Savory Tuscan Ham and Kale Bean Soup
Indulge in the rich flavors of Italy with this Savory Tuscan Ham and Kale Bean Soup. Crafted in under 30 minutes, this hearty soup combines tender white beans, smoky diced ham, and vibrant kale in a comforting chicken broth. Infused with aromatic garlic and sage, it's a perfect dish for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering with friends. Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal experience that will warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
2 teaspoons (None)
diced ham
1 1/2 cups (Diced)
white onion
1 cup (Chopped)
garlic cloves
3 (Minced)
dried sage
1 teaspoon (None)
reduced-sodium chicken broth
4 cups (None)
white beans (Great Northern or cannellini)
2 (15 ounce) cans (Rinsed and drained)
fresh kale
1 bunch (Rinsed well and chopped (about 4 cups chopped))
salt
to taste (None)
black pepper
to taste (Freshly ground)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
2
Add the diced ham, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is tender and translucent.
3
Stir in the dried sage and cook for an additional minute, allowing the flavors to meld and the sage to become fragrant.
4
Pour in the reduced-sodium chicken broth and add the rinsed and drained white beans. Increase the heat, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for 10 minutes to combine the flavors.
5
Add the chopped kale to the pot and cook for 1 minute, just until the kale wilts and becomes vibrant green.
6
Taste the soup and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as desired. Serve warm, and enjoy your flavorful Tuscan delight!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Tuscan Ham and Kale Bean Soup?
It is a hearty, Italian-inspired soup featuring white beans, smoky ham, and fresh kale in a savory garlic and sage chicken broth.
How long does it take to prepare this soup?
The entire recipe can be prepared and cooked in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal quick weeknight dinner.
What type of white beans should I use?
Great Northern or cannellini beans are recommended for this recipe. Use two 15-ounce cans, rinsed and drained.
Can I use other greens besides kale?
Yes, you can substitute kale with baby spinach or Swiss chard, though the texture and cooking time may vary slightly.
What kind of ham is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1.5 cups of diced ham. You can use pre-packaged diced ham or leftover ham steak from a previous meal.
Is this Tuscan soup considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy recipe because it contains fiber-rich beans, lean protein from ham, and nutrient-dense kale.
How do I make a vegetarian version of this soup?
To make it vegetarian, replace the ham with extra mushrooms or a plant-based protein and swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can I freeze Savory Tuscan Ham and Kale Bean Soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Store it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months for best quality.
What side dishes go well with this soup?
Crusty Italian bread, garlic knots, or a light side salad are perfect accompaniments for this comforting meal.
Can I use fresh sage instead of dried?
Yes, you can use about 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh sage to replace the 1 teaspoon of dried sage.
How do I prepare the kale for the soup?
Rinse the kale well, remove any tough center stems, and chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces to yield about 4 cups.
Is this soup gluten-free?
The main ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check your chicken broth and ham labels to ensure they are certified gluten-free.
Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
Certainly! Reduced-sodium vegetable broth works as an excellent 1:1 substitute for the chicken broth.
What if I don't have a white onion?
A yellow onion or a shallot can be used as a substitute for the white onion without significantly altering the flavor.
How many people does this recipe serve?
Based on the ingredients provided, this recipe typically serves between 4 and 6 people.
What additional vegetables can I add?
Carrots, celery, or even diced tomatoes would make great additions to the base of this soup.
Is this soup spicy?
No, this soup is savory and aromatic but contains no spicy ingredients unless you choose to add crushed red pepper flakes.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, combine all ingredients except the kale in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours, adding the kale in the last 15 minutes.
How much kale do I actually need?
One standard bunch of fresh kale usually yields the required 4 cups of chopped leaves needed for the recipe.
Why do I need to rinse and drain the beans?
Rinsing the beans removes excess sodium and the starchy liquid from the can, resulting in a clearer and cleaner broth.
What is the overall flavor profile?
It is a smoky, savory, and earthy soup with fragrant notes of garlic and sage balanced by the freshness of the kale.
Can I use leftover holiday ham?
Yes, this recipe is an excellent way to repurpose leftover holiday ham into a completely new and delicious meal.
What is the best way to reheat this soup?
Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat until simmering, or in the microwave in 1-minute intervals.
Is this an authentic Italian recipe?
While inspired by Tuscan flavors like white beans and kale, this version is designed as a quick, modern comfort food meal.
Can I add pasta to this soup?
Yes, small pasta like ditalini or orzo can be added, though you may need to add an extra cup of broth to compensate.
What if I don't like garlic?
You can reduce the amount of garlic or omit it entirely, though it provides much of the savory depth in this recipe.
How can I make the soup thicker?
For a creamier texture, mash a small portion of the white beans against the side of the pot with a spoon while simmering.
How do I know when the onion is cooked enough?
Sauté the onion for about 3 minutes until it becomes tender and translucent before adding the other ingredients.
Why is the kale added only at the very end?
Kale is added for the final minute of cooking so that it wilts perfectly while maintaining its vibrant green color and nutrients.