Kale and Leek Soup with Lemon Zest

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant, nutrient-packed soup where tender kale and leeks shine with bright lemon notes. This american-inspired keto ready in about 28 minutes pairs kale, leeks, bone broth for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 80 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 18 min Serves 4 American cuisine 80 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Finely chop 50g leeks (white and light green parts) and 100g kale, removing tough stems.
  2. Step 2: Heat 15ml olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add leeks and cook for 4 minutes until softened but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 100g chopped kale and cook for 2 minutes until wilted. Add 200ml bone broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
  4. Step 4: Simmer uncovered for 8 minutes until kale is tender. Stir in 60ml heavy cream and zest from 1 lemon. Season with salt and pepper, then simmer for 2 minutes more.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Kale and Leek Soup with Lemon Zest take to make?

Total time is about 28 minutes (10 min prep + 18 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Kale and Leek Soup with Lemon Zest?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep kale from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Kale and Leek Soup with Lemon Zest?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Kale and Leek Soup with Lemon Zest for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Kale and Leek Soup with Lemon Zest?

American keto like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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