Description
A rustic Italian-style soup featuring savory sausage, hearty beans, and vegetables in a flavorful broth. This easy-to-make minestrone-inspired recipe is simple, filling, and full of comforting flavors perfect for a cozy meal.
Ingredients
Sausage and Beans
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 2 cups cooked beans (cannellini or kidney)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups diced tomatoes
- 1 cup chopped spinach or kale
Liquids and Seasonings
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the Oil: In a large pot over medium heat, warm the olive oil until shimmering to prepare for browning the sausage.
- Cook the Sausage: Add the Italian sausage to the pot and cook until it’s browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks for even crumbles and flavor release.
- Sauté Aromatics: Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until they become soft and translucent, which helps build a flavorful base.
- Add Tomatoes, Beans, Broth, and Herbs: Pour in the diced tomatoes, cooked beans, chicken or vegetable broth, and sprinkle in the dried oregano. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer the Soup: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook uncovered for about 20 minutes to blend the flavors and slightly reduce the broth.
- Add Greens: Stir in the chopped spinach or kale and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the greens have wilted and incorporated into the soup.
- Season and Serve: Taste the soup and season with salt and black pepper according to your preference. Serve warm, ideally with crusty bread for dipping.
Notes
- Use spicy Italian sausage if you prefer a soup with extra heat and depth of flavor.
- Serve this soup with crusty bread or garlic toast for a satisfying meal.
- For a heartier and more filling soup, add small pasta shapes like ditalini or elbow macaroni during the simmering stage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
