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Cozy Slow Cooker White Bean Sausage Kale Soup

slow cooker white bean sausage kale soup - featured image
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A thick, hearty, and warm slow cooker soup featuring Italian sausage, white beans, and kale, perfect for cozy winter meals. This easy recipe melds simple ingredients into a comforting bowl with rich flavors and tender greens.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
  • 4 cups chopped kale, packed (about 5 oz)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 2 stalks celery, sliced
  • 4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 large bay leaf
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if desired.
  2. In the same skillet, add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 4-5 minutes until softened and fragrant. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
  3. Transfer browned sausage and sautéed vegetables to the slow cooker. Add drained white beans, chopped kale, chicken broth, dried thyme, bay leaf, and red pepper flakes if using.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until kale is tender and flavors meld.
  5. About 15 minutes before serving, taste and add salt and black pepper as needed. Remove bay leaf. If soup is too thick, stir in a splash of water or broth to reach desired consistency.
  6. Ladle soup into bowls and serve warm. Optionally, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and serve with crusty bread.

Notes

Browning the sausage before slow cooking adds depth of flavor. Add kale at the start for tender but vibrant greens. Season with salt near the end to avoid over-salting. For creamier texture, mash some beans before serving. Parmesan rind can be added during cooking for extra flavor and removed before serving. Vegetarian and gluten-free substitutions are possible.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker soup, white bean soup, sausage kale soup, winter soup, hearty soup, easy slow cooker recipe, Italian sausage soup

Find it online: https://tastypierecipes.com/cozy-slow-cooker-white-bean-sausage-kale-soup-recipe-easy-and-perfect-for-winter/