15 Bean Soup Italian Style with Sausage & Fresh Herbs

15-bean mix

🥗Healthier: lentils

💰Cheaper: canned beans

Lentils are lower in calories and cook faster.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Canola oil is more affordable and has a neutral flavor.

diced tomatoes

🥗Healthier: fresh tomatoes

💰Cheaper: canned tomato puree

Canned puree is often less expensive and has a longer shelf life.

vegetable broth

🥗Healthier: homemade broth

💰Cheaper: water with bouillon cubes

Bouillon cubes are a cost-effective way to add flavor.

Soak 2 bags of 15-bean mix overnight in water, then rinse and drain thoroughly.

In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-low heat.

Add 1 pound of sweet Italian sausage, breaking it up as it cooks until no longer pink.

Stir in diced onion, carrot, and celery; season with sea salt and black pepper, and sauté for about 5 minutes.

Add 7-8 sprigs of fresh thyme and 3 crushed cloves of garlic; cook for about 1 minute.

Pour in 4 cups of homemade chicken stock and add the soaked beans; stir well.

Bring to a simmer and then add another 4 cups of chicken stock.

Add 1 can of crushed San Marzano tomatoes and 1 cup of Italian white wine after simmering for about 1.5 hours.

Continue to simmer until beans are tender and flavors meld.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: