Hearty Broccoli Rabe and Sausage Soup
This delightful Hearty Broccoli Rabe and Sausage Soup is a comforting blend of flavors and textures that brings warmth to chilly days. The combination of savory sweet Italian sausage, tender broccoli rabe, and creamy cannellini beans creates a nutritious and satisfying meal. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this soup comes together quickly, making it an ideal choice for busy cooks who still want to enjoy a wholesome homemade dish. Serve it with crusty bread for a complete and hearty meal.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
sweet Italian sausage
1 1/4 lbs (removed from casing and crumbled)
onion
1 (chopped)
broccoli rabe
1 head (washed and chopped)
chicken broth
64 ounces (canned or homemade)
cannellini beans
31 ounces (canned, rinsed and drained)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add the sweet Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until the sausage is browned and cooked through, about 10 minutes. Once done, transfer the sausage to a paper-towel-lined plate, leaving the drippings in the pot.
2
In the same saucepan, add the chopped onion and sauté for 3 minutes, or until it becomes soft and translucent.
3
Stir in the chopped broccoli rabe along with the chicken broth. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for an additional 3 minutes, allowing the broccoli rabe to become tender.
4
Return the cooked sausage to the pot, along with the rinsed cannellini beans. Stir everything together and cook until heated through, about 2 minutes. Taste and season with salt and pepper as desired.
5
Remove from heat, ladle the soup into bowls, and serve hot, optionally garnishing with grated Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of olive oil.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Broccoli Rabe and Sausage Soup?
It is a comforting, nutritious soup made with sweet Italian sausage, tender broccoli rabe, and creamy cannellini beans in a chicken broth base.
Can I use hot Italian sausage instead of sweet?
Yes, you can substitute hot Italian sausage if you prefer a spicier flavor profile.
How do I prepare the broccoli rabe for this soup?
The broccoli rabe should be washed thoroughly and then chopped into bite-sized pieces before being added to the pot.
Do I need to remove the sausage from its casing?
Yes, the recipe specifies that the sausage should be removed from the casing and crumbled while browning.
Can I substitute the cannellini beans with another type?
Yes, other white beans like Great Northern or Navy beans will work well as a substitute for cannellini beans.
Is this soup gluten-free?
This recipe is gluten-free as long as you ensure your Italian sausage and chicken broth are certified gluten-free.
How long does it take to cook the sausage?
It takes about 10 minutes to brown the sausage and ensure it is cooked through.
Can I use frozen broccoli rabe?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli rabe; just ensure it is thawed and drained before adding it to the soup.
What type of broth is best for this recipe?
You can use either canned chicken broth for convenience or homemade chicken broth for a richer flavor.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, use a plant-based sausage substitute and vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
How do I reduce the bitterness of the broccoli rabe?
Sautéing it briefly as instructed helps, but you can also blanch it in boiling water for a minute before adding it to the soup to further reduce bitterness.
Should I drain and rinse the canned beans?
Yes, rinsing and draining the cannellini beans helps remove excess sodium and the starchy liquid from the can.
What is a good side dish for this soup?
This soup pairs perfectly with a side of crusty Italian bread or a light green salad.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
How do I reheat the soup?
Reheat the soup in a saucepan over medium heat until it reaches a simmer, or use a microwave-safe bowl in the microwave.
Can I add pasta to this soup?
Yes, adding small pasta shapes like ditalini or orzo is a common variation, though you may need to add more broth.
What garnishes are recommended?
Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese, a drizzle of high-quality olive oil, or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Is this a one-pot meal?
Yes, everything is prepared in a single large saucepan, making cleanup quick and easy.
What kind of onion should I use?
A standard yellow or white onion works best for a balanced, savory flavor.
Can I use kale instead of broccoli rabe?
Yes, kale or escarole are excellent substitutes if broccoli rabe is unavailable.
How many calories are in a serving?
While specific calorie counts depend on the brand of sausage used, this soup is generally considered a healthy, protein-rich meal.
Can I use turkey sausage to make it leaner?
Absolutely, sweet Italian turkey sausage is a great lower-fat alternative that still provides excellent flavor.
How do I make the soup thicker?
To thicken the soup, you can mash a few of the cannellini beans against the side of the pot with a spoon.
Does this soup contain dairy?
The base recipe is dairy-free, but it is often served with grated Parmesan cheese which contains dairy.
How much sausage is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 1/4 lbs of sweet Italian sausage.
Can I add garlic?
Yes, adding minced garlic along with the onions will add an extra layer of savory depth to the soup.
How much broth is required?
The recipe requires 64 ounces of chicken broth.
Is this soup suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is an excellent meal prep option as the flavors often improve after sitting overnight.
How long does the whole process take?
The soup comes together quickly in about 20 to 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.