The allure of a hearty and wholesome bowl of Sausage White Bean Soup is undeniable, especially as the weather turns chilly. This delectable soup combines the robust flavors of spicy Italian sausage with the creaminess of white beans to create a comforting and nourishing meal. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just venturing into culinary explorations, this recipe is simplicity at its finest, offering both ease and taste. The use of one pot not only makes for a quick cleanup but also allows the layered flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a beloved dish that’s perfect for any night of the week.
This soup is the epitome of versatility, as the ingredients can be adjusted to suit your family’s preferences. Vegetables like carrots and spinach bring in wholesome nutrition, while the addition of Italian seasoning or Herbes de Provence adds a fragrant touch. With just a hint of red pepper flakes, you can adjust the heat to your liking, making this dish a perfect canvas for customization. With its balanced nutrient profile, this soup can stand alone as a fulfilling meal or be paired with a fresh loaf of bread for a satisfying culinary experience. Dive into a bowl of Sausage White Bean Soup, and savor the delight of fall and winter evenings in every spoonful.
Why You’ll Love This Sausage White Bean Soup
This Sausage White Bean Soup is bound to become a family favorite because:
- It’s a one-pot wonder, making cleanup a breeze.
- The soup is packed with hearty ingredients that provide various minerals and nutrients.
- Customizable to match different taste buds — spice it up or keep it mild.
- The silky texture from the heavy cream makes it rich yet comforting.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before you embark on cooking this delightful soup, organizing your kitchen space is essential for a seamless experience. Start by gathering a large soup pot or Dutch oven, ideal for evenly cooking the ingredients in one vessel. Ensure you have a sharp chef’s knife ready for precise chopping of vegetables like onions and carrots, as well as mincing the garlic. A sturdy wooden spoon for stirring is a must-have to move around those chunks of sausage and beans easily, while avoiding scratches if your pot is non-stick. Also, have a measuring cup and spoon at the ready for your stock and spices respectively. Don’t forget a blender or potato masher if you plan to thicken your soup by blending the second half of the beans. A can opener will be needed too for the canned cannellini beans.
Ingredients
- 19 oz spicy Italian sausage, crumbled
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning or Herbes de Provence
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 15 oz canned cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 5 oz fresh spinach
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics and Sausage
Begin by heating your pot over medium heat. Add the crumbled spicy Italian sausage, allowing the fat to render slightly, which helps to cook the other ingredients. Once the sausage starts to brown, incorporate the chopped onion, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, fresh thyme, and optional red pepper flakes. Cook this mixture for about 5 minutes, or until the onion softens and turns translucent.
Step 2: Incorporate Carrots and Beans
With a wooden spoon, stir in the sliced carrots and half of the rinsed and drained cannellini beans. Pour in the chicken stock and turn the heat up to bring the mixture to a boil. This step helps in amalgamating the flavors richer into the broth.
Step 3: Simmer the Soup
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Allow the soup to simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, letting the carrots soften until they are tender and flavorful.
Step 4: Add Spinach and Finalize Beans
Now, add the fresh spinach and remaining beans to the pot, letting the spinach wilt gently over a low flame. For a thicker consistency, you can mash these beans with some of the broth before adding them in.
Step 5: Final Touch of Cream
Remove the soup from heat and slowly stir in the heavy cream. This final touch adds a silky, luxurious texture to your soup. You may adjust the soup’s consistency with additional broth or cream as desired.
Step 6: Season and Serve
Season your soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If you prefer more heat, add more red pepper flakes. Top with fresh thyme and enjoy your hot bowl of comfort soup.
Variations
- Protein: Swap sausage for turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter version.
- Vegetables: Incorporate kale or Swiss chard instead of spinach for a different leafy green.
- Spices: Add a smoked paprika or cumin for a smoky layer of depth.
Cooking Notes
- Make sure to crumble the sausage into small pieces for more even bites throughout the soup.
- For an extra creamy consistency, consider blending half the beans with the broth.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with crusty bread to soak up the rich, flavorful broth.
- A light green salad complements the hearty soup beautifully for a balanced meal.
Tips
- Feel free to use any beans you have on hand if cannellini beans are unavailable.
- Make the soup ahead of time; it tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld further.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 450 per serving
- Protein: 25g per serving
- Sodium: 950mg per serving
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes! You can use any sausage like turkey or chicken sausage for varied flavors and a potentially lower fat content.
What can I do if the soup is too thick?
Simply add more chicken broth or water to achieve your preferred consistency.
How can I store leftover soup?
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative for creaminess.
Conclusion
Savoring a warm bowl of Sausage White Bean Soup is the perfect way to welcome the cooler months. With its variety of flavors and hearty ingredients, it promises more than just nourishment; it’s an experience of comfort. So the next time you’re in need of a culinary pick-me-up, reach for this reliable recipe. Share your kitchen triumphs by trying different variations, leaving comments, or spreading the warmth by sharing this recipe with family and friends. Dive into the full-bodied flavors and make your next meal feel like a cozy hug in a bowl.
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Sausage White Bean Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
The allure of a hearty and wholesome bowl of Sausage White Bean Soup is undeniable, especially as the weather turns chilly.
Ingredients
- 19 oz spicy Italian sausage, crumbled
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning or Herbes de Provence
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 15 oz canned cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 5 oz fresh spinach
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Begin by heating your pot over medium heat. Add the crumbled spicy Italian sausage, allowing the fat to render slightly, which helps to cook the other ingredients. Once the sausage starts to brown, incorporate the chopped onion, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, fresh thyme, and optional red pepper flakes. Cook this mixture for about 5 minutes, or until the onion softens and turns translucent.
- With a wooden spoon, stir in the sliced carrots and half of the rinsed and drained cannellini beans. Pour in the chicken stock and turn the heat up to bring the mixture to a boil. This step helps in amalgamating the flavors richer into the broth.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Allow the soup to simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, letting the carrots soften until they are tender and flavorful.
- Now, add the fresh spinach and remaining beans to the pot, letting the spinach wilt gently over a low flame. For a thicker consistency, you can mash these beans with some of the broth before adding them in.
- Remove the soup from heat and slowly stir in the heavy cream. This final touch adds a silky, luxurious texture to your soup. You may adjust the soup’s consistency with additional broth or cream as desired.
- Season your soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If you prefer more heat, add more red pepper flakes. Top with fresh thyme and enjoy your hot bowl of comfort soup.
Notes
Make sure to crumble the sausage into small pieces for more even bites throughout the soup. For an extra creamy consistency, consider blending half the beans with the broth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Protein: 25 g