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Hearty Italian Sausage and Kale White Bean Soup

Italian sausage and kale white bean soup - featured image
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A warm and comforting soup featuring spicy Italian sausage, peppery kale, and creamy white beans simmered in a flavorful broth. Perfect for cold days and quick weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed (spicy or mild)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 6 cups chopped kale, tough stems removed (curly or Tuscan kale recommended)
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
  • 6 cups chicken broth (homemade or low-sodium store-bought)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme mix)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Chop the onion, carrots, celery, and kale. Mince the garlic and rinse the white beans under cold water. (10-15 minutes)
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon or spatula. Cook for 7-8 minutes until browned and no longer pink.
  3. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot with the sausage. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring constantly.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to lift browned bits. Add diced tomatoes (if using), dried Italian herbs, and red pepper flakes. Stir and bring to a gentle boil.
  5. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes to meld flavors and soften vegetables.
  6. Stir in the rinsed white beans and chopped kale. Cook for 5-8 minutes until kale is tender but vibrant green.
  7. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper gradually, tasting as you go.
  8. Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Brown the sausage properly by letting it sit undisturbed for a couple of minutes before stirring to get a good sear and caramelized flavor. Add kale late in cooking to keep it vibrant and slightly chewy. Adjust seasoning at the end to avoid over-salting due to sausage and broth. For a thicker soup, simmer uncovered longer; for thinner, add more broth or water. Can substitute other greens or beans as desired. For gluten-free, verify sausage brand. This recipe is naturally dairy-free.

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian sausage soup, kale soup, white bean soup, hearty soup, easy soup recipe, cold weather soup, comfort food

Find it online: https://realityeats.com/hearty-italian-sausage-and-kale-white-bean-soup-easy-recipe-for-cold-days/