Italian Minestrone

Ingredients: 

• 1 tablespoon olive oil 
• 1 pound sweet Italian sausage (casings removed)
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 3 carrots (chopped) 
• 2 ribs celery (chopped) 
• 1 clove garlic (minced) 
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme 
• 2 cans cannellini beans
• 10 cups water
• Pomi chopped tomatoes (26 oz) 
• 1 teaspoon black pepper 
• 2 teaspoons salt
• Baby spinach
• Shaved parmesan (for serving) 

Directions: 

Step 1: In a large pot, heat the oil over moderately high heat. Add the sausage and cook, stirring frequently, until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon.

Step 2: Reduce the heat to moderate. Add the onion, carrot, celery, garlic, and thyme to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften, about 10 minutes.

Step 3: Meanwhile, combine 1 can of the beans (drained) and 2 cups of water in a blender and puree until smooth.

Step 4: Add the tomatoes, the bean puree, the remaining 8 cups water, the salt, and the pepper to the pot. Bring to a boil, skimming any foam that rises to the surface. Stir in the sausage*, the remaining 2 cups beans, and the spinach. Simmer until the spinach wilts, about 3 minutes. Serve the soup topped with shaved Parmesan and enjoy with crusty bread. 

*If using fresh pasta, we recommend cutting the fusili noodles in half, then add in at this step.