Ah, there’s something about a steaming bowl of soup that wraps you up like your favorite sweater on a chilly evening. This hearty white bean, sausage, and kale soup is like a comforting hug in a bowl—aromatic, filling, and just what you need when the world outside feels a bit too brisk. I remember the time I first tasted it; it was like discovering a new favorite song that you want to play on repeat, with each spoonful revealing layers of flavor that are somehow both surprising and familiar.
Steps
- Sauté Aromatics and Sausage: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Cook sliced onion and garlic until they are soft and fragrant, about 10 minutes. Add the Italian sausage and cook until it is browned, then drain any excess grease.
- Incorporate Spices: Stir in smoked paprika and flour, cooking for an additional minute to blend the flavors.
- Cook the Vegetables: Gradually add chicken broth, stirring to combine. Add diced potatoes and bring the mixture to a simmer over low heat. Cook for 10-15 minutes until the potatoes are tender. Add chopped kale and cannellini beans, simmering for another 5-10 minutes.
- Finish the Soup: Pour in heavy cream (or half and half) and season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Adjust seasoning to taste and serve hot.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 3–4 large cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage (choose mild or hot based on preference)
- 1/2 to 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1–2 tablespoons flour (optional for added thickness)
- 5 cups chicken broth
- One 15-ounce can of cannellini beans
- 4 medium potatoes, diced (any variety)
- 2 stalks of kale, ribs removed and chopped
- 3/4 cup heavy cream (alternatively, use half and half)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Lemon juice to taste
FAQ
- Can I freeze this Sausage, Kale, and White Bean Soup?
- Absolutely! This soup freezes well. You might need to add a bit more liquid when reheating if it becomes too thick after freezing.
- How can I adapt this soup to be vegetarian?
- To make this soup vegetarian, you can substitute the sausage with mild or spicy vegetable crumbles and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Alternatively, you can omit the meat altogether for a kale and white bean soup.
- Is it possible to make this soup gluten-free?
- Yes, you can make this soup gluten-free by either omitting the flour or substituting it with cornstarch.
- Can I prepare this soup using an Instant Pot?
- Certainly! Sauté the onions, garlic, and sausage in some oil until they are soft and aromatic. Add the spices, broth, and potatoes, seal the lid, and set the cooking time to 3 minutes with a 10-minute natural pressure release. Stir in the kale, beans, and cream afterward.
- How do I cook this soup in a slow cooker?
- You can prepare this soup in a slow cooker by following the first two steps on the stove. Then, transfer everything to a slow cooker, add the broth and potatoes, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4 hours. Add kale and white beans towards the end to warm and soften, and finish with half and half for creaminess.
Tips
- For an extra depth of flavor, finish the soup with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving to enhance its brightness.
- If you prefer a thicker consistency, consider adding a tablespoon or two of flour when sautéing the spices, or opt for cornstarch for a gluten-free version.
- To make this soup vegetarian-friendly, swap out the Italian sausage for plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- This soup freezes well, but you may need to add a bit of extra liquid when reheating to achieve your desired consistency.
Equipment
- Instant Pot – If you plan to make the soup using the Instant Pot method.
- Slow Cooker – If you prefer the slow cooker method for making the soup.
- Large Soup Pot or Dutch Oven – Essential for stovetop cooking to accommodate the volume of soup.
- Immersion Blender – Optional if you would like to blend some of the soup for a creamier texture.
- Ladle – For serving the soup easily.
