Italian White Bean Soup with Kale (Printable)

Hearty Italian soup with spicy sausage, creamy beans, kale, and roasted garlic for comforting comfort in every bowl.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Meats

01 - 1 pound spicy Italian sausage, casings removed

→ Vegetables

02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 1 large yellow onion, diced
04 - 2 medium carrots, diced
05 - 2 celery stalks, diced
06 - 6 cloves garlic, peeled
07 - 1 bunch Tuscan kale, stems removed, leaves chopped

→ Beans

08 - 2 cans cannellini beans, 15 ounces each, drained and rinsed

→ Liquids

09 - 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
10 - 1 cup water

→ Herbs & Seasonings

11 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
12 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
13 - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
14 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Garnish

15 - Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
16 - Extra virgin olive oil
17 - Crusty bread for serving

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Place garlic cloves on foil, drizzle with olive oil, wrap, and roast for 20 minutes until soft and golden. Cool and mash into paste.
02 - Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add sausage, breaking apart with spoon, and cook for 6 to 8 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove with slotted spoon and set aside.
03 - Add remaining olive oil to pot, then add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 6 minutes until softened.
04 - Stir in mashed roasted garlic, thyme, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
05 - Add beans, cooked sausage, chicken broth, and water. Bring to boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes.
06 - Stir in chopped kale and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes until tender but vibrant.
07 - Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve hot, garnished with Parmesan, olive oil, and crusty bread.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Rich Flavor Profile: The combination of spicy sausage and roasted garlic creates a complex, savory base.
  • Hearty and Nutritious: Packed with protein from beans and sausage, plus the superfood benefits of Tuscan kale.
  • Quick and Easy: Despite its deep flavor, the active prep time is only 20 minutes, making it accessible for any home cook.
02 -
  • Don't Skip the Roast: Roasting the garlic is a small step that provides a significant depth of flavor that raw garlic cannot achieve.
  • Control the Texture: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash a few of the beans against the side of the pot during step 5.
  • Check Labels: Always check packaged products like sausage and broth for hidden allergens or gluten if you have dietary restrictions.
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