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Sausage Fennel and White Bean Soup

Sausage Fennel and White Bean Soup
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A comforting and hearty Sausage Fennel and White Bean Soup combining savory Italian sausage, tender cannellini beans, and aromatic fennel for a warm, flavorful meal perfect for chilly evenings.

Ingredients

Meat and Protein

  • Italian sausage (mild or spicy) – 1 pound
  • Cannellini beans (drained and rinsed) – 2 cups (1 can)

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • Fennel bulb (finely chopped) – 1 medium
  • Onion (finely chopped) – 1 medium
  • Carrots (finely chopped) – 2 medium
  • Celery stalks (finely chopped) – 2
  • Garlic cloves (minced) – 3

Liquids

  • Chicken broth – 6 cups
  • Olive oil – 2 tablespoons

Herbs and Seasonings

  • Fresh thyme (chopped) – 1 teaspoon
  • Fresh parsley (chopped) – 2 tablespoons
  • Salt – to taste
  • Black pepper – to taste
  • Red pepper flakes (optional) – 1/4 teaspoon

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Finely chop the fennel bulb, onion, carrots, and celery. Mince the garlic. Slice the sausage into bite-sized pieces or crumble if using links to ensure even cooking and proper blending of flavors.
  2. Brown the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned and cooked through, stirring occasionally to break up large pieces. This step develops the base flavor and releases fats that enrich the soup.
  3. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped fennel, onion, carrots, celery, and garlic to the pot with the sausage. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften and the fennel becomes fragrant and translucent.
  4. Add Broth and Beans: Pour in the chicken broth and add the drained and rinsed cannellini beans. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes to meld the flavors and thicken the soup slightly.
  5. Season and Finish: Stir in fresh thyme and parsley. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Taste and adjust seasoning. Let the soup simmer a few more minutes to blend flavors fully before serving.

Notes

  • Brown the sausage well to develop rich, deep flavors.
  • Do not overcook canned beans to prevent mushiness; add them later in the cooking process.
  • Use fresh fennel for the best texture and flavor contrast.
  • Layer seasonings gradually and add salt last to avoid over-salting due to broth and sausage content.
  • Keep the soup at a gentle simmer for optimal texture and flavor concentration.

Nutrition

Keywords: sausage soup, fennel soup, white bean soup, Italian sausage, comforting soup, gluten free soup, hearty soup

Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/sausage-fennel-and-white-bean-soup/