Cannellini and Kale Soup

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

Preparation

Step 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.

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.

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.)

Bring soup to a simmer. Stir in kale and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Simmer until kale is tender, about 15 minutes.

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.

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.