Winter White Bean, Sausage and Spinach Soup

In my house, during the winter months, Sunday is soup day. For sure one pot is simmering on the stove, sometimes two. The aroma makes me feel warm inside, even before diving into a bowl. Recently I discovered a new favourite …Winter White Bean, Sausage and Spinach Soup!

Soup is Easy

Soup was something I was afraid to tackle as a new cook. I figured the process was difficult. I didn’t have two hours to prepare a soup base! BUT here is the beauty of soup, you can cheat! A soup can come together in 30 minutes with store bought broths (just watch the sodium content) If you do have some time to wait (like so many delicious comfort foods) the longer soup simmers, the better it tastes.

Winter White Bean, Sausage and Spinach Soup

My friend Nadine introduced me to this delicious recipe. And instead of heavy cream, the soup-base substitute is coconut milk. Add beans, spicy sausage and spinach and you’ve got a creamy and filling dinner. Make this Sunday and have leftovers for days.

Why coconut milk?

Coconut milk offers the creamy flavour with fewer calories. Some early research shows combining coconut milk with a high protein diet can help reduce or manage weight gain, and cholesterol. Coconut also contains phenols, which are antioxidants. One healthy-sized bowl of this soup is 400 calories. It is a filling and delicious winter meal.

Ready in 30 minutes

This recipe comes together quickly. Here’s a list of easy instructions.

Winter White Bean, Sausage and Spinach Soup

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon Olive Oil

• 1 lb Spicy Italian Sausage (chopped)

• 1 Yellow Onion small (diced)

• 3 cloves Garlic (minced)

• 2 stalks Celery (diced)

• 2 cans Coconut Milk (400ml x2) (full fat coconut milk makes this creamier)

• 4 cups Chicken Broth (low sodium)

• Pinch of Crushed Red Pepper Flakes

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• 1/4 teaspoon celery seed

• 2 Cans of White Beans (drained) (14.5 oz, cannellini beans)

• 2 cups Spinach (fresh)

• 1 sprig Rosemary

• 2 Bay Leaves

• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated) Sprinkle a pinch of cheese on soup for serving.

  
  

Directions

• In a soup pot, heat oil over medium heat add the chopped pieces of Italian sausage until cooked through

• Then add in the onion, garlic and celery. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onions are translucent

• Add in the chicken broth, coconut milk, salt, spices, pepper flakes, beans, rosemary and bay leaves. Bring to a low boil and then reduce to a simmer for 15 minutes

• Discard rosemary and bay leaves. Stir in the spinach. Remove from heat and serve with a pinch of Parmesan cheese on top.

Enjoy!