Italian White Bean Soup with Kale and Sausage (Printable version)

Hearty soup with spicy sausage, creamy white beans, and Tuscan kale in a rich broth.

# Ingredient List:

→ Meats

01 - 1 lb spicy Italian sausage, casings removed

→ Vegetables

02 - 2 tbsp olive oil
03 - 1 large yellow onion, diced
04 - 2 medium carrots, diced
05 - 2 celery stalks, diced
06 - 6 cloves garlic, peeled
07 - 1 bunch Tuscan kale, stems removed, leaves chopped (approximately 6 oz)

→ Beans

08 - 2 cans cannellini beans or Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed (15 oz each)

→ Liquids

09 - 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
10 - 1 cup water

→ Herbs & Seasonings

11 - 1 tsp dried thyme
12 - 1 tsp dried oregano
13 - 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes, optional
14 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Garnish

15 - Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, optional
16 - Extra virgin olive oil, optional
17 - Crusty bread for serving, optional

# How-To Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Place garlic cloves on foil, drizzle with olive oil, wrap, and roast for 20 minutes until soft and golden. Cool, then mash into paste.
02 - Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add sausage, breaking apart with spoon, and cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove with slotted spoon and set aside.
03 - Add remaining olive oil to pot, then add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 6 minutes until softened.
04 - Stir in mashed roasted garlic, thyme, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
05 - Add beans, cooked sausage, chicken broth, and water. Bring to boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes.
06 - Stir in chopped kale and continue simmering for 10-12 minutes until kale is tender and vibrant.
07 - Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired.
08 - Ladle hot soup into bowls and garnish with Parmesan cheese, drizzle of olive oil, and crusty bread if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The roasted garlic melts into the broth creating depth that tastes like it simmered all day
  • Spicy sausage brings just enough heat to warm you through without overwhelming the gentle beans
  • Kale holds its texture beautifully, making leftovers taste even better the next day
02 -
  • Roasting the garlic ahead adds 20 minutes but transforms the soup from good to unforgettable
  • Kale needs to be added last or it will turn gray and mushy, losing its beautiful texture
  • The soup continues to thicken as it sits, so add more water or broth when reheating leftovers
03 -
  • Dice your vegetables to the same size so they cook evenly and look beautiful in every spoonful
  • Taste your sausage before adding extra salt at the end, some brands are much saltier than others
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