Description
Hearty bean soup with sausage delivers comfort from Italian culinary traditions. Rich ingredients combine for a satisfying meal that warms souls and delights hungry diners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (454 g) Italian sausage, mild or spicy, no casings
- 3 cans (13 oz or 369 g) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 3 cups (710 ml) chicken broth
- ¾ cup (177 ml) heavy cream
- ½ cup (118 ml) puréed tomatoes
- 3 oz (85 g) tomato paste
- 2 tbsps (30 ml) olive oil
- 8 tbsps (120 ml) red pesto, for serving
- 1.5 oz (43 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsps (8 g) chopped parsley
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp fennel seeds
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (plus more for serving)
Instructions
- Browning Protein: Sear Italian sausage in olive oil over medium-high heat until golden and crisp, breaking into small, uniform pieces for maximum flavor development.
- Aromatic Base: Lower heat and introduce minced garlic and onions, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and release their fragrant essence, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Seasoning Infusion: Sprinkle dried thyme, oregano, red pepper flakes, and ground black pepper, thoroughly blending herbs and spices into the meat and vegetable foundation.
- Liquid Integration: Incorporate chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and two bean varieties, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer and allowing ingredients to harmonize.
- Flavor Melding: Cover and let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes, periodically stirring to prevent scorching and ensure even cooking of beans and distribution of flavors.
- Creamy Transformation: Reduce heat and gently introduce heavy cream, creating a luxurious, velvety consistency throughout the soup.
- Final Touches: Incorporate freshly grated Parmesan cheese, adjusting seasoning with salt and additional black pepper to elevate the overall taste profile.
- Presentation: Ladle soup into deep bowls, garnishing with a drizzle of basil pesto and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for visual appeal and added complexity.
- Serving Suggestion: Accompany with warm, crusty artisan bread to complete this hearty and satisfying culinary experience.
Notes
- Sear Sausage Perfectly: Brown sausage on high heat to develop deep, caramelized flavor and create a crispy exterior that adds rich texture to the soup.
- Balance Herb Intensity: Use dried herbs sparingly to prevent overwhelming the delicate balance of sausage and bean flavors; crush herbs between fingers to release maximum aroma.
- Cream Addition Technique: Incorporate heavy cream slowly and over low heat to prevent curdling and maintain a smooth, silky soup consistency.
- Cheese Melting Tip: Grate Parmesan fresh and add off the heat to preserve its nutty flavor and prevent graininess in the final dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 411
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 818 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg