Spicy Sausage and White Bean Soup

Ingredients

• 250 g Italian sausage (spicy), casings removed
• 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) canned white beans (cannellini), drained and rinsed
• 1 can (14.5 oz / 410 g) crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil(optional)
• 1 cup (240 ml) chicken or vegetable broth(optional)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning(optional)
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes(optional)
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• to taste salt(optional)
• to taste black pepper(optional)

Instructions

1. 1

   Prep (10 minutes): Chop the onion and mince the garlic. Drain and rinse the white beans. Measure the crushed tomatoes and broth (if using).

2. 2

   Brown sausage (about 5 minutes): Heat olive oil in a pot over medium-high heat. Add sausage and cook, breaking it up, until browned.

3. 3

   Simmer (about 15 minutes): Add onion and cook until softened (about 2 minutes). Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes for 30 seconds. Add crushed tomatoes, beans, and broth (if using). Bring to a simmer and cook until flavors meld and the soup thickens slightly.

4. 4

   Finish (about 2 minutes within the 20-minute cook time): Stir in spinach and cook just until wilted. Taste and adjust salt and pepper, then serve.