RECIPE: TURKEY SAUSAGE, WHITE BEAN, & SPINACH SOUP

Oh, I just love this soup! It's SO easy and it's full of nutrients and good stuff and it's just wonderful!

This is another recipe that used to have a much higher calorie count and lacked some veggies, but a few swaps and add-ins and it's a dinner I can feel good serving to my family!

And did I mention it's a slow cooker recipe?!?!

Yep! Just cook your sausage, throw all the ingredients in to cook all day, and add your spinach at the end!

This recipe is simple and delicious! I throw in some spinach at the end, but it would be easy to add even more soft veggies to make it more nutrient-dense. I've added in cooked bell pepper and carrot to this recipe and it was even more fabulous. However, for a quick "throw it in and go," the spinach and tomatoes are plenty and add a nice dose of Vitamin C and potassium.

Swapping regular sausage for turkey sausage brings the fat and calorie content down a bit and the beans are an excellent source of fiber and protein.

I love to serve this soup with a crusty, multigrain french bread to soak up all of the leftover broth! Top it with parmesan cheese and add a little heat with some crushed red pepper flakes.

Give this soup a try on your next busy night!

HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED:

13 oz smoked turkey sausage, cut into rounds

1 can diced tomatoes, Italian style

2 cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

5 cups low-sodium chicken stock

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon dried basil

3 cups spinach

6 tablespoons parmesan cheese

Salt, pepper, crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

HERE'S WHAT YOU DO:

1. Cook sausage in a fry pan over medium heat until cooked through.
2. Add sausage to slow cooker.
3. Add tomatoes, beans, stock, and seasoning to slow cooker and combine.
4. Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 4 hours.
5. Add spinach to slow cooker 10-15 minutes before serving.
6. Serve in bowl and top with 1 tablespoon parmesan cheese.
7. Enjoy!

Serving & Nutrition Information:

Yield: 6 servings. 1.5 cups of soup contains 232 calories, 7g Total Fat, 24g Carbs, 7.5g Fiber, 1.5g Sugar, 19g Protein