Tuscan Bean Soup with Italian Sausage

Ingredients:

2 medium onions, diced

3 medium carrots, peel & dice

4 cloves garlic, chopped (more if you love garlic)

4 cups chicken stock

6 cans white beans, don’t drain

2# Italian sausage

1 pkg sage leaves, about 15 or so, chiffonade (finely sliced)

Instructions:

Step 1:

Turn on crock pot (high) and dump in white beans and stock.

Make small meatballs out of sausage or just bake whole in the oven till done (350 about 15 minutes) slice whole sausages and dump into crock pot when done.

Step 2:

Sautee onion, carrot and garlic with a little olive oil till onions are translucent and carrots are a little softened.

Add to crockpot.

Step 3:

Cook all for 6 to 8 hours.

For the last 30 to 45 minutes add sage.

Salt and pepper as you like.

Enjoy with crusty bread and butter.

Makes a bunch!

Notes:

Flavor Adjustments: You can adjust the amount of garlic and sage based on your taste preferences. More garlic will make the soup more aromatic and flavorful.

Sausage Options: Using different types of Italian sausage (spicy or mild) will affect the overall flavor of the soup. For a leaner option, try using turkey sausage.

Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like celery, kale, or spinach to increase the nutritional value.

Storage: The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a bit of water or stock if the soup has thickened.

Health Tips: Opt for low-sodium chicken stock and drain some of the fat from the cooked sausage to make the soup healthier.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 10 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use dried beans instead of canned?

Yes, but they need to be soaked overnight and cooked before adding to the soup to ensure they are tender.

What can I use instead of sage?

Thyme or rosemary can be used as alternatives, but they will change the flavor profile slightly.

Can I make this soup on the stovetop instead of a crockpot?

Yes, simmer all ingredients on low heat for about 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.

Is it necessary to sauté the vegetables first?

Sautéing the vegetables enhances their flavor, but you can skip this step and add them directly to the crockpot for convenience.

Can I use vegetable stock for a vegetarian version?

Yes, but you’ll need to omit the sausage or use a plant-based sausage alternative.

Can I add pasta to this soup?

Yes, small pasta shapes like ditalini or orzo can be added during the last hour of cooking.

How can I make this soup spicier?

Use hot Italian sausage and add red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeno.

Can I add tomatoes to this soup?

Yes, diced tomatoes or tomato paste can be added for a richer flavor.

What type of beans are best for this soup?

Cannellini beans or great northern beans are ideal, but you can use any white beans you prefer.

How can I thicken the soup?

You can mash some of the beans to release their starches or add a slurry of cornstarch and water.