Description
A rustic Italian-style soup featuring savory sausage, hearty beans, and vegetables in a flavorful broth. This easy and delicious minestra is simple to prepare, filling, and bursting with comforting Mediterranean flavors, perfect for a cozy meal any day of the week.
Ingredients
Sausage and Beans
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 2 cups cooked beans (cannellini or kidney)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups diced tomatoes
- 1 cup chopped spinach or kale
Liquids and Seasonings
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat to prepare for cooking the sausage and aromatics.
- Brown the sausage: Add 1 lb Italian sausage to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon for even cooking and texture.
- Sauté onion and garlic: Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add tomatoes, beans, broth, and oregano: Pour in 2 cups diced tomatoes, 2 cups cooked beans, 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth, and 1 teaspoon dried oregano, stirring to combine all flavors.
- Simmer the soup: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld and soup to thicken slightly.
- Add greens: Stir in 1 cup chopped spinach or kale and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the greens are wilted and tender.
- Season and serve: Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste, then serve the soup warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Use spicy Italian sausage if you prefer a bit of heat in your minestra.
- Serve with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth.
- Add pasta such as ditalini or small shells for a heartier, more filling soup.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
