The Perfect Fall Comfort Food: White Bean, Sausage, and Spinach Soup from Rustic Joyful Food.
When autumn arrives and the outside world paints itself with warm colors, there is something I live for—making soup! Picture this: a lazy Sunday afternoon with a bubbling pot of hot soup and, to top it off, some crusty bread. Now, that truly brings in the coziness of fall.
Some time ago, my daughters and I stumbled upon the White Bean, Sausage, and Spinach Soup recipe in Danielle Kartes' first cookbook, "Rustic Joyful Food." And just like that, this recipe became a favorite.
The best part about this recipe is that it's not just delicious; it's super easy to make. And that comes as no surprise since the genius behind "Rustic Joyful Food," Danielle, pours her heart into her cookbooks. In our store, we have all three of her cookbooks showcased because they aren't ordinary cookbooks. They're a mix of tasty recipes and heartwarming stories.
And here's the cherry on top—Danielle has a brand-new cookbook called "Butter Flour Sugar Joy," just in time for the holidays. I'm so excited to get my hands on it!
But before we dive into that, let's focus on the mouthwatering recipe that's about to fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of comfort. So, grab your apron, roll up your sleeves, and let's cook up some delicious white bean, sausage, and spinach soup!
Why Fall and Soup?
Let’s take a moment to understand why fall and a steaming bowl of white bean, sausage, and spinach soup are a perfect duo.
As we all know, fall ushers in cooler weather, and nothing beats the chill quite like a comforting bowl of hot soup. It's like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket from the inside out.
This wholesome soup isn't just about taste; it's about providing nourishment on those chilly fall evenings. It warms you up, keeps you satisfied, and prepares you for the longer nights.
In a nutshell, this recipe is tailor-made for fall, offering both comfort and sustenance when you need it most.
What Makes the White Bean, Sausage, and Spinach Soup Special?
The Key Ingredients
The key ingredients in White Bean, Sausage, and Spinach Soup are all about creating a warm and cozy fall experience.
First, we have the sausage. I love to use Italian sausage because it has a delicate balance of flavor and spice. You can use sweet or hot sausage, depending on your preference.
Next are the white beans, which, as you may know, are the staple of fall soups. They’re the perfect protein, especially since they add a creamy texture to the soup. I prefer to use cannellini beans but if you don’t have that in hand, you can go for great northern beans or navy beans.
For a boost in vitamins and minerals, we have spinach. This ingredient adds just that bright and fresh flavor needed in a fall soup. I usually use fresh spinach but frozen can work too if you don’t have it fresh.
Every other ingredient, from the onions, carrots, celery, chicken stock, salt, pepper, and lemon juice,plays a role in building the amazing flavor in the soup.
What If I Don’t Have All The Ingredients In Hand?
Another great thing about this recipe is its versatility. Not having one or two ingredients won’t stop you from enjoying the coziness that the white bean, sausage, and spinach soup brings.
Here are a few ideas for substitutions or variations:
If you don't have sausage, you can substitute another type of ground meat, such as ground beef or ground turkey.
If you don't have white beans, you can substitute another type of bean, such as black beans or kidney beans.
To make a vegetarian version of the soup, omit the sausage and add an extra can of beans.
How To Cook Up White Bean, Sausage And Spinach Soup
The Recipe
Ingredients
16 ounces fresh sweet or hot Italian sausage
1 yellow onion, diced
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves fresh garlic, chopped
1 cup diced carrots
1 rib celery, diced
2 medium white potatoes, diced
1/2 tablespoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
5 cups unsalted chicken stock
1 (15-ounce) can white beans, drained and rinsed
4 to 5 cups baby spinach
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
Directions
Brown the sausage in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium to medium-high heat. Once the sausage is cooked, remove it from the pot.
Sweat the onion in the same pot with a little olive oil until it is translucent.
Add the garlic, carrots, celery, potatoes, salt, and pepper to the pot and cook for a few minutes.
Add the chicken stock and the cooked sausage back to the pot. Bring the soup to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft.
Add the white beans and cook for an additional 30 minutes.
At the last minute before serving, add the spinach and lemon juice. Serve with crusty bread and butter.
If you want something a little different, I have just the tips for you:
If you want a spicier soup, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pot when you are sweating the onion.
For a creamier soup, add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end of cooking.
If you are making the soup in a slow cooker, combine all of the ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Enjoying The Soup
At this point, I’m sure you’ll agree with me that there’s nothing like a warm soup on a chilly day, even more exciting seeing as it's the white bean, sausage, and spinach soup. The soothing aroma and flavor of the soup will definitely create a cozy and inviting atmosphere in your home.
I have fond memories of making soup with my daughters on cold fall afternoons. We would often try new recipes and experiment with different flavors which led to our discovery of the White Bean, Sausage, and Spinach Soup, a hearty and flavorful soup perfect for a cold day.
I love the way the aromas of the sausage, garlic, and herbs fill the kitchen as the soup cooks. And when the soup is finally ready, it's such a treat to sit down with my family and enjoy a bowl together.
I certainly hope you enjoy this recipe for White Bean, Sausage, and Spinach Soup as much as my family and I do!
Pairing White Bean, Sausage, and Spinach Soup with Other Fall Favorites
White Bean, Sausage and Spinach Soup is a comforting meal on its own, but the upside is that you can pair it with other fall favorites for a memorable delicacy.
Serve with crusty bread: A warm bowl of soup is even better when enjoyed with a slice of crusty bread. You can use a variety of breads, such as sourdough, rye, or even flavored bread like pumpkin or cinnamon raisin.
Add a side salad: A light and refreshing salad is the perfect complement to a hearty soup. Try a simple green salad with your favorite vinaigrette dressing, or add some seasonal ingredients, such as roasted apples, pears, or butternut squash.
Pair with a grilled cheese sandwich: What could be more comforting than a grilled cheese sandwich and a bowl of soup? Use your favorite cheese and bread, and don't forget to add a slice of tomato or avocado for extra flavor.
Serve with a baked potato: Baked potatoes are another classic comfort food that pairs perfectly with soup. Top your potato with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, butter, cheese, and chives.
Add a glass of wine: A glass of red or white wine is the perfect way to finish off your fall meal. Choose a wine that complements the flavors of your soup, such as a Pinot Noir for a lighter soup or a Cabernet Sauvignon for a heartier soup.
No matter how you choose to enjoy it, White Bean, Sausage, and Spinach Soup is a surefire way to warm you up on a cold fall day.
How Do I Store White Bean, Sausage, and Spinach Soup?
White bean, sausage, and spinach soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. To freeze the soup, let it cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
To reheat the soup, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or in the microwave. Once the soup is thawed, heat it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Tips For Storing and Reheating White Bean, Sausage and Spinach Soup
Portion the soup into individual containers before storing it in the refrigerator or freezer. This will make it easier to grab when you’re looking for a quick and healthy lunch or dinner on the go.
If you want to thin the soup out when reheating, you can add a splash of chicken broth or water.
You can also add some fresh herbs or a dollop of sour cream before serving.
