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Cozy Slow Cooker Tuscan White Bean and Sausage Soup

slow cooker tuscan white bean and sausage soup - featured image
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A hearty and comforting slow cooker soup featuring Italian sausage, white beans, and kale, perfect for cozy nights and unexpected guests.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed (mild, sweet, or spicy)
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) cannellini or Great Northern white beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups kale, roughly chopped and tough stems removed
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 4 cups (1 quart) chicken broth, low sodium preferred
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed and transfer sausage to the slow cooker.
  2. In the same skillet, add chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 5-6 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until aromatic. Transfer to the slow cooker with the sausage.
  3. Drain and rinse the white beans thoroughly, then add them to the slow cooker. Pour in chicken broth and stir gently to combine.
  4. Add dried thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, fennel seeds (if using), red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until beans are tender and flavors meld.
  6. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the chopped kale. Cover and continue cooking until kale is wilted but still vibrant green.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as needed. Remove bay leaf before serving.

Notes

If soup tastes thin, mash a few beans against the slow cooker side and stir to thicken. For creamier texture, add a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end. Vegetarian version: omit sausage, add smoked paprika, sautéed mushrooms, and use vegetable broth. Can be made on stovetop by simmering gently for 1 to 1.5 hours.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker soup, Tuscan soup, white bean soup, Italian sausage soup, comfort food, easy dinner, kale soup

Find it online: https://forkifyfun.com/cozy-slow-cooker-tuscan-white-bean-and-sausage-soup-easy-recipe-for-comfort-food/