Tuscan Rustic Bean and Sausage Soup
Indulge in the flavors of Tuscany with this hearty Tuscan Rustic Bean and Sausage Soup. Perfect for sharing with friends and family, this comforting dish combines savory Italian sweet sausage, fresh spinach, and creamy cannellini beans, all simmered in a fragrant broth of tomatoes and garlic. Ideal for chilly evenings, this rustic soup is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Serve with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor that will transport you straight to the heart of Italy.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
1 (tablespoon)
Italian sweet sausage
1 (lb, links, cut into 1/2 inch pieces)
chopped onion
3/4 (cup)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
fresh spinach
2 (cups, cleaned and rough chopped)
fat free chicken broth
1 (14 1/2 ounce can)
diced tomatoes with basil, oregano and garlic
1 (14 1/2 ounce can, undrained)
cannellini beans
1 (15 ounce can, drained)
crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 (teaspoon)
grated parmesan cheese
2 (tablespoons)
Instructions
1
In a heavy 4-quart saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2
While the oil is heating, slice the Italian sweet sausage into 1/2 inch pieces.
3
Add the sausage to the pan and brown thoroughly, ensuring it's cooked through and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
4
Once browned, add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan, stirring occasionally until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
5
Stir in the rough-chopped spinach, allowing it to wilt slightly before adding the chicken broth, undrained diced tomatoes, drained cannellini beans, and crushed red pepper flakes.
6
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
7
Once cooked, ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with a generous sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tuscan Rustic Bean and Sausage Soup?
It is a hearty, comforting dish that combines savory Italian sweet sausage, fresh spinach, and creamy cannellini beans in a fragrant broth of tomatoes and garlic.
What are the main ingredients in this soup?
The main ingredients include olive oil, Italian sweet sausage, onion, garlic, fresh spinach, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, cannellini beans, red pepper flakes, and parmesan cheese.
How should I prepare the Italian sweet sausage?
The sausage should be sliced into 1/2 inch pieces and then browned thoroughly in a saucepan for about 5-7 minutes.
What type of beans are used in this recipe?
This recipe uses one 15-ounce can of cannellini beans, which should be drained before being added to the soup.
How much olive oil is required?
You will need 1 tablespoon of olive oil to heat in the saucepan before browning the sausage.
How long does it take to cook the onion and garlic?
The chopped onion and minced garlic should be stirred occasionally until softened, which typically takes about 3-5 minutes.
Should I drain the diced tomatoes?
No, the 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes with basil, oregano, and garlic should be added to the soup undrained.
What kind of broth is used for the base?
The recipe calls for one 14.5-ounce can of fat-free chicken broth.
How much spinach is needed?
You need 2 cups of fresh spinach that has been cleaned and rough-chopped.
When do I add the spinach to the pot?
The spinach is stirred into the pan after the onion and garlic have softened, allowing it to wilt slightly before adding the liquids.
What provides the heat in this Tuscan soup?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to add a layer of spice.
How long should the soup simmer?
Once the mixture is brought to a boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
What is the recommended serving suggestion?
Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with a generous sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese.
How many garlic cloves are used?
The recipe requires 2 cloves of garlic, minced.
What size saucepan is best for this recipe?
A heavy 4-quart saucepan is recommended for preparing this soup.
How much chopped onion is necessary?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of chopped onion.
What kind of tomatoes are specifically mentioned?
The recipe uses a 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes with basil, oregano, and garlic.
How much parmesan cheese is used for the whole recipe?
The ingredients list includes 2 tablespoons of grated parmesan cheese.
Is this soup suitable for cold weather?
Yes, it is described as ideal for chilly evenings and perfect for sharing with friends and family.
How do you know when the sausage is done?
The sausage should be browned thoroughly, ensuring it is cooked through and no longer pink.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, 'healthy' is one of the tags for this recipe, and it is described as being packed with nutrients.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to heat the olive oil in a heavy 4-quart saucepan over medium heat.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
The recipe specifically calls for 2 cups of fresh spinach, cleaned and rough chopped.
What is the primary protein in the soup?
The primary protein sources are 1 lb of Italian sweet sausage links and one can of cannellini beans.
What type of cuisine does this dish belong to?
This dish belongs to Italian cuisine, specifically inspired by the flavors of Tuscany.
What is the texture of the cannellini beans in this soup?
The cannellini beans are described as creamy, adding to the heartiness of the rustic soup.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 main ingredients listed in the recipe.
What is the preparation method for the garlic?
The 2 garlic cloves should be minced before being added to the pan.
What happens after the soup reaches a boil?
After bringing the mixture to a boil, you should reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes.
What makes this soup a quick meal?
With a preparation and simmering time of around 30-40 minutes total, it is tagged as a 'quick meal'.