Warm up your kitchen and your soul with a bowl of Tuscan White Bean Sausage Kale Soup! This hearty Italian-inspired dish combines savory Italian sausage, creamy white beans, and vibrant kale into a comforting blend that’s perfect for chilly evenings. With just 45 minutes from prep to table, you’ll be amazed at how easily you can whip up a meal that feels like a cozy hug in a bowl. Ready to impress your family and friends with a dish that’s both nutritious and delicious? Dive into our recipe and discover the magic of Tuscan flavors!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cans white beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups chopped kale
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove the Italian sausage from its casing and break into small pieces. If the sausage is in links, simply slice it into bite-sized chunks.
- Heat a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until it's browned and crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the chopped onion to the pot with the sausage. Sauté until the onions become translucent and soft, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Mince the garlic and add it to the pot. Stir and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds until the garlic becomes fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Pour in the vegetable broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits for additional flavor.
- Drain and rinse the white beans thoroughly. Add them to the pot along with the dried thyme.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- While the soup is simmering, wash and chop the kale, removing the tough stems.
- Add the chopped kale to the soup and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until the kale is tender but still bright green.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Remove from heat and let the soup rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to further develop.
- Ladle into warm bowls and serve hot. Optional: Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
Tips
- Quality Sausage Matters: Choose high-quality Italian sausage for the best flavor. You can use sweet or spicy sausage depending on your taste preference!
- Customize Your Greens: If you don’t have kale on hand, feel free to substitute with Swiss chard or spinach for a different twist.
- Add More Veggies: For added nutrition and flavor, consider tossing in diced carrots or celery along with the onions.
- Let It Simmer: Allowing the soup to simmer longer than the suggested time will enhance the flavors, making it even more delicious.
- Garnish for Extra Flavor: A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil on top before serving can elevate your soup to the next level.
- Make It Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day! Make a big batch and store leftovers in the fridge for a quick meal later.
- Serve with Bread: Pair your soup with crusty Italian bread or a side salad for a complete meal that will satisfy your cravings.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 40mg
