Hearty Italian Sausage and Bean Soup

Ingredients and Weight:

• 1 pound Italian sausage (fresh or frozen)
• 1 can (about 2 cups) kidney beans
• 1 can (about 2 cups) chicken broth or vegetable broth
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery ribs, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation Time:

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. In a large pot, brown the Italian sausage over medium-high heat, breaking it up into small pieces.
2. Once the sausage is cooked through, add the chopped onion and continue cooking until the onion is softened.
3. Add the garlic, carrots, and celery and cook for another 5 minutes.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and enough water to cover all the ingredients. Bring to a boil.
5. Once the soup is boiling, add the kidney beans, oregano, and basil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about an hour.
6. Season with salt and pepper according to taste.

Nutritional Information: (Per serving, assuming 400 calories per serving)

• Calories: 480
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 20g
• Fiber: 8g

Dish Characteristics:

• Hearty and flavorful, with a rich sausage flavor.
• High in protein and fiber, low in carbs.
• Can be customized with additional ingredients like bell peppers or spicy sausage for a kick of heat.

User Comments:

1. "This soup is so comforting and filling! The perfect dish for a cold winter day." - John Doe
2. "I love the combination of flavors in this soup. The sausage and beans create a delicious contrast." - Jane Smith
3. "This recipe is easy to follow and makes a great dish for a busy weeknight." - Michael Johnson

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Use fresh ingredients for best results. If using frozen sausage, make sure to cook it thoroughly before adding other ingredients.
• Adjust seasoning according to taste. Start with less salt and pepper and add more if needed.
• If you want to make the soup spicier, add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or use spicy sausage.