Sausage Fennel and White Bean Soup
Warm up with a savory Sausage Fennel and White Bean Soup packed with rich Italian sausage, sweet fennel, creamy white beans, and aromatic herbs. This hearty and wholesome soup is simple to prepare, perfect for any season, and easily customizable to suit your taste preferences.
- Author: Maria
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soups
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage (spicy or mild, casing removed if needed)
- 1 medium fennel bulb, thinly sliced
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans (cannellini or navy), rinsed and drained
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1–2 teaspoons fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, or parsley), chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Brown the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Remove the sausage from casings if needed, crumble it, and cook until browned and fully cooked. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the thinly sliced fennel and diced onions to the pot. Cook them until softened and fragrant, about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its aroma.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the browned sausage to the pot. Add the rinsed white beans and pour in the chicken broth. Stir in the fresh herbs and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Simmer the Soup: Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the soup to thicken slightly.
- Final Taste and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust seasonings as needed. Remove herb stems if present. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of cheese, such as Parmesan, if desired.
Notes
- Use quality Italian sausage for better flavor.
- Don’t skip browning the sausage to boost umami.
- Sauté fennel gently to bring out natural sweetness without bitterness.
- Rinse canned beans thoroughly to remove excess sodium.
- For thicker soup, simmer longer or mash a small portion of beans against the pot sides.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: sausage soup, fennel soup, white bean soup, Italian sausage, hearty soup, comfort food, gluten free soup