Imagine a soup so hearty and delicious that it instantly transports you to a cozy Italian kitchen, where comfort meets flavor in every single spoonful. This Easy White Bean Kale Sausage Soup is not just a meal—it's a culinary embrace that promises to chase away the chills, satisfy your hunger, and leave you feeling completely nourished. With tender Italian sausage, creamy white beans, and nutrient-packed kale, this one-pot wonder is about to become your new go-to recipe for those days when you crave something truly soul-warming and effortlessly delicious.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 can white beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups kale, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove Italian sausage from casings and crumble the meat into a large soup pot or Dutch oven.
- Place the pot over medium-high heat and cook the sausage, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon, until it is fully browned and no pink remains, approximately 6-8 minutes.
- Add chopped onions to the pot and sauté with the sausage until the onions become translucent and soft, about 3-4 minutes.
- Mince the garlic and add it to the pot, stirring quickly to prevent burning, and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot for added flavor.
- Add the drained and rinsed white beans to the pot along with the dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and let the soup simmer for approximately 30-40 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Wash and chop the kale, removing any tough stems, and add it to the soup during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve hot in deep bowls, optionally garnishing with grated Parmesan cheese or fresh parsley.
Tips
- For maximum flavor, use fresh Italian sausage and break it into small, uniform pieces while browning.
- Don't rush the sautéing process—letting the sausage and onions caramelize will develop deeper, richer flavors.
- Use fresh kale and remove the tough stems for the best texture.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the white beans against the pot's side to create a creamier consistency.
- This soup tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance.
- For added depth, consider deglazing the pot with a splash of white wine after browning the sausage.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt level in your soup.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an extra flavor boost.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 55mg
