White Beans with Spinach & Sausage
June 15, 2012
Welcome to my most popular recipe on my site! It’s so amusing to think that this, the soup that I literally threw together with stuff on hand when I had no money to buy any other ingredients has become the most pinned and searched recipe for my site! I am thankful for all who have shared, linked back, mentioned and even written me to add in their additions for the soup! Please, let me know what you have changed, what you added, and so on, how your family enjoyed ! I always enjoy reading your comments, and THANK YOU FOR liking, sharing and pinning the recipe! 🙂
On to the Original Post! —
This is such an easy recipe to put together. .This recipe is so versatile, honestly it becomes whatever is on hand most times. Instead of Spinach if I have mustard greens, kale or even collards (left overs or baby collards) I will use what is on hand, so really you can switch it up however you like. You can also use any tomatoes you have on hand, my favorite to use are grape or cherry as they add a sweet flavor to this dish. I have made this soup in so many different ways, it always come out great! I have used chicken, even turkey when I don’t have sausage, have even used ground sausage for this and it comes out great. For whatever meat you use, cook it first in cast iron skillet with a little oil then add into the large pot. Chicken and turkey, will soon fall apart while it cooks or you can cube it up before hand. The family always loves this, and I make it probably 5 times a year, if not more. To make this a healthier soup, just omit the sausage which I have done and it’s excellent!
For dried beans ( you can use canned!!) always soak over night then cook in the next day. These white cannellini beans are small and can cook up within an hour or two depending on your heat, but my suggestion is, if using dry beans is to soak over night rinse in the morning. Cook in left over broth (I usually save broth from any meat I cook to use in future recipes. You don’t have to have broth on hand, simply add water and season with what you and your family enjoy!) Cook for about an hour and half on medium then it’s time to add all the good stuff in! You will always have to add more liquid at this point but wait until you add in your vegetables. Again, you can use water with seasonings, or broth, my favorite broth to use is chicken, turkey, or vegetable, they all work!
- 1 pound kielbasa (turkey or chicken work great if you don't' want to use beef!)
- 2 cups chicken broth (vegetable broth works great in a pinch)
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup chopped peppers ( any peppers works)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cups Cannellini beans (you can use canned if needed make sure you rinse them as well)* see my suggestion above if using dry beans
- Two medium sized tomatoes diced up really small, it should come to about 1 cup or more
- 6 cups baby spinach leaves
- Freshly cracked pepper to taste
- If using dry beans, soak over night in hot water with lid on. A trick- boil water, pour beans in turn the heat off , cover with lid let it sit. In the morning, rinse out then place in large pot.
- Sausage- I cook the sausage in a cast iron skillet before adding to the beans. I like to sear it well on the sides then cut it up ( if using sausage links). Once it's all cooked I add it along with whatever juice/grease that the sausage made from the pan and add it into the beans.
- Add all the ingredients including broth into a large pot ( except the spinach!). Place on medium high heat and bring to a simmer. Heat through till the beans are tender. It takes about an hour or more depending on heat variation. If using canned it won't take long at all. Once beans are tender add in the spinach and cook just until the leaves are wilted. Stir it in and sprinkle cracked pepper on top.
- Simple dish you can dress up or dress down. I like serving this along side ribs, or any BBQ dish. I also mash up the beans that are left over and make quesadillas out of them, perfect for lunch time.
- Slow-cooker directions, Follow everything above but instead of a pot put it all into the slow-cooker. Cook sausage in a pan still, you want that nice flavor from the sear. . These small beans are small and will turn to mash for any longer than 4 hours. ( my slow cooker even on low runs hot) Low, 4hrs or until beans are tender. Add in the greens at the end.
Enjoy!
140 Comments
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bobi pixley
This was amazing! I used 3 cups of cooked Peruano beans from the pound I cooked the other day.
Just the right amount of spinach.
I liked this so much, I’m going to make it again tomorrow to share with a friend of mine.
Thank you so much for sharing!
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Melanie
I am so glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for sharing how you prepared! I love hearing the different versions and trying them myself!
