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Cannellini and Kale Soup

Cannellini and Kale Soup

Thyme, garlic, and a bay leaf are simmered in water to create a flavorful broth that's low in calories. Frying garlic creates crunchy chips and a tasty oil to drizzle on top.

Martha Stewart Living, October 2011 http://www.marthastewart.com/854310/cannellini-and-kale-soup
3.10909
Rated
62.1818100(60)60
  • Prep Time 25 minutes
  • Total Time Overnight
  • Yield Makes 10 cups
    Serves 6

Ingredients

    • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
    • 2 onions, chopped
    • 1 medium carrot, chopped
    • Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
    • 4 garlic cloves, minced, plus 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
    • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
    • Scant 1/4 teaspoon crushed red-pepper flakes
    • 12 ounces cannellini beans (2 cups), picked through and soaked overnight
    • 6 cups water
    • 1 dried bay leaf
    • 8 ounces Tuscan kale (lacinato kale), stems and center ribs removed, leaves sliced crosswise 1/2 inch thick

Directions

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a medium Dutch oven or a large pot over medium heat. Cook onions and carrot until just softened, about 5 minutes. Season with 2 1/2 teaspoons salt. Stir in minced garlic, thyme, and red-pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute.
  2. Drain and rinse cannellini beans. Add to Dutch oven with water and bay leaf. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low. Simmer, covered, until beans are tender, about 45 minutes. Let cool slightly. Discard bay leaf.
  3. Working in batches, puree soup in a blender until smooth, transferring it to a clean pot as you work. (For safety, remove cap from hole in lid, and cover with a dish towel to prevent spattering.)
  4. Bring soup to a simmer. Stir in kale and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Simmer until kale is tender, about 15 minutes.
  5. Meanwhile, heat remaining 2 tablespoons oil in a small skillet over medium-low heat. Cook sliced garlic, stirring often, until crisp and golden, 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer garlic to a plate using a slotted spoon. Reserve garlic oil.
  6. Divide soup among 6 bowls. Garnish with garlic chips, and drizzle with garlic oil.

Cook's Note

Pureed cannellini beans give this soup a velvety texture, canceling out the need for heavy cream.

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