Kale & white bean soup recipe (slow cooker)

Here in Los Angeles, we've experienced record days of this strange phenomenon where water falls from the sky in little and big drops (lol). Does this happen where you're from? :-)

Ok, so it's not really all that strange at all but we're getting more rain and chilly weather than we've had in over a DECADE!  If you're not in So Cal, you're likely experiencing "real" Winter weather in which case this recipe is perfectly timed.

I finally got my soup to taste so good I kept going back for more (that's when you know it works).  This kale and white bean soup was everything I wanted it to be because 1, it was delicious and 2, it was ready when I came home on a from a long, chilly day.  It was cooked in the slow cooker and so easy to make it almost made me cry happy tears. "Why don't I do this more often", I thought. It's like having a cook.

Enjoy the recipe...

Equipment

*Slow cooker.  I use a 5 quart.  

Ingredients

1 lb dried navy beans (cannellini beans are more typically used)

1 tbsp. grapeseed or olive oil

1 white onion, chopped

6  garlic cloves, chopped (can reduce if desired but this is where the flavor power punch comes from)

2 bay leaves (can also use 1 if not a big fan of bay)

1 tbsp. dried oregano

1/2 c. chopped flat leaf, Italian parsley

3 tsp. granulated garlic (yes, I add more but omit if you can't take much garlic) 

2 tsp. Himalayan salt salt (or to taste... I add more)

1 tsp. black pepper (or to taste)

4 c. chopped lacinato/black/Tuscan/dinosaur kale

6-7 c. bone broth or stock (I generally use 3 c. veggie stock, 3 c. bone broth and water as needed to cover the ingredients by about 1 inch.)

Optional additions: organic chicken sausage, organic meatballs, shredded chicken, avocado slices,  parmesan cheese

Directions 

1) Pre-soak the beans in cool water over night or for about 8 hours. This helps make the beans more digestion friendly.

2) Add the oil to the pot, coating the bottom.

3) Add onions and garlic

4) Add beans

5) Add herbs and seasonings. Season well.

6) Add kale

7) Add stock

8) Let cook for 7-8 hours on low

9) I prepare any additions separately and top the soup when done.

10) Enjoy! :-)

*Note- You can easily make this on the stove top in a soup pot. Soften the onions and garlic in oil at medium heat.  Add herbs and seasonings and mix.  Add beans, then kale, then stock.  Bring to a boil the reduce to medium heat.  Let cook for 40-60 minutes, checking roughly every 20 minutes.

I hope you love it.  

Thank you and many blessings...