Print

Slow Cooker White Bean and Sausage Soup with Kale

slow cooker white bean and sausage soup - featured image
Print Recipe

A hearty and comforting slow cooker soup featuring white beans, Italian sausage, and fresh kale, perfect for cozy meals on chilly nights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups dried navy or cannellini beans, soaked overnight (or 4 cups canned, drained and rinsed)
  • 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed (mild or spicy)
  • 4 cups chopped fresh kale, tough stems removed
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 6 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Instructions

  1. If using dried beans, soak 2 cups navy or cannellini beans overnight in plenty of water (about 8 cups). If using canned beans, skip soaking.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer to slow cooker.
  3. In the same skillet, sauté chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute. Transfer to slow cooker.
  4. Drain soaked beans and add to slow cooker. Pour in 6 cups chicken broth. Stir in dried thyme, bay leaves, red pepper flakes (if using), and season lightly with salt and pepper.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until beans are tender but not mushy.
  6. About 20-30 minutes before serving, stir in chopped kale. Cover and continue cooking until kale is wilted but still vibrant.
  7. Remove bay leaves. Stir in fresh lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  8. Serve hot, optionally drizzled with olive oil or sprinkled with grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Brown the sausage first to add depth of flavor. Soak dried beans overnight to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility. Add kale late in cooking to keep it tender but slightly chewy. Adjust seasoning gradually to avoid oversalting. If soup is too thick, add broth or water; if too thin, simmer uncovered to reduce.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://coracooks.com/slow-cooker-white-bean-and-sausage-soup-with-kale-easy-recipe-for-cozy-meals/