This hearty and flavorful soup combines savory Italian sausage with creamy white beans and tender greens, making it perfect for a chilly day.
Total Time: 40-45 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, depending on preference)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed (cannellini, navy, or great northern beans work well)
- 4 cups chicken broth (use low-sodium for more control over saltiness)
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups kale or spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1-2 tbsp olive oil for sautéing
Instructions:
1. Brown the Sausage:
- In a large pot, heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the sausage is browned and cooked through.
- If there’s excess fat, carefully drain it, leaving a little behind for flavor.
2. Add the Aromatics:
- Add the diced onion to the pot, stirring frequently for about 3-4 minutes, or until softened and translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, just until fragrant (be careful not to burn it).
3. Combine Ingredients:
- Add the drained and rinsed white beans, chicken broth, diced tomatoes (with their juices), and Italian seasoning to the pot.
- Stir everything together and bring the soup to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
4. Simmer:
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for 20-30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Tip: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash a few of the white beans with the back of a spoon to release their starches.
5. Finish with Greens:
- Stir in the kale or spinach and cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until wilted. Kale may take a bit longer than spinach, so adjust the timing as needed.
- Taste and season with salt and pepper to your preference.
6. Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy it hot! Serve with a side of crusty bread, grated Parmesan, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for added warmth.
Serving Suggestions:
This soup pairs well with a light drizzle of olive oil or grated Parmesan on top. You can also add some crushed red pepper for extra spice or serve it alongside a warm baguette.
Here are some tips to make your Sausage and White Bean Soup even more delicious:
1. Enhance the Flavor of the Broth:
- Add Parmesan Rind: Drop a Parmesan cheese rind into the soup while it simmers. It’ll add a deep, savory flavor. Just remove it before serving.
- Extra Herbs: Fresh rosemary, thyme, or bay leaves can be added along with the broth for additional layers of flavor. Remove them before serving.
2. Customize the Texture:
- Creamier Soup: If you like a creamier soup, blend a portion of the soup (about 1-2 cups) until smooth, then return it to the pot. This will make the soup thicker without adding dairy.
- Chunky Style: Keep the beans whole and use an immersion blender on the tomatoes and broth before adding other ingredients for a smoother, more balanced base.
3. Boost the Greens:
- Kale Tips: For a more tender kale texture, remove the stems and chop finely. If you’re using baby spinach, you can add it in the last minute of cooking since it wilts quickly.
- Other Greens: Try using Swiss chard, collard greens, or even cabbage if you’re out of kale or spinach.
4. Add Extra Hearty Ingredients:
- Potatoes: Dice a small potato and add it along with the other ingredients for added heartiness. Yukon gold or red potatoes work best as they hold their shape.
- Grains: To make it more filling, add a handful of uncooked quinoa, farro, or barley to the simmering soup. These will add both texture and substance.
5. Top it Off:
- Garnishes: A sprinkle of grated Parmesan, fresh parsley, or red pepper flakes can bring an extra pop of flavor and color.
- Croutons: Homemade croutons or a side of garlic bread make for a fantastic pairing, adding a satisfying crunch.
6. Storage and Reheating Tips:
- Store Leftovers: This soup keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if it’s thickened.
- Freezing: Freeze leftovers in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. If you’ve added pasta or potatoes, they may soften after freezing, but the flavor will still be great!
