# Sausage and White Bean Soup
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 6
## Introduction
There’s nothing quite like a bowl of hearty soup to comfort you on a chilly day! Our Sausage and White Bean Soup brings warmth to your table with its rich, bold flavors that will surely keep you coming back for more.
## Why Make This Sausage and White Bean Soup
This homemade soup is filling, nutritious, and full of savory flavors from simple ingredients. It’s a straightforward recipe that can easily be prepared at home with minimal effort. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this soup is always a crowd-pleaser.
## How to Make Sausage and White Bean Soup
### Ingredients:
– 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, as preferred)
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 3 carrots, diced
– 2 celery stalks, diced
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1 tsp dried rosemary
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
### Directions:
1. Cook the sausage in a large pot over medium heat until browned. Break it up with a spoon during cooking. Remove when done and set aside.
2. In the same pot, add onion and garlic. Sauté until fragrant, around 2 minutes.
3. Add carrots and celery, cooking for 5 minutes until they begin to soften.
4. Stir in the chicken broth, white beans, diced tomatoes, and return the sausage to the pot.
5. Add thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Put the lid on and bring the mixture to a boil.
6. Reduce heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes to allow flavors to blend.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and optional Parmesan cheese.
## How to Serve Sausage and White Bean Soup
Serve this soup hot from the stove, garnished with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if you like. A side of crusty bread or a simple salad would complement this savory soup well, making it a complete meal.
## How to Store Sausage and White Bean Soup
Sausage and White Bean Soup can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you’re preparing it ahead, or saving leftovers, just reheat on the stove and you’re good to go!
## Tips to Make Sausage and White Bean Soup
For a richer flavor, you can use spicy sausage instead of the mild one. Using fresh herbs instead of dried ones can add a fresh twist to your soup. Remember, slow cooking is the key to unlock the flavors of each ingredient in this soup.
## Variations
You can add greens like kale or spinach to make it healthier. If you wish to make it vegetarian, replace sausage with a vegetarian alternative, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
## FAQs
1. Can I use other types of sausage for this recipe?
**Answer:** Yes, you can choose to use any type of sausage that you prefer.
2. Is this recipe gluten-free?
**Answer:** Yes, this soup recipe is gluten-free.
3. Can I freeze this Sausage and White Bean Soup?
**Answer:** Yes, you can freeze it. Make sure it’s cooled before you put it in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat it, you can defrost in the fridge overnight and then reheat it on the stove.