We grew some fine lookin’ butternut squash and some crazy curly kale in our garden this past summer.
I’m quite envious of kale and its ability to tolerate cold! It’s been in the 20’s (Fahrenheit) several nights, and we are covered in snow, but that doesn’t faze the kale one bit. It’s just as content as can be to hang out in the garden until we need some for lunch. When we pick it, it is frozen and breaks off the stem like a little brittle green icecycle, but when we bring it inside it revives as if it never saw a snowflake in its life. Kale is amazing.
And the squash? They’ve been hanging tight in the food cellar just waiting for their opportunity to star in this delicious Creamy Butternut, White Bean, and Kale Soup.
This vegan and gluten-free soup recipe is lusciously comforting, creamy, and delicious, without a drop of cream. And it’s really quick and easy to make.
And its packed with a bunch of super healthy ingredients. We’ve got:
Butternut squash – A great source of vitamin A and fiber, butternut squash is good for vision health, helps prevent cancer, and helps with weight loss. You’ll need one small to medium size butternut squash for this recipe.
Onions and garlic – Both onions and garlic are rich in fiber and prebiotics, which are essential for gut health.
White beans – The humble white bean has nothing to be humble about. These little gems have been shown to be an extremely effective tool at keeping blood sugar levels stable, and they’re also great for weight loss.
Kale – In addition to its amazing ability to live happily in cold climates, kale also has the amazing ability to fight disease. Kale is one of the best sources of antioxidants, fiber, vitamins, and minerals – all of which work together to fight heart disease, cancer, diabetes, high cholesterol, and obesity.
You can prepare your own squash and kale in this recipe or you can buy pre-cut squash and kale in the produce section of your grocery store.
Serve this vegan, gluten-free, comforting soup with a thick slice of whole-grain bread and you have a healthy, nourishing, and slimming meal.
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Creamy Butternut, White Bean, and Kale Soup
Prep
Cook
Total
Yield 6 cups
Creamy white beans, sweet butternut, and nutrient-packed kale in a light cream sauce - a warm and satisfying soup that is both comforting and slimming.
Ingredients
- 3 cups (about 1 pound) peeled and cubed butternut squash (3/4-inch cubes)
- 1 large onion or 2 medium onions, diced small
- 2 to 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups water
- 2 teaspoons granulated onion
- 1 1/4 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 1 to 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
- 4 cups (lightly packed) chopped raw kale
- 1 1/2 cups cooked white beans (or more if you like a heartier soup)
- 2 tablespoons Creamy Italian Salad Dressing or 1 tablespoon tahini
Instructions
1. Peel and dice squash. Set aside.
2. Sauté onions. (You can use a tablespoon or two of olive oil to sauté the squash or you can use this method to sauté without oil.)
3. When onions are translucent (about 8 minutes), add garlic and sauté for one minute.
4. Add water. Turn heat to high. Add squash, seasonings, and beans. Cover and bring to boil.
5. When soup comes to a boil, reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes.
6. Stir in kale. Keep uncovered and cook at a low boil until vegetables are very, very tender – about 12 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. (See note.)
6. Stir in dressing (or tahini). Cook until thoroughly heated.
Serve hot.
Notes
Be sure to cook uncovered after adding the kale as brassicas (like kale) taste better when cooked uncovered.
Time:
Hands on time: 25 minutes (or 17 minutes if using pre-cut squash and kale)
Total time: 35 minutes (or 27 minutes if using pre-cut squash and kale)
This recipe has two places that say add beans, which one is correct? Recipe sounds delicious.
Thank you for catching that, Wanda. I’ve edited the recipe so it’s correct now. You should stir in the beans in step 4.
Thanks again,
Jennifer