Italian White Bean Soup with Kale (Printable)

Hearty Italian bowl with spicy sausage, creamy white beans, Tuscan kale, and roasted garlic in rich broth.

# Ingredient List:

→ Meats

01 - 1 lb spicy Italian sausage, casings removed

→ Vegetables

02 - 2 tbsp 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 (cavolo nero), stems removed, leaves chopped

→ Beans

08 - 2 cans (15 oz each) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

→ Liquids

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

→ Herbs & Seasonings

11 - 1 tsp dried thyme
12 - 1 tsp dried oregano
13 - 1/2 tsp 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

# How To Make:

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 - In a large Dutch oven, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook 6-8 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 6 minutes until softened.
04 - Stir in mashed roasted garlic, thyme, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Cook 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 continue simmering 10-12 minutes until kale is tender but vibrant.
07 - Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired.
08 - Ladle into bowls and garnish with Parmesan cheese, olive oil drizzle, and crusty bread.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • Simple cooking steps make it perfect for an easy yet impressive weeknight dinner.
  • Naturally gluten-free when prepared with the appropriate broth and sausage selections.
  • Packed with satisfying protein and fiber from the combination of beans and sausage.
  • Rich, complex flavors developed through slow-roasted garlic and traditional Italian herbs.
02 -
  • Roasting the garlic is essential for a mellow, sweet depth of flavor that defines the dish.
  • Use a large Dutch oven to ensure even heat distribution during the simmering process.
  • Rinse your canned beans thoroughly to control the sodium levels and keep the broth clear.
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