White Bean and Kale Soup

Serves 6

"My soup was inspired by the seasonal ingredients available at the farmers' market in Boulder, Colorado," explains Amanda Mauser, a 14-year vegetarian and student at Johnson & Wales University in Denver, Colo. "I used smoked paprika to provide the smoky flavor of the pork found in traditional Portuguese kale soup."

1 Tbs. olive oil
1 small onion, halved and thinly sliced (1 cup)
3 cups chopped kale
1 small garnet yam, peeled and diced (1 cup)
1 Tbs. smoked sweet paprika, plus more for garnish
1 Tbs. curry powder
1 bay leaf
4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
2 15.5-oz. cans great Northern beans, drained and rinsed, divided
2 Tbs. red wine vinegar

1. Heat oil in saucepan over medium heat. Add onion, and cook 8 minutes, or until lightly caramelized, stirring often.
2. Add kale, and cook 4 to 5 minutes, or until wilted. Stir in yam, paprika, curry powder, and bay leaf; cook 1 minute more, or until fragrant.
3. Add broth, and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low, and cook 30 minutes, or until kale and yam are tender. Purée 1 cup beans with 3/4 cup water in blender or food processor. Add purée and remaining beans to soup. Simmer 10 minutes, then stir in vinegar. Season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle each serving with paprika.

nutritional information

Per SERVING:

• Calories: 165
• Protein: 9 g
• Total Fat: 2.5 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Sodium: 543 mg
• Fiber: 10 g
• Sugar: 7 g

Vegan Gluten-Free