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Moore or Less Cooking
Hi Melanie! Thank you for contributing! 20 Soups, Stews, Salads (and Desserts!) You Can Make With White Beans. https://parade.com/1036178/nettiemoore/best-white-bean-recipes/ I appreciate any social shares and comments! Nettie
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Kathy Miles
What a great recipe. So delicious and hearty. I tried the dried bean/crock pot version first, then the canned beans. I found the results to be similar, though the crock pot method took 8 hours after soaking (yes, I did have the crock pot on!) Instead of fresh tomatoes, I add canned chopped Italian tomatoes. So for me the preferred method is canned beans and Italian tomatoes and the meal is ready pronto. This is a staple in our household. Well done!
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SCB
Very good. I used 2 cans cannellini beans, 1 can RoTel diced tomatoes, 2 cups chicken broth and sauteed garlic with onion before combining.. Simmer for a good hour.
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Andrea
I tried this tonight and it was amazing!! I added more chicken broth to make it more “soup” like and Parmesan cheese on top served with cheesy bread. So flavorful! Yum!
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Leanne Andrews
I tried this recipe today and my husband and I both loved it! Served with chopped green onion on top, I put a dab of shredded Mozzarella on mine and we had garlic toast with it.
Some comments:
I used dried Great Northern beans (2 cups) as I couldn’t find Cannellini, soaked overnight and I ended up having to cook for 2+ hours and had to keep adding broth as it cooked. Ended up using about 5 cups when all was said and done. I cooked with a lid on the pan, slightly ajar.I might try it with either smoked sausage or other next time. The polish sausage was okay, but I think I would prefer a different flavor.
I did as some of the other comments suggested and sauteed the onions and garlic in the pan after I browned the sausage.
I used a can of drained diced tomatoes and they worked well, EXCEPT that I suspect the salt/acid in them may have toughened the beans just a bit. Next time, I will add them after the beans are done.
This will definitely be going into the rotation at our house! Thanks for a good recipe.
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Patricia
I tried your recipe today and my family loved it. They all agreed that I could make it again. I did change a couple of things. I added some onion which I sauteed in the grease from the sausage then I added my chicken broth and a couple of bay leaves. I used canned stewed tomatoes since I didn’t have any fresh. Since we have southern roots I used mustard greens. It all came together quite nicely.
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Melanie
I love using mustard greens in this as well!! Glad you enjoyed 🙂
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Claire
Do you use the whole garlic clove or should it be chopped or minced?
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Melanie
Minced! For some reason I did not put that in, yikes!
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Constance Poiser
Made this with black beans instead of white beans (all I had). Added 1/2 cup sautéed onions. Sprinkled grates parmasan on top when served. Great!!!! Might try sweet potatoe instead of sausage and veggie broth…..for my vegetarian son!!!
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Mary
Did you try the sweet potato change? That sounds really good
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Julia
Making this now…use only 1 cup of broth if you’re using canned beans and canned tomatoes!!
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Kelly
This dish is awesome, have made it multiple times!!! Do you have the Nutritional info for one serving?
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Becky
I’d love to do this in the slow cooker, but I’m a teacher and have to be able to leave it all day. Even best-case scenario (popping home on my planning period to throw it in) would mean it would be in there for about 8 hours. Can you help me figure out how to try to do that successfully? Do the beans have to be soaked and rinsed before going into the slow-cooker (I never use dried beans so I’m completely ignorant about them!), or could I get “larger” white beans and start with that (plus water, broth, seasonings, a little grease from searing the sausage, spinach and tomatos)??? Any help would be much appreciated!
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Melanie
Beans must soak the night before, then rinsed before putting into the slow cooker. Toss it all into the slow cooker and put on slow for you to enjoy when you get home 🙂
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Alice Linder
Dried beans don’t HAVE to be soaked before cooking, but maybe soaked beans cook faster? Another method: cover the beans with water, bring to a boil, boil for 5 minutes, drain, rinse, cover with water again and bring to a simmer, cooking til tender, which if the beans aren’t ancient, usually takes 1 1/2 to 2 hours. (If you can’t remember when the beans went into the cupboard, they’re probably ancient)
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bestwifesharinghangouts
Once I originally commented I clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now every time a remark is added I get 4 emails with the identical comment. Is there any means you can take away me from that service? Thanks!
