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Best White Bean and Kale Soup Recipe with Sausage

white bean and kale soup - featured image

A hearty and comforting soup made with savory sausage, creamy white beans, and fresh kale, perfect for chilly days.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 pound Italian sausage, mild or spicy, sliced into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 yellow onion, diced finely
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 carrots, sliced into rounds or diced
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 6 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
  • 2 cans white beans (Cannellini or Great Northern beans), drained and rinsed
  • 4 cups fresh kale, chopped
  • 1 can diced tomatoes (14 ounces)
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage and set it aside.
  2. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, chopped carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and the onions become translucent.
  3. Pour in the chicken broth (or vegetable broth), diced tomatoes, and bay leaves. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot for added flavor.
  4. Add the white beans to the pot and bring everything to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
  5. Stir in the chopped kale and cooked sausage. Let the soup simmer for another 5-10 minutes, or until the kale is tender and vibrant.
  6. Season the soup with salt, pepper, and thyme to taste. If you prefer a thicker soup, you can use a potato masher to mash some of the beans right in the pot.
  7. Serve hot with grated Parmesan cheese on top, if desired. Pair with crusty bread for a truly comforting meal.

Notes

[‘Use fresh kale for the best texture and taste.’, ‘Take extra time to properly caramelize the onions and brown the sausage for added flavor.’, ‘This soup tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep.’, ‘For a thicker soup, mash some of the beans or add peeled and cubed potatoes.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: white bean soup, kale soup, sausage soup, hearty soup, comfort food, winter soup, healthy soup, easy soup recipe