Imagine a bowl of creamy, tender white beans simmered in a rich, flavorful broth, alongside savory sausage and earthy kale. This classic Italian dish is a perfect blend of hearty and comforting flavors. The combination of creamy beans, spicy sausage, and nutritious kale creates a well-rounded meal that is both satisfying and healthy. In this post, we’ll guide you through the simple steps to prepare this delicious dish.
INGREDIENTS
- 12 oz fully cooked Italian sausage links, sliced
- 4 cups cooked white beans (divided)
- 1 tbsp neutral oil (e.g., avocado oil)
- 1/2 medium onion, finely diced
- 1 cup shredded carrot (about 1 medium-large)
- 2 cups chicken broth (divided)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp granulated garlic
- 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 bay leaf
- 6 oz fresh curly kale, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (plus extra to taste)
INSTRUCTIONS
- Brown the Sausage: Preheat a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add oil, then sauté sliced sausage until browned. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add diced onion and shredded carrot. Cook for about 10 minutes until softened.
- Blend Beans and Broth: In a blender, combine 3/4 cup cooked beans and 1 cup chicken broth. Blend until smooth.
- Simmer the Mixture: Add blended bean mixture, remaining beans, remaining broth, Italian seasoning, garlic, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and bay leaf to the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cover, cooking for about 10 minutes.
- Add Kale and Sausage: De-stem and chop the kale. Stir into the skillet along with the reserved sausage. Cover and simmer for about 3 minutes until kale is wilted.
- Finish: Discard the bay leaf, add lemon juice, and adjust seasoning to taste. For a thinner broth, add more broth and warm through.
- Serve: Enjoy hot, optionally topped with Parmesan cheese if desired.
NOTES
- You can substitute your favorite fresh sausage (about 1 lb total).
- Using canned beans? 3 cans (15 oz each) is roughly 4 cups of cooked beans.
- Any variety of white beans will work; Great Northern is a good choice.
