Savor the warmth of this delightful Sausage White Bean Soup, packed with protein-rich white beans, flavorful sausage, vibrant spinach, and sweet carrots. Perfect for chilly days or whenever you need a nourishing bowl of goodness, this soup is easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy. Serve it with crusty bread for a complete meal!
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, your choice)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans (such as cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon (optional)
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Sauté the Sausage:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same pot, add the diced onion and sliced carrots. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion is translucent and the carrots start to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Return the cooked sausage to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth and add the rinsed white beans, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- Add Spinach:
- Stir in the chopped spinach and let it wilt in the hot soup for about 2-3 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired.
- Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls, garnishing with fresh parsley or basil if desired. Enjoy warm with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.