Tuscan White Bean Sausage Soup (Printable version)

Hearty Italian soup with sausage, white beans, kale, and potatoes in aromatic chicken broth.

# Ingredient List:

→ Meats

01 - 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed (mild or spicy)

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 large yellow onion, diced
03 - 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
04 - 2 celery stalks, diced
05 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 2 cups chopped kale, stems removed
07 - 2 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, diced
08 - 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, drained (optional)

→ Beans

09 - 2 cans (15 oz each) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

→ Broth & Liquids

10 - 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth

→ Herbs & Seasonings

11 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
12 - 1 teaspoon dried basil
13 - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
14 - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
15 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Finish

16 - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
17 - Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

# How-To Steps:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes. Transfer to a plate, leaving fat in the pot.
02 - Add onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Return sausage to the pot. Add potatoes, cannellini beans, diced tomatoes if using, chicken broth, oregano, basil, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine thoroughly.
04 - Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 20 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
05 - Stir in the kale and simmer uncovered for 5 to 7 minutes, until the kale is wilted and tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
06 - Ladle into bowls and serve hot. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It turns humble pantry staples like canned beans into a luxurious meal that tastes like you spent all day hovering over the stove.
  • The combination of spicy sausage and creamy potatoes creates a balance of textures that satisfies even the pickiest eaters in the house.
02 -
  • Adding a leftover Parmesan rind to the broth while it simmers adds an incredible depth of umami that you cannot get from spices alone.
  • If you find the soup too thick, a splash of water or extra broth at the end will loosen it up without losing flavor.
03 -
  • Sauté your dried herbs with the vegetables for thirty seconds to wake up their oils before adding the liquid.
  • Always rinse your canned beans thoroughly to remove the metallic taste and excess starch from the canning liquid.
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