Indulge in the rustic elegance of our White Bean Fennel And Italian Sausage Soup —a hearty and flavor-packed delight. Plump white beans and savory Italian sausage create a rich and satisfying base, while the fennel adds a unique aromatic sweetness. Seasoned to perfection with a blend of herbs and a splash of white wine, every spoonful is a comforting embrace of robust flavors. Revel in this soul-warming bowl of culinary harmony, perfect for any occasion!
Experience a symphony of flavors with our hearty White Bean, Fennel, and Italian Sausage Soup. This culinary masterpiece combines nutritious beans, the subtle sweetness of fennel, and robust Italian sausage, culminating in a comforting, vibrant, and deliciously satisfying soup.
Prepare to savor every spoonful as these traditional ingredients harmonize in an orchestration of taste that speaks to the heart of rustic Italian cuisine.
This recipe will surely become your new favorite, perfect for those chilly evenings or when you crave soul-warming food. Embark on a culinary adventure and satisfy your palate like never before.
What Is White Bean Fennel And Italian Sausage Soup?
White Bean, Fennel, and Italian Sausage Soup is a robust, hearty dish that intertwines the rich flavors of Italian cuisine in a comforting bowl. Nutritious white beans provide a creamy base, while fennel adds a unique, slightly sweet crunch.
Italian sausage introduces a burst of savory, meaty goodness. Simmered together in a fragrant broth, these ingredients create a satisfying and deeply flavorful soup. Garnished with fresh herbs, it serves as a wonderful standalone meal or a warming start to a larger feast.
Can You Vary The Recipe With Other Ingredients?
You can easily vary the White Bean, Fennel, and Italian Sausage Soup recipe to accommodate a range of dietary preferences.
- Keto Substitute white beans with lower-carb vegetables like zucchini or cauliflower. Choose a sausage with higher fat content.
- Paleo Replace white beans with sweet potatoes or other root vegetables. Ensure the sausage is free from any non-Paleo additives.
- Gluten-Free The recipe is naturally gluten-free, but check your sausage and broth to ensure they don’t contain any hidden gluten sources.
- Whole30 Use compliant sausage and broth, and substitute beans with a Whole30-friendly vegetable like kale or spinach.
- Vegetarian/Vegan Replace the sausage with a plant-based substitute or mushrooms for a meaty texture. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef broth. For vegans, ensure the vegetable sausage is dairy and egg-free.
Recipe Directions
- Begin by gathering all the necessary ingredients and taking the time to dice the onion, fennel, carrots, and celery. These aromatic vegetables will form the flavorful base of the soup.
- Heat a combination of butter and oil in a large pot, allowing them to melt together and create a luscious cooking medium. Add the diced vegetables and sauté them until they become tender and translucent, releasing their natural sweetness and aroma.
- Enhance the savory profile of the soup by incorporating thyme and fennel seed, which will infuse the mixture with their delightful fragrance and earthy notes.
- Pour in the chicken stock, which will provide a rich and flavorful liquid base for the soup. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the amounts according to your personal preference.
- Increase the heat and bring the soup to a gentle boil, allowing the flavors to meld together and develop depth. Then, reduce the heat to a simmer, ensuring a gentle bubbling that will continue to infuse the soup with its delicious essence.
- While the soup simmers, take the opportunity to cook the sausage separately in a separate pan. Squeeze it out of its casing and break it into small, bite-sized pieces, allowing it to brown and develop a savory and satisfying flavor.
- Add the cooked sausage to the simmering soup, along with the white beans and freshly chopped parsley. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients and allow them to harmonize.
- Let the soup simmer for an additional 10 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together and create a rich and comforting taste experience that will warm your soul.
- Before serving, take a moment to taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary, ensuring that it is perfectly balanced and full of flavor.
- Serve the soup hot, ladling it into bowls and presenting it to your guests. Consider garnishing each bowl with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese or serve it alongside a crusty loaf of bread, providing a delightful contrast in texture and an extra layer of indulgence.
Variations, Add-Ons, And Toppings
Variations and add-ons can personalize the White Bean, Fennel, and Italian Sausage Soup recipe to match your preferences and dietary needs. Here are a few suggestions:
Variations
- Spice Level: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Vegetables: Include other vegetables like kale, spinach, or zucchini for added nutrition.
- Protein: Swap the Italian sausage for chicken, turkey, or plant-based proteins for a lighter version or dietary restrictions.
Add-Ons
- Grains: Serve the soup over cooked quinoa, barley, or wild rice for a fuller meal.
- Herbs: Fresh rosemary or sage could offer another dimension of flavor.
- Wine: Deglaze your sausage pan with a splash of white wine before adding to the soup for a high flavor profile.
Toppings
- Cheese: A sprinkle of grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano adds a sharp, salty finish.
- Croutons: Homemade croutons add a delightful crunch and soak up the savory broth.
- Fresh Herbs: Chopped fresh parsley or basil provides a vibrant color contrast and a burst of freshness.
Can I Make White Bean Fennel And Italian Sausage Soup In A Slow Cooker Or Instant Pot?
You can adapt the White Bean, Fennel, and Italian Sausage Soup recipe for a slow cooker or Instant Pot. Here are general guidelines for each:
Slow Cooker
- Sauté the vegetables (onion, fennel, carrots, celery) with the thyme and fennel seed in a skillet, then transfer them to the slow cooker.
- Brown the sausage in the same skillet, breaking it up as it cooks. Once browned, add it to the slow cooker.
- Add the chicken stock, beans, parsley, and seasoning to the slow cooker. Stir well.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Instant Pot
- Use the sauté setting to cook the vegetables with the thyme and fennel seed until they’re softened.
- Add the sausage to the pot and continue to sauté until it’s browned and broken up.
- Pour in the chicken stock, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits (this adds flavor and prevents a “burn” warning).
- Add the beans, parsley, and seasoning. Seal the Instant Pot and set it to manual pressure cook on high for 15 minutes.
- Once the cooking time is done, allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then manually release the remaining pressure.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Can I Use Store Broth, Or Should I Make My Own?
You can use store-bought broth in your White Bean, Fennel, and Italian Sausage Soup. The store-bought broth is a convenient choice and can save you time, especially if you’re in a hurry or making the soup on a weeknight.
However, if you have the time and the ingredients, homemade broth can add a depth of flavor that store-bought versions might not offer. Homemade broth allows you to control the salt content and the balance of flavors, which can be beneficial if you’re watching your sodium intake or have specific dietary preferences.
How To Serve?
White Bean, Fennel, and Italian Sausage Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Here’s how you can serve it for the best dining experience:
- Hot and Fresh: The soup is best served right off the stove. The warmth not only makes the soup more comforting but also helps to enhance all the flavors.
- Bread on the Side: A slice of crusty bread or a warm baguette on the side can complement the soup perfectly. It provides a nice contrast in texture and is great for dipping and soaking up the soup.
- Garnish: Before serving, consider garnishing the soup with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley, fennel fronds, or grated Parmesan cheese. This adds a nice pop of color and an extra layer of flavor.
- Wine Pairing: If you enjoy wine with your meals, consider a crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio or a light-bodied red like Pinot Noir. These wines can balance the hearty, rich flavors of the soup.
- Accompaniments: The soup can be served as a starter to an Italian meal or as the main dish alongside a simple green salad.
- Individual Serving Bowls: Serve the soup individually for a personal touch.
Perfect Side Dishes
White Bean, Fennel, and Italian Sausage Soup is a hearty dish with robust flavors, and a variety of side dishes can complement it nicely. Here are a few suggestions:
- Crusty Bread: A slice of crusty bread, such as sourdough or a baguette, can perfectly accompany this soup. The bread can be used to soak up the flavorsome broth.
- Green Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing can provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty soup. It could mix mixed greens, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and a simple olive oil-lemon dressing.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables can be a nice addition, adding extra nutrients and a different texture to your meal.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: If you’re in the mood for more indulgence, a grilled cheese sandwich can pair nicely with the soup, giving a nod to the classic soup and sandwich combo.
- Garlic Bread: A piece of garlic bread, warm and fragrant, can also complement the Italian flavors in the soup.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with various chopped veggies and a simple dressing can add a wholesome, grainy texture to your meal.
Storage And Make Ahead
- Storage: Store the avocado bisque in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Make sure to press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the soup to prevent browning.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the bisque up to 24 hours in advance, excluding any toppings. Refrigerate it until ready to serve. When serving, garnish with fresh toppings like diced avocado, cilantro, or a drizzle of lime juice to enhance its vibrant flavors.
What Can We Do With Leftovers?
- Avocado Toast: Spread leftover bisque on toasted bread for a creamy and flavorful twist on avocado toast.
- Salad Dressing: Use the bisque as a base for a creamy avocado dressing for salads or as a dip for vegetables.
- Pasta Sauce: Thin the bisque with a bit of broth or cream and toss it with cooked pasta for a quick and flavorful sauce.
- Stuffed Peppers: Use the bisque as a filling for roasted bell peppers, top with cheese, and bake until bubbly.
