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Italian Bean & Kale Stew

Featured in: Dinner Fix

This Italian-inspired stew features tender cannellini beans and vibrant kale gently simmered with aromatic herbs like oregano and thyme. The sautéed base of onion, carrot, celery, and garlic builds a flavorful foundation, enriched with diced tomatoes and vegetable broth. This gluten-free, vegetarian dish invites layers of taste and texture, perfect for a warm, comforting lunch or dinner. Optional Parmesan and fresh parsley add a savory finish.

Preparation involves lightly sautéing vegetables before combining with beans, tomatoes, and seasonings, then simmering until tender. Its hearty, rustic character can be enhanced with added potatoes or a drizzle of olive oil. Serve hot with crusty bread to complete this wholesome meal.

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Updated on Mon, 17 Nov 2025 13:47:00 GMT
Steaming bowl of Italian Bean & Kale Stew, showcasing vibrant green kale and creamy white beans. Save
Steaming bowl of Italian Bean & Kale Stew, showcasing vibrant green kale and creamy white beans. | nachohaha.com

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 when I wanted something both filling and wholesome. The comforting flavors quickly made it a favorite in my home, and now I love sharing it at family gatherings.

Ingredients

  • Olive oil: 2 tablespoons for sautéing vegetables
  • Yellow onion: 1 large, diced
  • Carrots: 2 medium, diced
  • Celery stalks: 2, 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 (optional): 1/2 teaspoon
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper: to taste
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional): for garnish (omit for vegan)
  • Chopped fresh parsley: for garnish

Instructions

Sauté 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.
Add kale:
Add chopped kale and cook, stirring, until slightly wilted, about 2 minutes.
Add beans, tomatoes, and seasonings:
Add cannellini beans, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.
Simmer stew:
Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 25 to 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.
Close-up of a rustic Italian Bean & Kale Stew, perfectly garnished with fresh parsley and Parmesan. Save
Close-up of a rustic Italian Bean & Kale Stew, perfectly garnished with fresh parsley and Parmesan. | nachohaha.com

This stew always brings my family together around the table. We love pairing it with warm, crusty bread and sharing stories while enjoying its comforting flavors.

Required Tools

Large soup pot or Dutch oven, cutting board and knife, wooden spoon, ladle

Allergen Information

Contains no inherent allergens, but check broth and cheese labels for dairy or gluten. Always verify ingredient labels to ensure safety for those with sensitivities.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 310 , Total Fat: 7 g , Carbohydrates: 48 g , Protein: 14 g

Warm, inviting image of Italian Bean & Kale Stew; a hearty, comforting vegetarian meal with crusty bread. Save
Warm, inviting image of Italian Bean & Kale Stew; a hearty, comforting vegetarian meal with crusty bread. | nachohaha.com

Enjoy this wholesome Italian Bean & Kale Stew with friends or family. Its heartiness and flavor make it a go-to for cozy nights.

Recipe FAQ

→ Can I substitute kale with another green?

Yes, spinach or Swiss chard can replace kale, providing a similar texture and flavor when added towards the end of cooking.

→ How can I make this stew spicier?

Increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne powder during simmering to enhance the heat level.

→ What is the best way to store leftovers?

Store the stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove to preserve flavors.

→ Is it possible to prepare this stew ahead of time?

Absolutely. The flavors deepen when refrigerated overnight, making it an ideal make-ahead option.

→ Can I add other vegetables to this dish?

Yes, diced potatoes or zucchini can be added to increase heartiness and nutritional variety.

Italian Bean & Kale Stew

A nourishing dish combining tender beans, vibrant kale, and aromatic Italian herbs for a cozy meal.

Prep duration
15 min
Time to cook
40 min
Complete duration
55 min
Created by Carlos Vega

Type Dinner Fix

Complexity Easy

Heritage Italian

Output 4 Portions

Dietary requirements Meat-free, No gluten

Components

Vegetables

01 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 1 large yellow onion, diced
03 2 medium carrots, diced
04 2 celery stalks, diced
05 3 garlic cloves, minced
06 1 large bunch kale, stems removed and leaves chopped (approximately 6 cups)

Beans & Tomatoes

01 2 cans (15 oz each) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
02 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices

Liquids & Seasonings

01 4 cups vegetable broth (gluten-free if required)
02 1 teaspoon dried oregano
03 1 teaspoon dried thyme
04 0.5 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
05 Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Garnish (optional)

01 Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (omit for vegan)
02 Chopped fresh parsley

Directions

Phase 01

Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, approximately 7 minutes.

Phase 02

Add Garlic: Incorporate minced garlic into the pot and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Phase 03

Wilt Kale: Add chopped kale and stir continuously for about 2 minutes until leaves are slightly wilted.

Phase 04

Combine Beans and Liquids: Add cannellini beans, diced tomatoes with juices, vegetable broth, oregano, thyme, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir thoroughly to blend ingredients.

Phase 05

Simmer Stew: Bring mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally until vegetables are tender and flavors meld.

Phase 06

Season: Adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Phase 07

Serve: Ladle into bowls and garnish with Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately while hot.

Tools needed

  • Large soup pot or Dutch oven
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Ladle

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and speak with a healthcare provider if you're concerned about specific ingredients.
  • May contain dairy from Parmesan cheese.
  • Check labels for gluten content in vegetable broth.

Nutrient breakdown (per portion)

These values are estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 310
  • Fats: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 48 g
  • Proteins: 14 g