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Melanie
Should be an unsubscribe button within the email and or even on the post itself. My apologies on that!
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Tamika
Looks great! How much water is used to boil the beans if using dried beans?
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Melanie
If you use dried beans, you must first soak the beans overnight. Simply cover dried beans with enough water ( two inches past the beans) and let soak overnight. Rinse and drain next morning before cooking.
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Susan
OMG! I just noticed your bowl! I have the same beautiful china! I got it 40-50 years ago!! I’ve never seen it anywhere. I got mine with of all things, S & H green stamps!
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Giselle
This is one of my favorites!!! I have used northern beans and cannellini beans in the past, doesn’t matter it is good. I also use Aldi’s Spinach & Feta Chicken Sausage. This is a comfort dish my husband and I enjoy.
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Monica
This was great! I used canned beans and it whipped up so fast! I chopped up venison brats I had sauted and used some baby kale I found on clearance. It was like Italian beanie weanies! We topped with Parmesan cheese and it was awesome!
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Sandy
Do you have the nutritional information for this recipe? Calories, carbs, protein, etc?
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Shelley
If making as a meal with sausage, how many servings would you say this makes?
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Jill
This dish was delist. I used Andouille sausage!
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Danielle Goodrich
This was fantastic! I am doing the Whole Life Challenge. To make it compliant I used Billinski’s organic chicken sausage, Cajun. I cooked it in the crock-pot for 31/2 hours then added the spinach. It was soupy but was wonderful!
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Melanie
Glad you enjoyed!
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Suzanne
I don’t like tomatoes. Could I maybe use some tomato paste while cooking to get the “flavor” without the chunks of tomato? Or do the tomatoes make the recipe what it is? I would completely omit but not sure if the recipe would be too bland, then.
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Melanie
You could use tomato paste, the soup wouldn’t be bland without them in it, it does add flavor though. 🙂
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Jenny
Just made this and it is delicious! Followed your recipe exactly (used canned beans) and the flavor is wonderful! Definitely adding it to my rotation.
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Amy
Recipe calls for 2 cups of beans, is that 2 cups of cooked or dry? I assumed cooked since it said canned so I used 3/4 cup dry. Mine is looking soupy, did I do this wrong?
Thanks
Amy-
Melanie
Yes it is cooked beans!! sometimes it can be soupy, elevations change so sometimes it can be soupy others not, you can thicken it up if it is your wish with cornstarch or flour
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Cathy
That answered my question as mine is very soupy. Made it today for dinner this evening. I thought it would be more of a side/main dish type of a meal. I will try thickener.
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Annie
Found this on Pinterest. I doubled the sausage, oregano, and garlic, added another cup or so of beans, and more broth to make it into a soup. It was very tasty!
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Kathy T
What’s the nutritional info on this recipe?
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Donna
I made this using kielbasa, 2 cans of cannellini beans, one can of diced tomatoes (drained) and kale (frozen after I purchased it fresh). Next time, I will try chicken sausage and spinach as well. I served this over brown rice. Thanks for the recipe!
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Melanie
Oh how did the frozen turn out? This I have never tried. And rice, YUM! Such a great addition! Thanks so much for updating!
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Chrissy
Have you tried canned diced tomatoes? I don’t have fresh on hand!
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Melanie
Yes you can used canned! It will create extra juice but that’s not a big deal. Sorry for the delay , took a break for holidays!
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Patrica Hand
I am using canned beans so do I still use the chicken/beef broth and cook the canned beans in this liquid? also are the canned beans hard as in uncooked?
Thanks so much
making it tonight-
Melanie
I have no idea what liquid is in with the black eyed peas, I always rinse any canned beans ( unless it’s in a tomato juice) Drain and use broth! Or if you have the broth cubes? You can use that with water according to directions!
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Connie H.
