Get ready to transform your kitchen into a rustic Italian trattoria with this soul-warming Tuscan White Bean Sausage Soup! Imagine a steaming bowl of rich, flavorful goodness that combines the robust taste of Italian sausage, creamy white beans, and tender spinach - all simmered to perfection in just 35 minutes. This isn't just a soup; it's a culinary escape that will transport your taste buds straight to the rolling hills of Tuscany, without leaving the comfort of your home.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (15 ounces) white beans, drained
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1 teaspoon rosemary
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Remove Italian sausage from casings and crumble the meat into a large soup pot or Dutch oven. Place over medium-high heat and cook until the sausage is fully browned and no pink remains, breaking it into small pieces while cooking.
- Add diced onions to the pot with the browned sausage. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onions become translucent and slightly softened, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Mince the garlic and add it to the pot. Cook for an additional 30-45 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent garlic from burning, which can create a bitter taste.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and add the drained white beans. Stir to combine all ingredients and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add the chopped rosemary, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat to medium-low and let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- In the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, stir in the chopped spinach and let it wilt into the soup.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. The soup should have a rich, hearty flavor with a balance of herbs and spices.
- Ladle the hot soup into serving bowls. For extra flavor, optionally garnish with grated Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of good quality olive oil.
Tips
- Meat Matters: Choose high-quality Italian sausage for the best flavor. Remove casings and crumble the meat for even cooking.
- Prevent Burning: When sautéing garlic, keep it moving and watch carefully - it can quickly go from fragrant to bitter.
- Flavor Layering: Brown the sausage first to develop deep, rich flavors before adding other ingredients.
- Simmer Slowly: Let the soup simmer gently to allow herbs and spices to fully infuse the broth.
- Fresh is Best: Use fresh rosemary if possible, and add spinach at the last moment to keep it vibrant and nutritious.
- Optional Upgrades: Enhance the soup with a sprinkle of Parmesan or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil before serving.
- Make Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to prepare it in advance!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 418kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 80mg
