Easy Tuscan White Bean and Sausage Soup Recipe
Recipe Overview
If you’re on the lookout for a comforting and flavorful dish, look no further than this easy Tuscan white bean and sausage soup recipe. Originating from Tuscany, this soup is a beautiful blend of creamy white beans, hearty sausage, and aromatic herbs that come together to create a divine bowl of goodness. Not only is it rich in flavor, but it also brings warmth and comfort, making it the perfect meal for chilly nights or a lovely addition to your family dinner table. You’ll love how easy it is to whip this up at home, especially with our tips for making homemade Tuscan white bean and sausage soup from scratch!
This soup is not only easy to make, but it is also highly adaptable. For those looking for healthier options, we provide suggestions for a vegan Tuscan white bean and sausage soup, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delicious dish. With simple ingredients that offer wholesome nutrition, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Serving Size: 6 servings
Ingredients
For this robust Tuscan white bean and sausage soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Soup:
- 1 pound Italian sausage (remove casing, if needed)
- 2 cans (15 oz each) cannellini beans (rinsed and drained)
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 medium carrots (diced)
- 2 celery stalks (diced)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 cups fresh kale (stems removed and torn into pieces)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
- Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Possible Swaps/Substitutions:
- For a vegetarian option, substitute Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or mushrooms.
- Use almond milk instead of whole milk for a dairy-free version of the soup.
- Replace kale with spinach or Swiss chard, depending on your preference.
Equipment List
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Chopping board
- Sharp knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Canned bean strainer or colander
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Serving bowls
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat the Pot: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Wait until the oil shimmers, which indicates it’s hot enough for cooking.
- Add the Sausage: Remove the casings from the Italian sausage links. Add the sausage to the pot, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until no longer pink.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Once the sausage is browned, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Stir in the minced garlic, and sauté everything together for another 5 minutes, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Introduce the Beans and Broth: Stir in the rinsed and drained cannellini beans, then pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Season the Soup: Add dried oregano, dried thyme, and season with salt and pepper. Lower the heat and let it simmer uncovered for approximately 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Add the Kale: Stir in the torn kale and simmer for an additional 5 minutes, or until the kale has wilted down and has become tender.
- Final Adjustments: Taste the soup, adding more salt and pepper if necessary. If you prefer a thicker texture, mash a small portion of the beans against the side of the pot, which will create a creamier consistency.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. If desired, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving.
Special Notes
To store leftovers, allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Ideally, it can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, if the soup looks too thick, just add a splash of broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
For those who find the soup too spicy, including the Italian sausage, you can opt for a mild sausage version or use a blend of ground pork and herbs for a more subtle flavor.
Variations and Customizations
This Tuscan soup can be customized easily to suit various dietary preferences:
- Gluten-Free: The recipe is naturally gluten-free, just ensure the broth is gluten-free as well.
- Vegan Option: For a vegan Tuscan white bean and sausage soup, omit the sausage and use an additional can of cannellini beans, or sauté mushrooms for added depth of flavor.
- Low-Carb: Replace the beans with diced zucchini or cauliflower to make it a low-carb dish.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (approximately):
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 20g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
Engaging Visual Details
As you cook, the aroma of sautéed garlic and sausage will swirl through your kitchen, making your mouth water. The vibrant colors of the fresh vegetables paired with the creamy white beans create a dish that is visually appealing, too. Once served, the steaming bowl of soup topped with a sprinkle of parsley creates not only a feast for the palate but also for the eyes. You may want to capture a few photos at this stage to showcase the beautiful presentation!
Conclusion
This easy Tuscan white bean and sausage soup recipe is a hearty, wholesome dish perfect for any occasion. With its rich flavors and delightful textures, it’s bound to warm your heart and soul. We encourage you to give this comforting recipe a try, and don’t forget to leave a comment below if you tried this recipe! Share your delicious creations on Instagram and tag us with MyDeliciousDish. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
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