Hi! This recipe sounds yummy! I do not have the white beans; however, I do have a can of black-eyed peas. Could that work, as well? I have everything else. (I’m at home, sick with a bad cold, and don’t feel like getting out in this bad weather.) please let me know. Thanks!
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Melanie
Oh I don’t know, black eyed beans have a different flavor, any white beans would work in this, black not so much. 🙁 Not sure this would taste so good with black beans
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Connie H.
It’s not black beans in question, it’s black-eyed peas. I guess the only way to know how it would taste is to try it, or just wait until I felt like going to the store and buy white beans. I’ll let you how it turned out, if I try it w/the peas.
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Melanie
I call them beans cause peas is miss leading, black eye peas are actaully beans. Sorry about that ! haha Try it, see how it works!
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Pingback: White Bean, Spinach & Kielbasa Soup
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Pingback: White Bean, Spinach & Kielbasa Soup
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Christine
I made this this weekend and it was super yummy! The whole house loved it. Featured it on my blog where I try out ideas I find on Pinterest. Check it out!
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Vicky
could you tell me how many servings, I am on Weight Watchers and this recipe sounds so perfect, I want to try it. Thank you
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Melanie
Oh Goodness, this would serve a large family so you are looking at 10+ It’s made in a large slow cooker, a cup per person about. Does that help? Sorry if not!
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Vicky
Yes it does, thank you and I can’t wait to make it!
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Theresa
This was so good. I used Italian sausage. Will make it again.
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megan
Just made this for dinner and it was a huge hit. I have picky eaters and after reading all the reviews I thought I would try but was sure someone at the table would refuse to eat. I was shocked cause everyone asked for this ti be added to the favorite list.
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Melanie
That’s awesome! I’m so glad they all enjoyed!
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Edyta
I just made this dish. I couldn’t find dry cannellini beans, so I used organic canned cannellini beans. Added some bay leaves and allspice. I used fresh hot links made on a smoker. Turned out great! Thanks for sharing the recipe.
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Melanie
The canned beans work great! I’ve done that a few times 🙂 Glad you enjoyed!
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Rhonda Hostler
Made this for dinner tonight. Hubby and I both loved it. Will definitely make again
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Pingback: White Beans with Spinach and Sausage
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Jennifer
Just made it this evening for the first time. AMAZING! My daughter (who is a very picky eater) devoured it! So delicious and filling!!
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Pam
This sounds so hearty and delicious. White beans are my favorite type of beans.
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Anonymous
Love this recipe! So quick and easy for a weekday meal!
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Truly Blessed
Delicous! I substituted 1/2 can of Rotel tomatoes with green chillies instead of the fresh tomatoes, and added some chopped up scallions that desperately needed to be used. Everyone loved it, even my 8 & 9 year olds! Definitely will be making this again!
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Andrea Magee
Made this today and it is AMAZING!!! I used canned Cannellini beans x2 and added onions. I was out of oregano so I subbed it with Italian Seasoning. I also used canned Rotel Diced tomatoes. SUPER EASY and DELICIOUS, definitely will be making this again!!!
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Kath
I was just wondering if you could use Rotel tomatoes. Also thinking I could use the latest craze in 2016- chopped salad with sweet kale(and a few other chopped salad ingredients like carrots, cabbage and other greens, since I have a half bag I think I’ll try it!
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Anonymous
awesome recipe! Thank you for sharing it! I used canned beans and petite diced canned tomatoes (I'm a guy, so…), should have drained the tomatoes. But besides a little more liquid it turned out delicious! Definitely a keeper and a quick go to dinner card! 🙂
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Andrea Stewart
I am always looking for new recipes to try. My favorite ones, like this, are budget friendly! I made this today. I did a few variations. First, I chopped an onion and the garlic and I sautéed that in the pot using olive oil. Then, I sprinkled in some salt and pepper and added two bay leaves. When the onion became soft, I added in a box (4 cups) of chicken broth. Then I added two rinsed cans of Canellini beans. In addition to the oregano, I sprinkled in some parsley and a dash of white pepper. Then I added in two browned kielbasas. I bought a prepackaged ten ounce bag of fresh, washed and ready to eat spinach from Kroger. I kept adding it in until it looked like I had enough. I knew it would eventually cook down. It ended up being about half the bag. This turned out delicious! Very healthy. Good source of protein, and filling. Can't wait to make this again and experiment with a new variety of veggies. I did not add any tomatoes, but I am wondering if anyone has tried adding canned, diced?
