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Cozy Slow Cooker White Bean and Sausage Tuscan Soup

slow cooker white bean and sausage Tuscan soup - featured image
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A hearty and comforting slow cooker soup featuring Italian sausage, creamy white beans, and tender kale, perfect for cozy nights and easy weekday meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
  • Two 15-ounce cans (30 ounces total) canned white beans, drained and rinsed
  • 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 3 cups chopped kale, stems removed
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Red pepper flakes, optional, pinch or two
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Parmesan cheese rind, optional

Instructions

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through, with no pink remaining. Drain excess fat if desired.
  2. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened and fragrant. Stir in the minced garlic, dried rosemary, thyme, and optional red pepper flakes. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid burning the garlic.
  3. Transfer the browned sausage and sautéed veggies to your slow cooker. Add the drained and rinsed white beans, chicken broth, and optional Parmesan rind.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
  5. About 30 minutes before the end of cooking, stir in the chopped kale. Cover and continue cooking until kale is tender but still vibrant green.
  6. Remove the Parmesan rind if used. Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. If the soup is too thick, stir in a little hot water or broth to reach desired consistency.
  7. Ladle into bowls and optionally sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of olive oil before serving.

Notes

Brown the sausage and sauté the vegetables before slow cooking to develop deeper flavor. Add kale late to keep it tender and vibrant. Use low sodium broth to control saltiness. Stir gently halfway through cooking on low to distribute flavors evenly. For creamier beans, mash a few against the side of the slow cooker before serving. This recipe can be adapted for vegetarian or dairy-free diets.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker soup, white bean soup, Tuscan soup, Italian sausage soup, comfort food, easy dinner, kale soup, hearty soup

Find it online: https://oracooks.com/cozy-slow-cooker-white-bean-and-sausage-tuscan-soup-recipe-for-easy-comfort-meals/