I first came across Jamie Oliver’s Kale Soup while scrolling through his collection of recipes. I was looking for something quick yet hearty and wholesome. I remember thinking, "Kale in a soup? That sounds different!" At the time, I wasn’t a huge fan of kale. Like many, I had that same doubt-"Does it really work in soup?" But after I gave it a try, I realized just how satisfying and nourishing this soup could be.
There’s something about Jamie’s style that makes the most humble ingredients feel special. His kale soup is the epitome of simple, fresh, and easy cooking. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or even a cozy weekend dinner. Let’s break down why this soup has become such a go-to in my kitchen and why it might just become a staple in yours too.
Jamie Oliver’s Kale Soup Recipe
Jamie Oliver’s Kale Soup is all about bringing together the best of simple ingredients in a way that lets each one shine. It’s like the culinary equivalent of a cozy blanket. His recipe is rooted in a tradition of rustic, home-cooked meals, and you can feel the love in every spoonful.
I remember making this soup for the first time after a long, tiring day. I wanted something comforting that didn’t require hours in the kitchen. As the kale wilted into the broth and the garlic filled the air, I realized that this soup is all about finding that balance-hearty without being heavy, nutritious yet easy to make.
Ingredients Needed
This soup is incredibly flexible with what you can use, but here’s the base list of ingredients I rely on:
- Kale: Fresh, vibrant, and packed with nutrients. You want sturdy, curly kale, not the softer, frilly variety.
- Olive oil: A generous splash to sauté the garlic and onions and give the base richness.
- Garlic and onions: The aromatic foundation that gives the soup depth.
- Carrots: Adds sweetness and color, balancing out the earthiness of the kale.
- Potatoes: These make the soup creamy and hearty. I like to use waxy potatoes for a smoother texture.
- Vegetable or chicken broth: The liquid base, essential for flavor.
- Lemon: A bright, tangy touch that cuts through the richness.
- Sea salt and pepper: For seasoning, adjust to your taste.
The beauty of this soup is how it takes ingredients you likely already have in your pantry or fridge and turns them into something comforting and nutritious.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Kale Soup
Here’s how you can recreate this comforting soup:
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Sauté Aromatics
Heat a large pot over medium heat and add a couple of tablespoons of olive oil. Once it’s hot, add your chopped onions and garlic. Sauté until they’re soft and fragrant-this is where your base flavors start developing.
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Add Carrots And Potatoes
Chop the carrots and potatoes into small chunks and add them to the pot. Give them a stir to coat them in the olive oil and aromatics. Cook for a few minutes to soften them slightly.
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Add Broth And Cook Until Tender
Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, enough to cover the vegetables, and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes and carrots are tender.
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Add The Kale
Stir in the chopped kale, making sure it’s evenly distributed. Kale will shrink as it cooks, so you might need to push it down into the liquid. Let it simmer for another 10 minutes.
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Blend The Soup
Once the vegetables are soft and the flavors have melded, you can blend the soup. For a smooth texture, use an immersion blender or carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender. Blend until it reaches your desired consistency. You can also leave some chunks for texture if you prefer.
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Finish With Lemon And Seasoning
Squeeze a little lemon juice into the soup to brighten it up. Season generously with salt and pepper. Taste and adjust accordingly.
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Serve Hot
Ladle the soup into bowls, drizzle with a little extra olive oil if desired, and serve with a crusty piece of bread.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
Let’s talk about the science behind a few of the key ingredients in this soup:
- Kale: Kale is a nutritional powerhouse. It’s rich in vitamins A, C, and K, and contains antioxidants and fiber. What’s particularly interesting is its high levels of beta-carotene, which our bodies convert into Vitamin A-a nutrient great for vision and skin health. The hearty nature of kale also helps it hold up well in soups without disintegrating, giving the soup texture and nutrition.
- Potatoes: Potatoes bring both texture and starch. Starch helps thicken soups naturally. When blended, they create a creamy base without needing any cream. Potatoes also offer a slow-release source of energy, helping to keep you full longer.
- Lemon: The acidity of lemon brightens the soup and adds a fresh, tangy element that balances out the savory depth of the kale and potatoes. The citric acid also helps enhance other flavors, making the soup taste more vibrant.
Expert Tips
Here are a few tricks I’ve picked up over the years to make this soup even better:
- Use a mix of broths: Instead of sticking to just vegetable broth, try a mix of vegetable and chicken broth. It adds a savory depth without being overpowering.
- Don’t skip the lemon: A squeeze of lemon at the end is non-negotiable. It cuts through the richness of the soup and makes it taste bright and fresh.
- Use a variety of kale: If you can find them, mix curly kale with lacinato (also known as dinosaur kale). Lacinato has a milder flavor, and the combination will give your soup a more complex taste.
- Texture preference: If you prefer a chunkier soup, blend only half the soup and leave the rest as-is. You’ll get a nice contrast between smooth and textured elements.
Recipe Variations
One of the best things about this kale soup is its versatility. You can change it up in so many ways:
- Add beans: For more protein, toss in a can of white beans or chickpeas. They’ll add creaminess and extra fiber.
- Spicy kick: If you love spice, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced chili pepper when you sauté the aromatics.
- Cheese: A handful of grated parmesan or pecorino on top adds richness and depth. Or, blend in some cream cheese for a smooth, velvety texture.
- Herbs: Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a deeper flavor profile. A little fresh parsley at the end brings freshness and color.
Final Words
What I love most about Jamie Oliver’s Kale Soup is that it’s more than just a meal-it’s an experience. It’s simple, but with each ingredient, you can taste the layers of flavor. Whether you’re making it on a chilly evening or serving it at a family gathering, there’s a sense of warmth that fills the room. It’s not just about the food, but the moments shared over it.
FAQs
What Ingredients Do I Need For Jamie Oliver’s Kale Soup?
You’ll need kale, potatoes, onions, garlic, vegetable stock, olive oil, and seasoning like salt and pepper.
Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Kale Soup Vegetarian?
Yes, just use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock and it’s good to go!
How Long Does Jamie Oliver’s Kale Soup Take To Cook?
It usually takes around 30-40 minutes to make, from prep to serving.