Description
Hearty Italian sausage bean soup delivers rustic comfort straight from Tuscany’s kitchens. Robust flavors of herbs, tender beans, and savory sausage create a soul-warming meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 4 strips bacon
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 small carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach, packed
Liquids and Seasonings:
- 4 (14 ounces/400 grams) cans cannellini beans, drained
- 4 cups (0.95 liters) chicken broth
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
Instructions
- Heat a large pot over medium-high heat and brown sausage and bacon until crisp and golden, approximately 15 minutes. Transfer meats to a plate, retaining 2 tablespoons of rendered fat in the pot.
- Sauté diced onions in the reserved fat for 3-5 minutes until translucent, then quickly stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in white beans, chicken broth, and selected herbs and spices. Use an immersion blender to partially puree the mixture, creating a slightly thickened base with some whole beans remaining.
- Reintroduce the crispy meats to the pot and add chopped carrots. Reduce heat and allow the soup to gently simmer for 15-20 minutes, letting flavors meld and liquid reduce slightly.
- Fold fresh spinach leaves into the hot soup, stirring until they wilt and turn bright green. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed before serving.
Notes
- Use lean sausage or turkey sausage for a healthier version of the soup, reducing overall fat content while maintaining rich flavor.
- Choose low-sodium broth to control salt intake, especially for those watching their sodium levels.
- Consider adding quinoa or barley for extra protein and texture, making the soup more filling and nutritionally balanced.
- Swap spinach with kale or Swiss chard for different nutrient profiles and slightly varied taste experience.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg