This 5-Ingredient Italian Bean Stew is an easy, healthy recipe to make ahead and enjoy for lunch or dinner through the work week!
Prep Time10 minutesmins
Cook Time1 hourhr30 minutesmins
Bean soaking time6 hourshrs
Total Time7 hourshrs40 minutesmins
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: best best soup recipes, easy bean soup recipes, gluten-free soup, healthy bean soup, healthy stew recipes, Italian bean soup, Italian bean stew, Italian soup recipe, make-ahead stew recipe, soup with Italian sausage
Servings: 8Servings
Calories: 273kcal
Ingredients
16 ouncesdried white beans, such as Great Northern, Cannellini, or Navy beans(See notes for substituting with canned beans)
8ounceshot Italian chicken sausage, about 2 links, casings removed
1(28 ounce)can of San Marzano peeled tomatoes
8cupslow-sodium chicken stock
6cupschopped kale, stems removed (about 1 bunch)
Optional: the rind from a Parmesan cheese wedge
Salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to taste
Instructions
Place the dried beans in a bowl. Cover with cold water to two inches above the beans. Let sit for 6-8 hours (I do this overnight or during the work day).
Drain the beans through a strainer, and discard any broken beans.
Heat a Dutch oven or large soup pot over medium heat. Add 1 teaspoon of oil and the Italian sausage. Cook the sausage until browned, being sure to break up chunks with a wooden spoon.
Add the tomatoes and break them apart into pieces with a wooden spoon. Add the soaked beans, 8 cups of chicken stock, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Increase heat to high to bring a boil. Reduce heat to a low simmer and cook for 1 hour with a lid on top and slightly ajar. Stir occasionally.
After an hour of simmering, add the chopped kale and Parmesan rind, if using. Add water as needed to thin the soup. Continue simmering until the kale and beans reach desired level of tenderness, about an additional 30-45 minutes.
Season the finished soup to taste with salt and pepper. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
Substituting with canned beans: Brown the sausage, then add the tomatoes, stock, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a simmer, then add the kale and 2 cans of drained Great Northern or cannellini beans. Simmer for 30 minutes or until the kale is tender. Serve hot.