Save Tuscan White Bean Sausage Soup is a hearty, rustic Italian dish that brings warmth and comfort to any table. Featuring savory sausage, creamy cannellini beans, and tender kale, this soup is simmered with aromatic vegetables and traditional Italian herbs in a rich chicken broth for a deeply satisfying meal.
Save The combination of Yukon Gold potatoes and cannellini beans creates a wonderful texture, while the dried oregano, basil, and thyme infuse the chicken broth with classic Mediterranean flavors.
Ingredients
- Meats: 1 lb (450 g) Italian sausage, casings removed (mild or spicy)
- Vegetables: 1 large yellow onion, diced; 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups (about 100 g) chopped kale, stems removed; 2 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, diced; 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can diced tomatoes, drained (optional)
- Beans: 2 (15 oz / 425 g each) cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- Broth & Liquids: 6 cups (1.5 L) low-sodium chicken broth
- Herbs & Seasonings: 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp dried basil; 1/2 tsp dried thyme; 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Finish: 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil; Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- 1. Brown the Sausage
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes. Transfer sausage to a plate, leaving fat in the pot.
- 2. Sauté Aromatics
- 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.
- 3. Combine Ingredients
- Return the sausage to the pot. Add potatoes, cannellini beans, diced tomatoes (if using), chicken broth, oregano, basil, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.
- 4. Simmer the Soup
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 20 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
- 5. Wilt the Kale
- Stir in the kale and simmer uncovered for 5–7 minutes, until the kale is wilted and tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- 6. Serve
- Serve hot, garnished with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For an extra layer of savory depth, add a Parmesan rind to the pot while the soup is simmering. This traditional Italian trick infuses the broth with rich, salty notes. Just remember to remove and discard the rind before serving.
Varianten und Anpassungen
This recipe is easily adaptable for different diets. For a vegetarian version, simply substitute the Italian sausage with a plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. To ensure the dish is gluten-free, always double-check the labels on your sausage and broth brands.
Serviervorschläge
This hearty soup is best served steaming hot in large bowls. Top with a generous dusting of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and serve alongside a piece of crusty bread, which is perfect for soaking up the aromatic broth.
Save Whether you are looking for a simple weeknight dinner or a rustic dish to share with friends, this Tuscan White Bean Sausage Soup provides a wholesome and delicious taste of Italian home cooking.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, substitute plant-based Italian sausage for meat sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The flavor profile remains deliciously hearty and satisfying.
- → How should I store leftovers?
Store cooled soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve overnight as the ingredients meld together.
- → What can I serve with this soup?
Crusty bread or garlic bread makes an excellent accompaniment for soaking up the flavorful broth. A simple green salad with vinaigrette complements the hearty soup beautifully.
- → Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if needed.
- → How do I make it spicier?
Use spicy Italian sausage instead of mild, or increase the crushed red pepper flakes to 1 teaspoon. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- → What other greens can I use?
Spinach, Swiss chard, or escarole work well as substitutes for kale. Add them in the last few minutes of cooking until wilted, just as you would the kale.