Weeknight Italian Vegetable Soup
by: Chef Mike Shannon
Ingredients
1 Tablespoon olive oil
1 lb Italian sausage, crumbled
1 medium onion, diced
1 large carrot, diced
2 celery stalks, sliced
1 small zucchini, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 Tablespoon thyme leaves, chopped
1 stem fresh basil, leaves removed and chopped
10 cups unsalted or low-sodium chicken stock or vegetable broth
4 Roma tomatoes, diced, or 1 can diced tomatoes, drained
2 cups cooked cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
salt and pepper, to taste
3–4 cups baby spinach
2 Tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Sauté the Sausage
Heat oil in a large French oven or saucepan over medium-high heat. Brown sausage for 3–4 minutes, until just a little pink remains.
Cook the Vegetables
Add onions, carrots, celery, and zucchini and cook for 5 minutes more. Stir in garlic and continue to cook for 1 minute, or until fragrant.
Build the Soup
Stir in herbs and cook for 1 minute. Add stock, tomatoes, and beans. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 10–15 minutes.
Finish and Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning. Divide spinach between bowls and top with cheese.