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Italian Bean Kale Hearty Stew

Featured in: Simple Comfort Plates

This Italian-inspired dish combines tender cannellini beans with fresh kale, simmered alongside aromatic herbs and diced tomatoes. Olive oil, garlic, onions, carrots, and celery create a savory base that melds beautifully during a slow simmer. The result is a hearty, comforting bowl that’s rich in flavor and perfect for a nourishing meal. Adjust spice with red pepper flakes and finish with fresh parsley or Parmesan for added depth.

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Updated on Mon, 17 Nov 2025 08:18:00 GMT
Steaming bowl of Italian Bean & Kale Stew, showcasing rustic textures and vibrant greens, perfect for cozy nights. Pin it
Steaming bowl of Italian Bean & Kale Stew, showcasing rustic textures and vibrant greens, perfect for cozy nights. | freshymeals.com

A hearty, rustic stew featuring tender beans, vibrant kale, and aromatic Italian flavors—perfect for a cozy, nutritious meal.

I first made this stew on a chilly weekend for my family, and it instantly became a favorite. I love that it comes together easily in one pot and feels comforting without being heavy.

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 black pepper: To taste
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: To garnish (omit for vegan)
  • Chopped fresh parsley: To 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, broth, and seasoning:
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 25–30 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.
A close-up of the flavorful Italian Bean & Kale Stew, thick with beans and vegetables, ready to be enjoyed. Pin it
A close-up of the flavorful Italian Bean & Kale Stew, thick with beans and vegetables, ready to be enjoyed. | freshymeals.com

My kids love helping stir the stew and sprinkling parsley on top before serving. It's always fun to enjoy together after a busy day.

Required Tools

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

Allergen Information

Contains: None inherently. Always check broth and cheese labels for dairy or gluten. Verify there are no hidden allergens for your needs.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

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

Enjoy a warm and comforting bowl of Italian Bean & Kale Stew, brimming with hearty beans and fragrant herbs. Pin it
Enjoy a warm and comforting bowl of Italian Bean & Kale Stew, brimming with hearty beans and fragrant herbs. | freshymeals.com

This Italian Bean & Kale Stew is delicious straight out of the pot and just as good the next day. Enjoy your cozy bowl with a slice of crusty bread.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of beans are used in this stew?

Cannellini beans are used, providing a creamy texture and mild flavor that complements the vegetables.

→ Can I substitute kale with other greens?

Yes, hearty greens like Swiss chard or collard greens can be used as alternatives to kale for similar texture and nutrition.

→ How do the Italian flavors develop in this dish?

Oregano, thyme, garlic, and diced tomatoes softly meld during simmering, infusing the stew with classic Italian aromas.

→ Is there a suggested garnish to enhance the flavor?

Freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan adds brightness and a mild salty contrast when served.

→ Can I make this stew spicier?

Yes, adding crushed red pepper flakes during cooking brings a mild heat that complements the savory ingredients.

→ What is the best way to thicken this stew if desired?

Simmering uncovered helps reduce liquid; alternatively, mashing a few beans into the broth adds natural thickness.

Italian Bean Kale Hearty Stew

A rustic blend of beans, kale, and Italian herbs cooked to warm, wholesome perfection.

How long to prep
15 min
Time to cook
40 min
Overall time
55 min
Recipe by Freshymeals Lily Carter

Dish category Simple Comfort Plates

Skill level Easy

Cuisine type Italian

Makes 4 Serving size

Dietary details Vegetarian option, No dairy, No gluten

What you need

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 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 1/2 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

Steps to follow

Step 01

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

Step 02

Incorporate Garlic: Add minced garlic to the pot and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring frequently.

Step 03

Wilt Kale: Add chopped kale and cook, stirring, until slightly wilted, about 2 minutes.

Step 04

Combine Main Ingredients: Add drained cannellini beans, diced tomatoes with juices, vegetable broth, dried oregano, dried thyme, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Stir well to combine.

Step 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 are integrated.

Step 06

Season to Taste: Adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to preference.

Step 07

Serve: Ladle stew into bowls and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm.

Tools you’ll need

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

Allergy info

Always check each ingredient for allergens and talk to a professional if unsure.
  • Check vegetable broth and cheese labels for potential dairy or gluten allergens.

Nutrition info (per portion)

Nutrition details are for reference only, not a substitute for health advice.
  • Calories per serving: 310
  • Fat content: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 48 g
  • Protein amount: 14 g