Sausage, Spinach, and White Bean Soup

There’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty soup to comfort you on a chilly day. This Sausage, Spinach, and White Bean Soup is a delightful blend of savory Italian sausage, nutritious spinach, and creamy white beans. Perfect for a family meal, it’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor. Let’s dive into the steps to create this delicious and nourishing soup.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) Italian sausage, thinly sliced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups (946ml) chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 cans (15 ounces each) white beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 4 cups (120g) fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Slice the Sausage: Thinly slice the Italian sausage and set it aside.
2. Dice the Vegetables: Dice the onion and carrots, and mince the garlic.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage

1. Heat a Large Pot: Place a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Cook the Sausage: Add the sliced sausage to the pot. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. Once browned, remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Sauté the Onion and Carrots: In the same pot, add the diced onion and carrots. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onions become translucent.
2. Add the Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

Step 4: Add the Broth and Tomatoes

1. Combine Ingredients: Add the diced tomatoes (with their juice) and the chicken or vegetable broth to the pot. Stir to combine.
2. Add the Seasonings: Stir in the dried thyme and oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Simmer the Soup

1. Bring to a Boil: Increase the heat to high and bring the soup to a boil.
2. Reduce Heat and Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 6: Add the Beans and Spinach

1. Add the Beans: After the soup has simmered for 20 minutes, add the drained and rinsed white beans to the pot. Stir to combine.
2. Add the Spinach: Stir in the roughly chopped spinach. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the spinach is wilted and tender.

Step 7: Adjust Seasonings and Serve

1. Taste and Adjust: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
2. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. Enjoy with a slice of crusty bread or a simple side salad.

Cooking Notes

• Sausage Variations: Feel free to use mild or hot Italian sausage, depending on your preference. You can also use turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner option.
• Broth Choice: Both chicken and vegetable broth work well for this recipe. Use homemade broth for an extra depth of flavor.
• Beans: Cannellini beans or Great Northern beans are ideal for this soup, but you can use any white beans you prefer.
• Spinach Substitute: If you don’t have spinach, you can substitute with kale or Swiss chard. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as these greens might take a bit longer to cook.

FAQs

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through.

Can I freeze this soup?

Absolutely. Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop.

Can I use dried beans instead of canned?

Yes, you can use dried beans. You’ll need to soak them overnight and cook them separately before adding them to the soup.

What can I serve with this soup?

This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, a side salad, or a simple sandwich.

Keto/Low Carb Version

To make a keto or low-carb version of this recipe:

• Use a sausage without added sugars or fillers.
• Substitute the white beans with an equivalent amount of additional vegetables like zucchini or cauliflower.

This Sausage, Spinach, and White Bean Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for any meal. With its rich, savory taste and nutritious ingredients, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Try this recipe and let the comforting aroma of homemade soup fill your kitchen. Enjoy the warmth and goodness in every spoonful! Don’t forget to share your experience and any variations you tried in the comments below!