fennel, tomatillo, sausage & cannellini bean soup
Cozy Up With Fennel, Tomatillo, Sausage & Cannellini Bean Soup
As the days get shorter and the weather cools, there’s nothing quite like a hearty, flavorful soup to warm you from the inside out. This Fennel, Tomatillo, Sausage & Cannellini Bean Soup is a delightful blend of Italian and Mediterranean flavors, offering a unique twist on a classic comfort food. The slight sweetness of the fennel, the tangy brightness of the tomatillos, and the savory richness of the sausage create a truly unforgettable culinary experience.
This isn’t your average bean soup! The combination of ingredients offers a complex flavor profile that’s both satisfying and surprisingly light. We use both sweet and spicy Italian sausage to add depth, and the Parmesan rinds simmered during cooking impart a subtle umami richness. Don’t skip those rinds – they’re a secret weapon for incredible flavor!
What makes this soup special?
- Unique Flavor Combination: The fennel and tomatillo pairing is unexpected but incredibly delicious.
- Hearty and Healthy: Packed with protein and fiber from the cannellini beans, this soup will keep you full and satisfied.
- Easy to Make: While the flavors are complex, the recipe is surprisingly straightforward.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prepping.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this soup hot with a generous slice of crusty bread for dipping. A sprinkle of fresh parsley and minced green onions adds a pop of color and freshness. A drizzle of good quality olive oil is also a lovely finishing touch.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I use pre-cooked cannellini beans?
A: While you can, we highly recommend using dried beans soaked overnight. They have a better texture and flavor. If you must use canned, reduce the simmering time significantly.
Q: Can I substitute the sausage?
A: Yes, you can! Chicken or turkey sausage would also work well. Adjust the seasoning accordingly.
Q: What if I can’t find tomatillos?
A: While tomatillos are key to the unique flavor, you could substitute with diced green tomatoes, but the flavor will be different. You may also need to add a squeeze of lime juice for brightness.
Q: Can this soup be made vegetarian or vegan?
A: To make it vegetarian, omit the sausage and use vegetable broth. For a vegan version, omit the sausage, use vegetable broth, and remove the Parmesan rinds.
Q: How long will this soup keep?
A: This soup will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
We hope you enjoy this flavorful and comforting soup as much as we do! It’s the perfect dish to warm your soul on a chilly evening.
Fennel, Tomatillo, Sausage & Cannellini Bean Soup
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried cannellini beans soaked overnight
- 4 Italian sausages casings removed and crumbled (2 sweet, 2 spicy)
- 1 large fennel bulb or fennel fronds, chopped
- 1 1/2 cup tomatillos diced
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fennel seeds
- salt to taste
- pepper to taste
- 2 Parmesan rinds
- green onions minced, for garnish
- parsley minced, for garnish
- crusty bread for serving
Instructions
- Soak cannellini beans overnight.
- In a large pot, brown the sausage. Drain any excess grease.
- Add the chopped fennel and onion to the pot and cook until softened.
- Add the soaked and drained cannellini beans, fennel seeds, and enough water to cover the beans. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the beans are tender, about 30-45 minutes, adding water as needed.
- Add the diced tomatillos and Parmesan rinds to the pot. Continue to simmer for another 15 minutes.
- Remove the Parmesan rinds. Return the cooked sausage to the pot.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with minced green onions and parsley. Enjoy with crusty bread.
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