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Slow Cooker Tuscan White Bean Soup

slow cooker tuscan white bean soup - featured image
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A cozy and hearty slow cooker soup featuring creamy white beans, flavorful Italian sausage, and vibrant kale, perfect for comforting dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups dried cannellini beans (soaked overnight) or 3 cans (15 oz each) drained and rinsed cannellini beans
  • 1 pound mild or spicy Italian sausage, casings removed
  • 4 cups chopped kale leaves (about 100 g), stems removed
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 6 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Red pepper flakes (optional, a pinch)

Instructions

  1. Soak the beans: Rinse 2 cups of cannellini beans and soak them in cold water overnight (about 8 hours). Drain and rinse before cooking.
  2. Brown the sausage: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 pound of Italian sausage (casings removed), breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
  3. Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, add chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, being careful not to burn it.
  4. Combine in slow cooker: Add the soaked and drained beans (or canned beans if using), sautéed vegetables, browned sausage, 6 cups chicken broth, 2 tablespoons tomato paste, dried thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine.
  5. Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours, until beans are tender and soup slightly thickened.
  6. Add the kale: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the chopped kale. Cover and continue cooking for 20-30 minutes until kale is wilted but still vibrant green.
  7. Final taste and adjust: Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
  8. Serve: Ladle into bowls and enjoy warm. Optionally drizzle with good olive oil or grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

If using dried beans, soak overnight to reduce cooking time and improve texture. Browning the sausage before adding to the slow cooker adds essential flavor. Add kale late in cooking to keep it vibrant and not mushy. If soup is too thick, add broth or water when reheating. Canned beans can be used to save time but reduce cooking duration accordingly.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, Tuscan, white bean soup, Italian sausage, kale, cozy dinner, easy soup, healthy soup

Find it online: https://noshbelle.com/slow-cooker-tuscan-white-bean-soup-recipe-easy-cozy-dinner-idea/