Description
A rustic Italian-style soup featuring savory sausage, hearty beans, and vegetables in a flavorful broth. Simple, filling, and full of comforting flavors, this sausage and bean minestra is perfect for a cozy meal any day of the week.
Ingredients
Meat 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: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the sausage and aromatics.
- Brown the sausage: Add the Italian sausage to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon to create crumbles and ensure even cooking.
- Sauté onions and garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the browned sausage; cook until they become soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add tomatoes, beans, broth, and oregano: Stir in the diced tomatoes, cooked beans, chicken or vegetable broth, and dried oregano to combine all the soup flavors.
- Simmer the soup: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat and let it cook gently for 20 minutes to meld the flavors together.
- Add greens: Stir in the chopped spinach or kale and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the greens are wilted and tender.
- Season and serve: Taste the soup and season with salt and black pepper as desired. Serve the minestra warm, perfect for a hearty meal.
Notes
- Use spicy Italian sausage for an added kick of heat.
- Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.
- For a heartier meal, add cooked pasta such as small shells or ditalini during the simmering step.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
