Turnip Green & White Bean Soup
A hearty and wholesome soup featuring tender turnip greens and creamy cannellini beans in a savory broth, perfect for a comforting and nutritious meal.
For 6 servings
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) to the pot. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Pour in the vegetable broth and canned diced tomatoes (undrained). Add the bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
Add the chopped turnip greens to the pot. They will seem like a lot, but they will wilt down significantly. Stir well to combine, cover, and continue to simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the greens are tender.
Stir in the rinsed and drained cannellini beans. Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. Continue to simmer for another 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the beans to heat through.
Remove the bay leaf. Stir in the fresh lemon juice.
Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and, if desired, an extra drizzle of olive oil. Serve hot.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Thoroughly Wash Greens: Turnip greens can be sandy. Wash them thoroughly in cold water, perhaps even soaking them briefly, before chopping.
- 2Adjust Bitterness: If you find turnip greens too bitter, you can blanch them briefly in boiling water for a minute, then drain and shock in ice water before adding to the soup. This mellows their flavor.
- 3Batch Cooking: This soup freezes beautifully. Make a larger batch and portion it into freezer-safe containers for quick, healthy meals later.
- 4Flavor Development: Allow the soup to sit for 15-30 minutes off the heat before serving, or even better, make it a day ahead. The flavors will deepen and meld beautifully.
Adapt it for your goals.
Smoky & Hearty
Add 1/2 cup diced smoked ham hock or 2-3 slices of cooked, crumbled bacon or vegetarian smoked sausage at the beginning with the onions for a smoky depth.
Creamy TextureCreamy Texture
For a creamier soup, blend about 1-2 cups of the soup (including some beans) with an immersion blender or in a regular blender, then return to the pot and stir to combine.
Different Greens/BeansDifferent Greens/Beans
Experiment with other sturdy greens like collard greens or kale, and other white beans like great northern beans or navy beans.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Fiber
Cannellini beans and turnip greens are excellent sources of dietary fiber, promoting digestive health and satiety.
Vitamin & Mineral Powerhouse
Turnip greens are packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate and calcium, supporting bone health and immune function.
Plant-Based Protein
Cannellini beans provide a significant amount of plant-based protein, making this soup a satisfying and complete meal for vegetarians and vegans.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can! Peel and dice 1-2 medium turnips and add them along with the onions. They will add a slightly sweet, earthy flavor and extra texture.
