Imagine a soup so rich and satisfying that it transforms an ordinary evening into a culinary adventure! This Sausage Kale Cannellini Bean Soup is not just a meal; it's a warm embrace on a chilly day, packed with robust flavors and nutritious ingredients that will make your taste buds dance. Perfect for those seeking a quick, delicious, and wholesome dish that brings the rustic charm of Italian cooking right to your dinner table.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups kale, chopped
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove the Italian sausage from its casing by slicing the casing lengthwise and crumbling the meat out.
- Heat a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the crumbled sausage and cook, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon, until it's browned and no longer pink, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Using a slotted spoon, transfer the browned sausage to a plate, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook in the sausage fat for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and slightly softened.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits for additional flavor.
- Return the browned sausage to the pot and add the drained and rinsed cannellini beans.
- Stir in the thyme, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Add the chopped kale and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the kale is tender but still bright green.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt and pepper to preference.
- Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve immediately, optionally garnishing with grated Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
Tips
- Choose high-quality Italian sausage for maximum flavor - fresh, locally sourced sausage can elevate the entire dish.
- Don't rush the sausage browning process; those caramelized bits create incredible depth of flavor.
- For extra richness, consider using homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought.
- Wash kale thoroughly and remove tough stems for the most tender result.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, you can lightly mash some cannellini beans to create a creamier texture.
- This soup tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance!
- Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan or a drizzle of good quality olive oil for an extra gourmet touch.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 222kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 16g
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 27mg