- Avocado Dip: Mix the bisque with some sour cream or Greek yogurt for a creamy avocado dip for chips or veggies.
TIPS
- Ripe Avocados:Â Use ripe avocados for the best flavor and texture. They should yield slightly to gentle pressure when ripe.
- Creamy Base:Â Blend avocados with creamy ingredients like yogurt, coconut milk, or cream for a smooth bisque.
- Citrus Zest:Â Add a pop of freshness with lemon or lime zest. It brightens the flavor of the bisque.
- Garnish:Â Top each serving with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of smoked paprika, or some fresh herbs for added flavor and presentation.
- Texture Contrast:Â Consider adding a crunchy element like croutons, toasted nuts, or seeds for contrast to the creamy bisque.
White Bean Fennel And Italian Sausage Soup – An Italian Cuisine
Course: Soup Recipes6
servings15
minutes20
minutes320
kcalWhite Bean, Fennel, and Italian Sausage Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines the richness of Italian sausage with the earthy notes of fennel and the creaminess of cannellini beans.
Ingredients
1 Tbsp 1 Butter
2 Tbsp 2 Olive Oil
1 1 Medium Onion, Diced
1 1 Fennel Bulb, White Part Only
2 2 Carrots, Diced
2 2 Celery Stalks, Diced
1/2 Tsp Dried Thyme Leaf
1/2 Tsp 1/2 Fennel Seed
6 Cups 6 Homemade Chicken Stock Or Low-Sodium Store-Bought
1 Tsp 1 Kosher Salt
1/2 tsp 1/2 Fresh Black Pepper
3 3 Hot Italian Turkey Sausage (Uncooked) (Â links (approx. 3/4 lb))
1/15 Oz can 1/15 Cannellini Beans, Rinsed And Drained
1-1/2 1-1/2 Tsp 1-1/2 Flat-Leaf Parsley, Roughly Chopped
Step-By-Step Directions
- Preparation Steps
Gather all ingredients: onion, fennel, carrots, celery, thyme, fennel seed, chicken stock, salt, pepper, sausage, white beans, and parsley.
Prepare your vegetables by dicing onion, fennel, carrots, and celery. - Cooking
Heat butter and oil in a 4-quart Dutch oven or stockpot over low-medium heat.
Sauté onion, fennel, carrots, and celery, stirring frequently, until they are translucent (around 3-4 minutes).
Stir in thyme and fennel seed.
Add chicken stock, salt (if needed), and pepper. Increase heat, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. - Additional Cooking
In a separate pan, cook the sausage over medium heat, squeezing it out of its casing and breaking it into small pieces.
Once browned, add the sausage to the soup, followed by the beans and parsley. - Final Touches
Let the soup simmer for an additional 10 minutes after adding the sausage and beans. - Serving
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary. Serve hot, and enjoy this comforting dish. - Additional Options
You can serve the soup with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a side of crusty bread for a heartier meal. For dietary restrictions, substitute ingredients as needed, maintaining the soup’s overall flavor profile. - EQUIPMENT LIST
- Large Pot/Dutch Oven
- Sharp Knife
- Cutting Board
- Wooden Spoon
- Ladle
- Measuring Cups And Spoons
Notes
- Sausage Variation: You can use either hot or mild Italian turkey sausage, depending on your preference for spiciness. Feel free to adjust the quantity or type of sausage based on your taste.
- Fennel Preparation: Remember to remove the tough outer layers and core before dicing when working with fennel. Only use the white part of the fennel bulb for this recipe, as it provides a milder and sweeter flavor.
- Homemade Chicken Stock: While homemade chicken stock is preferred for its depth of flavor, you can use a low-sodium store-bought version as a convenient alternative. Choose a brand you trust, such as Swanson 99%, or use your favorite low-sodium chicken broth.
- Seasoning Adjustments: The provided measurements for salt, pepper, and herbs are a starting point. Feel free to adjust the seasonings according to your taste preferences. Remember to taste the soup and add more seasoning if needed.
- Cannellini Beans: Rinse and drain the canned cannellini beans to remove any excess salt or liquid before adding them to the soup. They will contribute a creamy texture and make the soup more filling.
- Fresh Parsley: Chop the flat-leaf parsley before adding it to the soup to preserve its new flavor and vibrant color. You can also garnish each serving with additional parsley for a pop of freshness.
- Cooking Time: Simmering the soup allows the flavors to meld together. Adjust the cooking time based on the desired tenderness of the vegetables and the flavors you prefer.
- Storage and Reheating: This soup reheats well, making it a great option for meal prepping or leftovers. Store any unused soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition Table
