11 Best Herbs and Spices for Kale Soup

Kale soup might sound daunting, but the secret to making a truly amazing batch lies in the herbs and spices you use.

After all, it doesn’t take much for an ambitious dish of greens to turn into bland mush—but sprinkle in the right combination of flavors, and you’ll be serving up one seriously delicious bowl of soup.

That’s why I put together this collection of my go-to herbs and spices for kale soup—it’s the perfect way to ensure your next pot is packed with flavor.

1. Italian Seasoning

Italian seasoning is a blend of herbs that gives dishes an earthy flavor with pine and subtle sweetness.

It has hints of oregano, rosemary, thyme, and basil, as well as a hint of pepperiness.

When adding Italian seasoning to your soup, it’s best to start with small amounts and taste as you go.

As a general guide, one teaspoon per cup should be enough for most soups.

Italian seasoning pairs very well with garlic and onions; they enhance its flavor while bringing out the sweetness in the herbs.

You can also add some Parmesan or Romano cheese for extra flavor!

It goes particularly well with vegetables like kale or zucchini, but it’s great in any type of tomato-based soup too.

2. Garlic Powder

Garlic powder is a great way to add flavor and depth to dishes without the need for fresh garlic.

It has a mild, sweet garlic flavor which is much less assertive than fresh garlic but still with some of its characteristic undertones.

When adding garlic powder to your soup, start off by using 1 teaspoon per serving and adjust as desired.

You can always add more if you would like it stronger in taste.

Garlic powder pairs well with other herbs like thyme, oregano, and parsley.

As well as spices such as cumin, paprika, and chili flakes – all of these ingredients are perfect for seasoning kale soups!

3. Onion Powder

Onion powder has a distinct flavor that is sharp and slightly sweet, like a sun-warmed onion.

It’s great for adding flavor to any dish that calls for fresh onions.

When used in small amounts, it can add a subtle sweetness to soups, stews, and sauces.

When used in larger quantities, it offers a stronger onion taste with a slight pungency.

When making kale soup or other dishes where you want the perfect balance of flavors, use one tablespoon of onion powder per half cup of chopped fresh onion – this will ensure your soup tastes amazing!

Onion powder pairs well with many herbs and spices such as garlic powder, oregano, and thyme.

You can also combine them with vegetables like carrots, celery, and tomatoes to make flavorful soups or stews.

4. Salt

Salt is a staple ingredient in many dishes, and it has an unmistakable flavor.

It tastes salty, of course!

But it can also add complexity to a dish; giving it a slight umami taste with earthy undertones.

When adding salt to your soup, the amount you need will depend on the ingredients you’re using.

Start by seasoning lightly and then adjust as needed according to your own taste preference.

Salt pairs well with other herbs and spices like garlic, onion, thyme, pepper, oregano, and bay leaves for even more flavor depth in your soup.

You can also sprinkle some parmesan or feta cheese on top for added texture and a milder salty flavor.

5. Black Pepper

Black pepper has a sharp, penetrating aroma and a characteristic woody, piney flavor.

It is hot and biting to taste.

When it comes to kale soup, the perfect amount of black pepper is about 1/4 teaspoon per 4 cups of soup.

Black pepper goes well with many ingredients that are commonly used in soups such as garlic, onions, carrots, celery, tomatoes, and potatoes.

It also pairs nicely with herbs like parsley or sage for added complexity of flavors.

Additionally, black pepper works great with other spices including cumin and coriander which makes it ideal for making flavorful soups!

6. Parsley

Parsley has a clean, slightly peppery taste with a touch of earthiness.

It adds great flavor to any dish and is especially popular in soups.

Parsley’s natural aromatic oil is what gives it its distinct flavor, adding the perfect amount of zing without overpowering other ingredients.

When adding parsley to your soup, start small and add more if needed.

A little bit goes a long way!

For example, try sprinkling some fresh parsley leaves on top of your finished soup for an extra bit of color and flavor.

Alternatively, you can chop up the leaves or blend them into your soup for an even stronger effect.

Parsley pairs well with many other ingredients commonly used in soups such as onions, garlic, carrots, celery, and potatoes; but it also works well when combined with herbs like oregano, thyme, or basil.

7. Oregano

When seasoning your kale soup with oregano, you should use about a teaspoon for every two cups of liquid in the pot.

Oregano is quite strong and pungent, so you don’t want to overdo it.

Oregano pairs particularly well with garlic, onions, tomatoes, bell peppers, and basil.

It also goes great with other vegetables such as eggplant and squash.

A combination of these ingredients will make for an amazing soup!

8. Red Pepper Flakes

Red pepper flakes have a slightly sharp, earthy flavor with a good amount of spiciness.

This makes them the perfect addition to kale soup and other dishes.

When it comes to adding red pepper flakes, you should start out with about 1/4 teaspoon per serving for mild heat, or more if you like your food really spicy!

Red pepper flakes also pair well with many different ingredients.

They go especially great with garlic, oregano, basil, thyme, chili powder, and cayenne.

These flavors will help add depth and kick to any dish – whether it’s soups or sauces!

9. Ginger

Ginger has a unique taste that is often described as spicy, peppery, and either warm or hot.

There are also hints of sweetness in it, making it great for adding flavor to dishes without overpowering them.

When making kale soup, the amount of ginger you add will depend on your personal preference.

For a subtle hint of ginger flavor, start with about 1/4 teaspoon per 4-6 servings.

If you want more robust flavors from the herb, then aim for 1/2 – 1 teaspoon per serving.

Ginger pairs well with many other ingredients too!

10. Turmeric

Turmeric has a unique, earthy flavor that is often described as having a bitter, woody, and spicy taste.

It pairs really well with other spices such as ginger, garlic, and chili powder.

When it comes to kale soup, the perfect combination of flavors would be turmeric combined with garlic, ginger, and chili powder.

As for how much to add to your soup?

That depends on what kind of flavor you’d like; if you want a more subtle flavor then use 1/4 teaspoon but if you’d like something bolder then increase it up to 1/2 teaspoon per serving.

Just remember that too much turmeric can overpower the dish so start small and work your way up until you find the right balance!

11. Basil

Basil is a flavorful and fragrant herb that adds a unique taste to any dish.

With its slightly sweet and savory flavor, hints of mint, anise, and pepper, basil can add a bit of complexity and depth to your soup.

When adding basil to your soup, start with about 1/4 teaspoon for each serving.

You can always adjust the amount based on personal preference after tasting it.

Basil pairs particularly well with other herbs like oregano and parsley as well as ingredients like tomatoes, garlic, onions, carrots, potatoes, mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, or squash.

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