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Melanie
I have used diced canned before, fresh is better in my opinion but canned works in a pinch!
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melissa
Made this tonight. I added mushrooms and served over rice. The whole family Loved it!! This will definitely be in our regular rotation:) Thanks for posting!
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Crystal Mayweather
I used 2 links of turkey sausage, a tablespoon of truffle olive oil, baby kale, and purple onions. It was a hit, and I'll probably make another batch later this week now that Fall has come in Georgia! Enjoy!
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Ally Edgerton
Great recipe – trying it tonight but making it vegan with meatless italian sausage and veggie broth
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Anonymous
If I'm adding canned beans, how many cans should I use?
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Anonymous
I've made this at least 10 times! We love it!!!
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thababay
I soaked the beans overnight then put in my crockpot this morning on low to cook all day and the beans still aren't tender. What did I do wrong?
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Kim
Hi there! How many does this serve? I want to make it as a side dish at our "southern style wedding" and need to convert it into enough servings for 70 people!
Thanks!
Kim -
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mburbage@sbcglobal.net
Haven't tried that but I would thaw it out and drain it first, I know when using frozen spinach there's a TON of extra water with it. So thaw it, and drain before placing it in. I would love to find out how it came out!
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Iris
Thanks for sharing! I made this on a rainy Sunday lunch, and found it's a real winter warmer…it filled me with so much goodness, I almost forgot about the dreary weather outside 🙂
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Anonymous
How do you prepare the beans and sausage before going into the crockpot.
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Rebekah Randolph
Very yummy. I used 1 lb turkey sausage and 1 can of white beans, and put in some tomato paste in place of the diced tomatoes. I also added some caramelized red onions because I love them so much, and a splash of red wine vinegar. 🙂
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UDmom
Are cannellini beans the same as white northern beans? I looked in three major grocery stores for dried cannellini beans with no luck. Why can't I find these??
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mburbage@sbcglobal.net
I have used white beans and it's fine! Cannellini beans are just like kidney beans only white. White northern should work
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Anonymous
Made this last night. It was a great dish!! I tweeked it a little. I used hot Italian sausage and only 3 cups of spinach, which was plenty! I simmered the garlic in the broth for about 10mins, then took it out. Recipe didn't say to leave in or take out. But if you crush it, I would leave it in. If you do it whole….make sure to remove so no one eats it thinking it's a bean! Overall, great dish & well definitely make again!
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Colleen Herrera
Made this last night…kind of. I doubled it. I cooked two kielbasa rings (probably could have used 3), then added two diced onions, oregano, salt and pepper…cooked until the onions are opaque. Added 6 cans of rinsed and drained cannellini beans (I mashed one can of beans to thicken it a bit), minced garlic, and chicken broth. Heated it through and then added the diced tomatoes and two bags of spinach at the end. My husband will NOT eat spinach—ever. But he LOVED dinner last night. Even with doubling the recipe, he and my kids said there was not enough :o) It has already been added to the menu for next week again.
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Anonymous
I was disappointed in the outcome .I found it to be quite bland although I see others tweaked the recipe. I might try again using Italian sausage and Sun dried tomatoes
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Origami Angel
Thank you so much for sharing this simple recipe! So delicious and comforting on a cold winter night. After I added the sausage to the pot, I threw my spinach into the cast iron skillet to saute with the juices and oil left behind (I used coconut oil). The spinach sucked up all the juices and cleaned my skillet!
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mburbage@sbcglobal.net
Oh lovely idea on the juices! Yummm So glad you enjoyed, and it is great for cold weather!
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Origami Angel
Totally pinned this last night and made it for dinner tonight. It is delicious and so comforting with winter weather. Thank you so much for sharing it.
