Sausage-Bean-Escarole Soup
A hearty Italian-inspired sausage and bean soup with tender escarole, garlic, and tomatoes, perfect for comforting meals and suitable for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Crumble the sweet Italian sausage into a deep, 3-quart microwave-proof casserole.
- Add the chopped onion and sliced garlic; microwave, covered, on High until the sausage is cooked through, about 7 minutes.
- Trim the escarole and tear the white and light green leaves into bite-sized pieces.
- Measure 3 cups of the packed escarole leaves.
- Break up the cooked sausage with a fork.
- Stir in the escarole, cannellini beans with liquid, chicken broth, tomatoes with liquid, salt, fennel seed, and pepper.
- Break up the tomatoes with a spoon.
- Microwave, covered, on High for 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth, consider substituting the sweet Italian sausage with turkey sausage for a lighter option. If escarole is unavailable, kale or Swiss chard can be good substitutes. To enhance the flavor, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of lemon juice before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Sausage-Bean-Escarole Soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Italian recipes like Light Chicken Marsala or a simple antipasto platter for a heartier dinner. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of flavor.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of broth to maintain the soup's consistency, and heat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sausage-Bean-Escarole Soup contains roughly 872 calories, with 30g protein, 93g carbohydrates, and 43g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (60% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (44% of the Daily Value), and iron (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2077mg per serving (90% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes, this soup can be made a day ahead. In fact, the flavors meld beautifully when allowed to sit overnight in the refrigerator. Just reheat it gently before serving, adding a little extra broth if needed.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace the sausage with plant-based sausage or omit it entirely. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and add more beans or vegetables to enhance the texture and flavor.
What can I serve with this soup?
This hearty soup pairs well with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or even Stuffed Potatoes Cacciatore for a filling meal that complements the flavors of the soup.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).