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To make a great Italian sausage white bean soup, you need some key items: - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil - 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy) - 1 medium onion, finely diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 2 medium carrots, diced - 2 celery stalks, diced - 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth - 1 can (15 oz) white beans (like cannellini or great northern) - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with their juices - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 2 cups fresh spinach (or kale), roughly chopped - Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) You can add a few things to boost the taste of your soup: - Grated Parmesan cheese for a rich finish - Red pepper flakes for extra spice - Lemon juice for a bright touch - Fresh herbs like basil or thyme for added aroma When picking Italian sausage, consider these tips: - Mild sausage gives a soft flavor, perfect for families. - Spicy sausage adds a nice kick if you like heat. - Check the meat's quality; fresh sausage is best. - Look for natural casings for better texture. - Try local brands for unique flavors. These choices will help you create a soup full of warmth and richness. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by gathering all your ingredients. This helps keep things neat and easy. You will need: - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil - 1 pound Italian sausage - 1 medium onion, finely diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 2 medium carrots, diced - 2 celery stalks, diced - 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth - 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, roughly chopped - Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper - Fresh parsley, chopped - Grated Parmesan cheese (optional) Make sure to wash your veggies. Dice the onion, carrots, and celery. Mince the garlic. Drain and rinse the beans. This step makes cooking smoother. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once it shimmers, add the Italian sausage. Use a wooden spoon to break it into smaller pieces. Cook for about 5-7 minutes. Look for a nice golden color. Next, stir in the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté these for about 5 minutes. Watch for the onion to turn translucent. This step helps build flavor. Add the minced garlic to the pot. Cook for 1 more minute until it smells great. Then, pour in the broth along with the white beans and diced tomatoes. Sprinkle in the oregano and thyme. Stir well to mix everything. Increase the heat a bit and bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally to help the flavors blend. Before serving, fold in the fresh spinach or kale. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until the greens are just wilted. Taste the soup and add sea salt and black pepper to your liking. Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish each bowl with fresh parsley. If you like, add grated Parmesan cheese on top for a rich finish. Enjoy your hearty Italian sausage white bean soup! To boost the flavor, try adding some fresh herbs. A few sprigs of thyme or basil will brighten the soup. You can also add a splash of lemon juice just before serving. It lifts the flavors and adds a nice zing. Don't forget to taste as you cook. Adjust salt and pepper to your liking. If you want more heat, add red pepper flakes. When cooking Italian sausage, choose a large pot. Use medium heat to brown the sausage evenly. Crumble it as it cooks. This helps it brown nicely and adds texture. For extra flavor, try using a mix of mild and spicy sausage. This gives more depth to your soup. Remember to drain excess fat after browning, but keep some for flavor. You will need a heavy-bottomed pot for even cooking. A wooden spoon is great for stirring and crumbling the sausage. Use a sharp knife for chopping veggies. A cutting board is essential too. If you have a ladle, it makes serving the soup easier. Lastly, keep a measuring spoon handy for accurate spice measurements. Pro Tips Choose the Right Sausage: Opt for high-quality Italian sausage for the best flavor. If you're unsure, taste a small piece before adding it to the pot to gauge the spice level. Layer Your Flavors: Sautéing the vegetables before adding the broth enhances the soup's depth. Don't rush this step; let the onions caramelize slightly for added sweetness. Beans for Texture: If you want a creamier soup, mash some of the white beans with a fork before adding them to the pot. This will help thicken the soup without needing flour or cream. Fresh Herbs Matter: Always use fresh parsley for garnishing at the end. It not only adds a pop of color but also brightens the soup's flavor profile significantly. {{image_4}} You can easily make a vegetarian version of this soup. Replace the Italian sausage with a meat substitute. Options like lentils or mushrooms work well. Lentils add protein and a nice texture. Mushrooms give a hearty feel, just like sausage. Use the same spices to keep the flavor strong. You can also add more veggies like zucchini or bell peppers. Choosing between spicy and mild sausage can change your soup's vibe. If you want a kick, go for spicy sausage. It adds heat and depth. Mild sausage gives a softer flavor, perfect for kids or those who dislike spice. You can mix both types too. This way, everyone can enjoy their own bowl. Feel free to get creative with add-ins! You can toss in different greens like Swiss chard or arugula. These leafy greens will add color and nutrition. Want more fiber? Add some diced sweet potatoes or corn. For extra creaminess, stir in a splash of cream or coconut milk. Each change brings a new taste to this hearty soup. After making Italian sausage white bean soup, you may have some leftovers. To store them, let the soup cool down first. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. This helps keep the soup fresh. Make sure to store it in the fridge if you plan to eat it within a few days. Use it within three to four days for the best taste. If you want to save the soup for later, freezing is a great option. Pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or bags. Leave some space at the top, as the soup will expand when it freezes. Be sure to seal the containers tightly to avoid freezer burn. You can freeze the soup for up to three months. Label the containers with the date to keep track of freshness. When you're ready to enjoy the soup again, thaw it in the fridge overnight. For reheating, pour the soup into a pot and heat it over medium-low heat. Stir it often to avoid burning. You can also add a splash of broth or water if it seems thick. For a quick option, use the microwave. Heat it in short intervals, stirring in between. This keeps the flavors bright and the texture just right. Enjoy your warm, hearty soup! Yes, you can use many types of beans in this soup. White beans like cannellini or great northern work best. However, you can also try black beans, kidney beans, or pinto beans. Each bean adds a unique taste and texture. Just remember to drain and rinse canned beans before adding them to the soup. This helps remove any extra salt or preservatives. This soup pairs well with many sides. You can serve it with crusty bread or warm rolls. A fresh green salad also makes a great addition. For a simple touch, try a sprinkle of Parmesan on top. This adds a nice, rich flavor. You could also include a side of garlic bread for an extra treat. Italian Sausage White Bean Soup lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Just remember to let it cool before you freeze it. When ready to eat, simply thaw and reheat. In this blog post, we explored the key ingredients and steps to make Italian Sausage White Bean Soup. From essential and optional ingredients to tips on choosing the best sausage, you have a full guide at your fingertips. I shared ways to enhance the flavor and offered fun variations like vegetarian options. Remember, proper storage is crucial to keep leftovers tasty. This soup is satisfying and easy to make, so enjoy every bowlful on your next chilly day!

Hearty Italian Sausage & White Bean Soup

A comforting and flavorful soup made with Italian sausage, white beans, and fresh vegetables.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 pound Italian sausage
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 can white beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can diced tomatoes, with their juices
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
  • to taste sea salt
  • to taste freshly ground black pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped
  • optional grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

  • In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
  • Add the Italian sausage to the pot. Use a wooden spoon to crumble the sausage into smaller pieces as it cooks. Brown the sausage thoroughly, approximately 5-7 minutes, until it develops a golden crust.
  • Once the sausage is nicely browned, stir in the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté these aromatic vegetables for about 5 minutes, or until they soften and the onion becomes translucent, releasing their natural sweetness.
  • Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.
  • Carefully pour in the broth and add the drained white beans and diced tomatoes (with their liquid). Sprinkle in the dried oregano and thyme, then stir everything together to combine.
  • Increase the heat slightly and bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, so the flavors can meld beautifully.
  • Just before serving, fold in the fresh spinach (or kale) and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the greens are just wilted and vibrant.
  • Taste the soup and season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your preference.
  • Ladle the soup into bowls while hot, garnishing each serving with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and, if desired, a generous dusting of grated Parmesan cheese on top for a rich finish.

Notes

Use low-sodium broth for a healthier option.
Keyword beans, healthy, Italian, sausage, soup