Save A hearty, rustic stew featuring tender beans, vibrant kale, and aromatic Italian flavors—perfect for a cozy, nutritious meal.
I first made this Italian bean & kale stew on a chilly weekend, and it quickly became a family favorite for its rich flavors and the comforting warmth it brings to the table.
Ingredients
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
- Yellow onion: 1 large, diced
- Carrots: 2 medium, diced
- Celery: 2 stalks, diced
- Garlic cloves: 3, minced
- Kale: 1 large bunch, stems removed and leaves chopped (about 6 cups)
- Cannellini beans: 2 cans (15 oz each), drained and rinsed
- Diced tomatoes: 1 can (14.5 oz), with juices
- Vegetable broth: 4 cups (gluten-free if needed)
- Dried oregano: 1 teaspoon
- Dried thyme: 1 teaspoon
- Crushed red pepper flakes: 1/2 teaspoon (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: To taste
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: For garnish (optional, omit for vegan)
- Chopped fresh parsley: For garnish
Instructions
- Prep Vegetables:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 7 minutes.
- Add Garlic:
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Wilt Kale:
- Add chopped kale and cook, stirring, until slightly wilted, about 2 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Add cannellini beans, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.
- Simmer:
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender and flavors meld.
- Season:
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve:
- Ladle stew into bowls and garnish with Parmesan and parsley, if desired. Serve hot.
Save I love serving this stew to my family with crusty bread. Watching everyone gather around the table and dig in is always the highlight of our evening.
Required Tools
Large soup pot or Dutch oven, cutting board and knife, wooden spoon or spatula, and a ladle are the basics you need to make this dish easily.
Nutritional Information
Each serving has around 310 calories, 7 g total fat, 48 g carbohydrates, and 14 g protein.
Allergen Information
No common allergens in the primary ingredients, but Parmesan contains dairy and some broths may contain gluten. Always verify ingredient labels for safety.
Save This stew makes excellent leftovers and gets even tastier the next day. Enjoy it hot with your favorite crusty bread.
Recipe Questions
- → What beans work best in this dish?
Cannellini beans are ideal for their creamy texture and mild flavor, but other white beans like Great Northern can be used as well.
- → How can I enhance the flavor without Parmesan?
Adding a splash of good quality olive oil or fresh herbs like parsley can boost flavor while keeping it dairy-free.
- → Is it possible to make this stew spicier?
Yes, including crushed red pepper flakes during cooking adds a pleasant mild heat to the stew.
- → Can I prepare this stew ahead of time?
Absolutely, it tastes even better after resting. Store in the fridge and gently reheat before serving.
- → What bread pairs well with this hearty stew?
Crusty bread, like a baguette or sourdough, complements the rich, savory flavors perfectly.