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mburbage@sbcglobal.net
Sausage- I cook the sausage in a cast iron skillet before adding to the beans. I like to sear it well on the sides then cut it up ( if using sausage links). Once it's all cooked I add it along with whatever juice/grease that the sausage made from the pan and add it into the beans. If you cook in anything other than a cast iron skillet a little oil would help in the pan but I never add anything in the cast iron . sorry it wasn't added earlier been without a computer for a bit
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Melanie
I’ll get to work on that!
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Cheryl
Made this tonight with garlic and herb sausage and used sundried tomato in place of fresh. It was AWESOME! This will become a fall/winter staple for sure!
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Karlee Baldwin
How long so you cook it in the crock pot
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Melanie
Slow-cooker directions, Follow everything above but instead of a pot put it all into the slow-cooker. Cook sausage in a pan still, you want that nice flavor from the sear. . These small beans will turn to mash for any longer than 4 hours. ( my slow cooker even on low runs hot maybe some won’t be) Low, 4hrs or until beans are tender. Add in the greens at the end.
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The Christians
This was amazing!!! I used beef bone broth I had made this weekend to stave off a cold and it was perfect for this recipe! Great comfort food on a rainy weekend. Thanks so much for sharing the recipe!
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The Christians
This was amazing!!! I used beef bone broth I made and it was so good! Thank you for the recipe!
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Lisa Lavarias
this looks AMAZING! i cant wait to try it! do you happen to know what the calorie count is on this per serving?
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Anonymous
You don't mention how you add or cook the sausage…do you saute it first and then just add it at the end, or does it cook in with the soup. Sorry if I missed something…
Looks good!-
Anonymous
she sears it in a cast iron pan then add it to the beans.
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mburbage@sbcglobal.net
Sausage- I cook the sausage in a cast iron skillet before adding to the beans. I like to sear it well on teh sides then cut it up ( if using sausage links). Once it's all cooked I add it along with whatever juice/grease that the sausage made from the pan and add it into the beans. If you cook in anything other than a cast iron skillet a little oil would help in the pan but I never add anything in the cast iron
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auntbea09
I made your Recipe and it was Delish !!! My family loved it !!! Then the next time l maded it l used Great Northern Beans l add with your recipe a little onion,celery, dice carrots,small red potatoes and at the end I made some small drop dumplings and dropped into the pot of beans covered and simmer for about 30minutes. I never stir my dumplins l pick the pot up a little way from the burner and shake very lightly or my husband will I have parkinson`s and afraid to do it now. I also put those wire rings under my pot to keep from burning when l first time l made yours l used a 8qt crock pot !!! Thank you for recipe it gave me a few tips!!! auntbea (from Maryland)
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mburbage@sbcglobal.net
I used to have a Pin Button but it messed everything up, you can add add in the PInterest app for Chrome though so whatever webpage you are on you are just a click away from adding it onto your Pin boards
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Bea Cook
raisnarizona, This is where l got MelanieB. Recipe at was on Pinerest as soon as I saw it I knew l would like it I have made it twice, her way the 1st time my way 2nd time my children wants me to make it again but the 1st time way (MelanieB`s way) I told them for New Years Day and l would fix the Blackeye Peas on the side got to have them no matter what ! lol God Bless, auntbea (Maryland)
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Sara
Just finished eating this for dinner! We used Trader's Joe's Spinach and Fontina Chicken Sausage and added parmesean cheese on top. Delicious! Thank you! We really enjoyed it and found it quite filling!
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Anonymous
My family absolutely loved this. I modified the recipe as I have 3 big boys I had to feed. I added 2lbs of Polska Kielbasa instead of 3/4, used Garbanzo instead of cannellini, doubled the garlic and used beef broth instead of chicken. They enjoyed it so much they all requested it to be doubled do they can tske it to work/school. I give this recipe 5 stars!
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Anonymous
Pour over fussili pasta
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Becky Jane
This looks so tasty! During our move, I discovered I had an enormous amount of beans, this recipe is a life saver. Thank you.
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Debbie
Made this tonight and my family declared it a keeper. Thanks for sharing!