White Bean and Sausage Soup Recipe

White Bean and Sausage Soup is a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for cozy nights or quick weeknight dinners. Packed with protein-rich beans, savory sausage, and aromatic herbs, this soup is as comforting as it is delicious. Its versatility allows you to adapt it with different greens or spices, making it a recipe you’ll come back to time and time again.

Ingredients

For the Soup:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb (450 g) Italian sausage (mild, spicy, or turkey sausage, casing removed)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• 4 cups (1 liter) chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans (such as cannellini or great northern), rinsed and drained
• 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Garnishes:

• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Crusty bread or garlic bread on the side
• Fresh parsley, chopped

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it into small pieces, until browned and fully cooked (about 5–7 minutes).
3. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

1. In the same pot, add the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
2. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Add the Broth and Herbs

1. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth.
2. Add the thyme, rosemary, smoked paprika, and cooked sausage. Stir to combine.

Step 4: Simmer and Add Beans

1. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes.
2. Add the white beans and cook for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 5: Stir in Greens

1. Add the spinach or kale and cook for 2–3 minutes until wilted.
2. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 6: Serve

1. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese or fresh parsley if desired.
2. Serve hot with crusty bread or garlic bread on the side.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Suggestions:

• Pair the soup with a green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
• Serve with a drizzle of olive oil or a squeeze of lemon for added freshness.

Storage:

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

Helpful Notes

• Sausage Options: Use turkey sausage for a leaner option or substitute plant-based sausage for a vegetarian version.
• Beans: Cannellini beans are classic, but navy beans or chickpeas work just as well.
• Thickness: For a thicker soup, mash a portion of the beans before adding them to the pot.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

1. Giada De Laurentiis suggests adding a splash of white wine while sautéing the vegetables for a richer depth of flavor.
2. Ina Garten recommends using homemade chicken stock to elevate the taste of the soup.
3. Jamie Oliver advises toasting a piece of bread, rubbing it with garlic, and floating it on top of the soup for a rustic touch.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use dried beans instead of canned?

Yes, soak dried beans overnight and cook them until tender before adding to the soup.

2. Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes, as long as your sausage and broth are gluten-free.

3. What other greens can I use?

Swiss chard, collard greens, or even arugula work well.

4. Can I make this soup spicy?

Use spicy sausage or add a pinch of red chili flakes for some heat.

5. What can I do if the soup is too salty?

Add a splash of water or unsalted broth to dilute the saltiness.

6. How can I make it dairy-free?

Simply omit the Parmesan cheese garnish.

7. Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?

Yes, vegetable broth is a great alternative for a lighter, vegetarian-friendly soup.

8. How do I reheat the soup?

Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave in 1-minute increments.

9. Can I add pasta to this soup?

Absolutely! Small pasta shapes like ditalini or orzo pair beautifully. Cook them separately and add them when serving.

10. What’s the best way to enhance the flavor?

Use fresh herbs, quality broth, and a squeeze of lemon or dash of vinegar at the end to brighten the flavors.