
These simple changes make the slow cooker comfort food delicious and healthy. It’s perfect for a chilly day. With these options, it’s a great choice for a nutritious meal.
| Customization Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Vegetarian | Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth |
| Gluten-Free | Use gluten-free bread or pasta |
| Spice Level | Adjust with red pepper flakes |
Conclusion
Slow cooker White Bean and Kale Soup is a tasty and healthy meal option. It’s easy to make and doesn’t take up a lot of time. This dish is perfect for anyone looking for a quick and nutritious meal.
With just the right mix of white beans, kale, and spices, you’ll make a soup that’s both comforting and delicious. The slow cooker makes it simple to prepare, leaving you more time to do other things. Try out different beans, spices, and toppings to make it your own. You’ll love the cozy flavors that will make your meal special.