Old World Peasant Soup

Yield: Serves 5–6 | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 30–35 minutes

I love this kind of soup because the use of sausage and beans makes it an affordable option for dinner. The combination of meat, beans, and veggies gives the dish plenty of texture and flavor, making it a hearty meal to feed a crowd.

INGREDIENTS

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 pound Italian sausage, casing removed, sliced

1 onion, finely chopped

1 carrot, thinly sliced

1 celery stalk, sliced

3 garlic cloves, minced

4 cups chicken broth

2 (15.8-ounce) cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

1 (14-ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes

½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

½ teaspoon kosher salt

½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

3 cups fresh spinach

Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish

DIRECTIONS

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook until it’s no longer pink.

2. Add the onion, carrot, celery, and garlic and cook until tender, 6 to 8 minutes.

3. Add the broth, beans, tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes.

4. Add the spinach and cook for 3 to 4 minutes more.

5. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with Parmesan. Serve.