Hearty Spicy Sausage & White Bean Soup
On a chilly, rainy day, there's nothing quite like a comforting bowl of soup to warm you up! This Hearty Spicy Sausage & White Bean Soup is the perfect quick fix when you find yourself with minimal pantry supplies. Using leftover hot Italian sausage and pre-cut veggies, this recipe is designed for those busy moments, especially for parents juggling little ones. Packed with flavor and textures, the creamy puree of beans adds depth to this vibrant soup, while the optional crushed red pepper offers a zesty kick. Ready in under an hour, this dish is ideal for lunch, dinner, or even as a snack for those who crave something both satisfying and nourishing. You'll love how simple it is to create a homemade meal that tastes like it simmered all day long!
4
Servings
120
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Hot Italian sausage
1/2 lb (cooked and cut into small pieces)
Olive oil
1 tablespoon (none)
Garlic powder
1 tablespoon (none)
Vidalia onion
1/2 medium (leave whole, no need to cut)
Pre-cut carrots
1 cup (none)
Beef broth
2 (8 ounce) cans (none)
Tomato paste
2 tablespoons (none)
Cannellini beans
1 (8 ounce) can (drained and rinsed)
Crushed red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon (optional for added heat)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Water
1 1/2 cups (none)
Instructions
1
In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat and stir in the garlic powder, letting it infuse the oil for about 3 minutes.
2
Add the pre-cut carrots and onion to the pot, sautéing them briefly to soften the veggies for an additional 2-3 minutes.
3
Stir in the cooked hot Italian sausage, beef broth, tomato paste, cannellini beans, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, black pepper, and water.
4
Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, covering the pot and letting it cook for 25 minutes to meld the flavors.
5
Using a slotted spoon, carefully remove the sausage, vegetables, and most of the beans from the pot and transfer them to a blender. Add a ladleful of broth to help the mixture blend smoothly.
6
Puree the mixture until smooth, then return it to the pot with the remaining liquid.
7
Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 10 minutes, stirring well to combine the puree with the broth, then serve warm.
Nutrition Information
6g
Fat
9g
Carbs
6g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Spicy Sausage & White Bean Soup?
It is a comforting and quick-fix soup featuring hot Italian sausage, cannellini beans, and carrots, perfect for chilly or rainy days.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to make 4 servings.
How many calories are in one serving of this soup?
Each serving contains approximately 120 calories.
What type of sausage is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 lb of hot Italian sausage that has been cooked and cut into small pieces.
Is this soup spicy?
The soup has a zesty kick from the hot Italian sausage and an optional teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes.
How long does it take to make this soup?
The soup can be prepared in under an hour, with a total simmering time of about 35 minutes.
Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
While the recipe specifies one 8-ounce can of drained and rinsed cannellini beans for speed, you can use cooked dried beans as a substitute.
What is the secret to the creamy texture of this soup?
A portion of the sausage, vegetables, and beans is removed and pureed in a blender before being returned to the pot to add depth and creaminess.
Do I need to chop the Vidalia onion?
No, the instructions specify leaving the half Vidalia onion whole as it will be softened and eventually pureed.
What type of broth is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 16 ounces (two 8-ounce cans) of beef broth.
Can I substitute the garlic powder with fresh garlic?
Yes, although the recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of garlic powder to be infused into the olive oil.
How much fat is in a serving of this soup?
There are 6 grams of fat per serving.
What vegetables are needed for this soup?
You will need 1 cup of pre-cut carrots and half of a medium Vidalia onion.
How much protein is in this recipe?
Each serving provides 6 grams of protein.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
There are 9 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I use chicken broth instead of beef broth?
Yes, you can substitute beef broth with chicken or vegetable broth depending on your preference.
How much water is added to the soup?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 cups of water.
Is this soup suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is a great make-ahead meal that can be served for lunch, dinner, or even as a snack.
What if I don't have a blender?
You can use an immersion blender directly in the pot or a potato masher for a chunkier, rustic texture.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, use a plant-based sausage crumble and substitute the beef broth with vegetable broth.
How do I store leftover soup?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can I use other types of beans?
Yes, Great Northern beans or Navy beans are excellent substitutes for cannellini beans.
What is the purpose of the tomato paste?
Tomato paste adds a rich, savory depth and a vibrant color to the soup base.
Can I use mild Italian sausage instead of hot?
Yes, if you prefer a less spicy soup, mild or sweet Italian sausage works perfectly.
How much salt and pepper should I add?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.
Is it okay to use frozen carrots?
Yes, frozen carrots can be used; just ensure they are sautéed long enough to soften.
What should I serve with this soup?
It pairs perfectly with crusty bread, a side salad, or even some crackers.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
How long should I simmer the soup after adding the puree?
Simmer for an additional 10 minutes after returning the puree to the pot.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 ingredients including the seasonings and water.