Simply Suzanne's AT HOME: white bean & Italian sausage soup

This is a crazy, delicious soup . . . and I'm excited to share it with you!

It's not new to our little crew, but it's my first time sharing it on the blog.

I make it often, as it's so easy to prepare, light, and delicious. In the Fall and Winter, I love adding sweet potatoes, butternut squash, and parsnips; and in the Spring, I add red potatoes, carrots, sweet onions, and lots of fresh herbs.

The sweet vegetables that I add in the Fall, Winter, and Spring are a healthy and delicious compliment to the soup's staple of buttery white beans and spicy Italian sausage.

This soup has it all . . . sweet (veggies), buttery (beans), smokey (smoked paprika), and spicy (Italian sausage).

Our little crew is planning a 2-week trip to Virginia next week . . . and with their cooler Spring temperatures, I plan on making this for a cozy lunch or dinner to enjoy while we're there.

Sprinkle with lots of fresh herbs (cilantro is my favorite!), add a bouquet of Spring flowers to your table, serve family-style with fresh bread . . . and you have a healthy and delicious Spring-inspired meal. Enjoy!

Spring vegetable, white bean &

Italian sausage soup

. . . . . . . .

1-pound spicy Italian sausage, casing removed

2 Tablespoons olive oil

1 large yellow onion, chopped (about 2 cups)

2 medium carrots, chopped (about 1 cup)

1/2 pound small red potatoes, chopped

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1 Tablespoon tomato paste

2 (15-oz.) cans Cannellini white beans, drained and rinsed

1 (32-oz.) container reduced-sodium chicken broth

1/2 cup fresh parsley or cilantro leaves, chopped

. . . . . . . .

Preparation

Cook sausage in a Dutch oven over medium-high, stirring constantly, until browned and crumbled, about 8 minutes. Drain well on paper towels. Wipe Dutch oven clean.

Heat oil in Dutch oven over medium-high. Add onions and next 5 ingredients, and sauté until tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in tomato paste, and cook 1 minute, stirring often.

Increase heat to high. Add beans, chicken broth, and sausage, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer, stirring occasionally and skimming off any fat from top, 20 minutes. Stir in parsley or cilantro, and serve immediately.