Description
Warm up with a hearty Sausage Fennel and White Bean Soup packed with the rich aroma of Italian sausage, the subtle sweetness of fennel, and creamy white beans. This comforting and nutritious soup is easy to prepare and perfect for cozy meals, offering a complex flavor profile that quickly becomes a kitchen favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat
- 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or spicy, depending on preference)
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 fennel bulb, thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Beans & Broth
- 2 cups white beans (cannellini or Great Northern), drained and rinsed
- 4 cups chicken broth
Oils & Herbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary or thyme, chopped
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare and Sauté Aromatics: Slice the fennel bulb thinly, chop the onion finely, and mince the garlic. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat and sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Brown the Sausage: Add the Italian sausage to the pot, breaking it apart with your spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, releasing its oils and enriching the base flavor.
- Cook the Fennel: Stir in the sliced fennel and cook for 5 minutes until it softens and begins to caramelize, enhancing its natural sweetness.
- Add Beans and Broth: Drain and rinse the white beans, then add them along with the chicken broth to the pot. Bring everything to a simmer, allowing flavors to meld and the soup to thicken slightly.
- Season and Simmer: Add fresh rosemary or thyme, salt, and pepper to taste. Simmer gently for 15-20 minutes so all the ingredients harmonize.
- Final Touches: Adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot with crusty bread or your preferred garnish.
Notes
- Brown the sausage well to develop deeper flavor and texture.
- Use homemade chicken broth if available for best flavor; good-quality store-bought broth works fine too.
- Rinse canned beans to reduce excess sodium and improve texture.
- Cook fennel slowly to bring out its natural sweetness without bitterness.
- Add fresh herbs towards the end to preserve their bright aroma and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: sausage soup, fennel soup, white bean soup, Italian sausage recipe, comforting soup, gluten free soup, easy soup recipe