Smoked paprika gives a subtle smoky flavor to this vegan soup packed with kale.
Unfortunately, this soup isn't pretty. At all. But looks are deceiving. It's got a wonderful hint of smokiness with a little spiciness in there thanks to the cayenne pepper.
You are welcome to top this with anything. I think bacon would be delicious, or you could add some cooked chicken, chickpeas, or shredded cheese for more protein.
Or just eat it as is; it's up to you.
If you can't find smoked paprika, you can use regular, but the smoked paprika takes this soup from ok to delish! I recommend finding some.
I recommend an immersion blender to blend the soup because it's easier, but transferring to a blender is totally fine -- just be careful when handling hot soups, and always crack the lid + cover with a towel so the hot soup doesn't explode.
Right before serving, I squeeze a little lemon in there. Squeezing the lemon in before will turn your soup an even uglier yellow-green color.
Fun fact before you go, cooking your kale helps improve its immune-supporting effect.
So enjoy this soup and know that even though it's not even remotely pretty, it's making your insides pretty and helping you stay healthy this winter 🙂
Smoky Kale Soup
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 medium onion diced {about 1 ¼ cup}
- 4 cloves garlic minced {about 1 TBSP}
- ¾ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 bunch kale about 12 cups chopped
- 4 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 15 ounce can white beans drained and rinsed
- lemon for serving
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a soup pot over medium heat. Add onion and sauté for 10-15 minutes until onion is translucent and slightly browned.
- Add garlic, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and kale. Stir for about 1 minute.
- Pour in broth and water, and bring to a boil. Stir in beans, and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and blend soup using an immersion blender {or carefully use a blender}.
- Serve with a squeeze of lemon juice if desired and any optional toppings: bacon, shredded chicken, cheese
Notes
Meme
Nutrition Facts
Diane Boyd
I'm loving all the recipes with smokey paprika this month! It's the new darling in my kitchen as well! I used it too! Thanks for sharing your passion, Meme!!!!
Meme
It's become one of my new favorite spices! I was so excited to be able to use it in this month's Recipe ReDux 🙂
genevieve @ gratitude & greens
Smoked paprika takes everything from okay to delish! I love using it in soups, stews, and other dishes for its wonderful smoky flavour. I can only imagine how tasty this kale soup is!
Meme
I completely agree Genevieve!! So delish 🙂
Rachael@AvocadoADayNutrition
I love that you pureed this! I actually read somewhere that traditional kale soup is always pureed. So there's your useless fact for the day 🙂
Meme
Seriously?! I love that! And that is def not a useless fact -- it's a fun fact and fun facts are my favorite 🙂
Sonali- The Foodie Physician
This soup sounds really hearty and flavorful, such a perfect way to use your kale! I'll have mine with a little bacon please 🙂
Meme
Thanks Sonali! And I love that we agree on the bacon topping 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yum! A Nice SPICY way to pack in the greens!
Meme
Yes! Soup is my favorite way to eat my veggies 🙂
Eva
This looks so good!! Love that you added the beans too. Definitely going to try this.
Meme
Thanks Eva!! I felt like it needed a little more substance and wanted to make it vegan friendly. I shared it with a friend, and she said "The soup is the bomb! It tastes like it was made with a ham hock." 🙂
Alex Caspero MA,RD (@delishknowledge)
YES to smoked paprika! I think it's one of the best spices and use it on everything! A weird but delicious combination is scrambled eggs, goat cheese and smoked paprika. Or maybe it's just me... anyways, can't wait to try it in this soup!
Meme
That combination sounds ah-may-zing! If I had goat cheese, I would totally eat that for breakfast tomorrow -- I'll be making a trip to the store to get some because I must try that idea. Thanks for the inspiration 🙂
Dana
Kale and smoked paprika sound like a ridiculously delicious combo! Thanks for the inspiration - I literally just thought of about 5 different recipes to use the two in (in addition to this soup which I am totally making)!
Meme
Thanks Dana!! I want to hear about your recipes ~ kale & paprika are the perfect pair 🙂