Kale-Apple Soup
Beyond Green: Discover the Surprisingly Delicious Apple-Kale Soup
Looking for a vibrant, healthy, and unexpectedly flavorful soup? Look no further than our Apple-Kale Soup! This isn’t your average kale soup – the addition of apples brings a subtle sweetness that perfectly balances the earthy kale and savory broth. It’s a comforting and nutritious meal perfect for lunch or dinner, and it’s surprisingly easy to make.
We know what you might be thinking: apple and kale? Trust us, it works! The apples soften and meld into the broth, creating a creamy texture and a delightful hint of sweetness that complements the kale beautifully. This soup is packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making it a guilt-free indulgence.
What makes this soup special?
- Unique Flavor Combination: The apple adds a touch of sweetness that elevates the traditional kale soup.
- Nutrient-Rich: Kale and apples are both nutritional powerhouses.
- Easy to Make: This soup comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Versatile: Enjoy it as a light lunch, a hearty dinner, or even a starter.
Tips for the Best Apple-Kale Soup:
- Kale Prep: Removing the tough stems is key to a tender soup. Roughly chopping the kale ensures it cooks evenly.
- Apple Choice: We recommend using a slightly tart apple like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor balance.
- Broth Quality: A good quality chicken or vegetable stock will make a big difference in the overall flavor of the soup.
- Blending: For a super smooth soup, use an immersion blender or transfer the soup to a regular blender in batches.
Serving Suggestions:
- Garnish with a dollop of plain yogurt or crème fraîche for a creamy finish.
- A sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper adds a touch of spice.
- Serve with a crusty bread for dipping.
Is this soup vegan/vegetarian?
Yes! Simply use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This soup actually tastes even better the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, you can! Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
What kind of apples work best?
Slightly tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji are ideal. They provide a nice balance to the earthy kale.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add carrots, celery, or potatoes for extra flavor and texture.
We hope you enjoy this delicious and healthy Apple-Kale Soup! It’s a wonderful way to incorporate more greens into your diet and discover a new favorite flavor combination.
Apple-Kale Soup
Ingredients
- 3/4 lb fresh kale
- 4 C chicken or vegetable stock divided
- 4 oz bacon or pork belly
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 onion chopped
- 1/4 Tsp salt
- 1 apple cored and chopped
- yogurt or Creme Fraiche optional
- freshly ground black pepper optional
Instructions
- Wash the kale and remove the bottom inch of stem. Chop roughly into 1-inch pieces.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the bacon for 1 minute or until just barely showing color. Add the kale and stir to coat with rendered fat.
- Cook about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the kale begins to wilt. Add 2 cups chicken stock, lower heat to medium-low and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Transfer the mixture to a blender; or blend with an immersion blender. Puree, starting on the lowest speed, until smooth. Pour into a large bowl and set aside.
- In the same skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil and cook the onions and salt about 3 minutes until the onions just barely show color. Add the chopped apples and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 more minutes, or until the apples soften and onions are translucent. Stir in the remaining 2 cups of broth.
- Transfer the mixture to the blender, again splitting into two batches if necessary. Puree until smooth. Combine the pureed apple and onion mixture with the kale mixture, and whisk to combine. If soup seems too thick, add more stock or water until it reaches the desired consistency.
- To serve, reheat if necessary, and garnish with a dollop of plain yogurt or creme, and a few grinds of black pepper.
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