Hearty White Bean Sausage Soup 🌿🥘

This comforting and flavorful soup is perfect for chilly evenings! With a blend of creamy white beans, zesty sausage, and fresh vegetables, it's not only delicious but also a great way to warm up after a long day. You can customize it with your favorite greens or spices for a unique twist. Pair it with crusty bread for dipping, and you’ve got a meal that will please the whole family! 🍞✨

Ingredients

For the soup base

• 1 lb Italian sausage (spicy or mild, your choice)
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the finishing touch

• 2 cups kale or spinach, chopped
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

• In a large pot, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces. Once done, remove the sausage and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pot.

🌶️ If you desire extra heat, feel free to use a spicy Italian sausage for a kick!

• Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently.

• Pour in the diced tomatoes, broth, and rinsed white beans. Stir in the oregano, thyme, and season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes.

🍂 This simmering time allows all those delicious flavors to meld together!

• After 20 minutes, return the cooked sausage to the pot and stir in the chopped kale or spinach. Cook for another 5-10 minutes until the greens are wilted and tender.

• Just before serving, squeeze in the juice of one lemon to brighten the flavors. Adjust seasoning if necessary.

• Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

🌟 For added flavor, consider drizzling a touch of olive oil over the top before serving!

Variations

• Vegetarian/Vegan: Substitute the sausage with plant-based sausage or mushrooms for a meaty texture. Use vegetable broth to keep it vegan! 🌱
• Spicy Kick: Add a dash of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño when sautéing the vegetables for additional heat.
• Herbaceous: Toss in a bay leaf during the simmering stage for an extra depth of flavor. Just remember to remove it before serving!
• Beans Variety: Mix it up with different types of beans like navy or pinto beans for a unique texture and taste.

Enjoy your deliciously hearty bowl of White Bean Sausage Soup! 🍲❤️