I don’t know about you, but December for me was all about trying to keep my head above water. Staying organized and efficient. Writing, addressing, stamping and mailing those Christmas Cards. Shipping all the out-of-towners gifts. And shopping… Ugh… shopping. Then wrapping gifts while cloistered in my locked bedroom so no-one got a sneak peak at their presents. After the frenzy of the holidays, all I want is to relax. I don’t want to cook (much) — I just want to lift the spoon to my mouth and be nourished with something soulful, simple and satisfying — like this Navy Bean, Sausage and Escarole Soup.
Start the night before by soaking the beans in a large, heavy pot. By the morning, they will have doubled in volume and they’ll be ready to cook. Depending on how old your beans are, it may take more or less time to cook… I’ve given an approximation in the recipe, but you’ll want to test one or two to make sure they’re tender, not tough.
While the beans simmer, sauté the sausage, garlic, herbs and vegetables until the meat is browned and the veg is tender.
When the beans are tender add the cooked sausage and simmer a little longer. By now, your stomach should be rumbling from the fabulous aromas coming from the kitchen.
Sturdy escarole lettuce — added at the end and simmered just until it wilts — rounds out this flavorful, hearty melange.
All I’d need is a chilled glass of white and a chunk of crusty bread to complete this heart-warming, soul-soothing meal. This soup is the antidote to last month’s holiday stresses – and whatever else ails you. Promise.

Make a big savory pot of Navy Bean, Sausage and Escarole Soup - This soul-satisfying blend makes a hearty meal for a cold night!
- 16 ounces navy beans
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound bulk sausage
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 medium carrots peeled and diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon rosemary chopped fresh
- 6 sprigs thyme tied in a bundle with kitchen string
- 1 head escarole lettuce roughly chopped
- Pour the beans into a large dutch oven and sort through them to remove any pebbles or debris. Fill the pot with enough water to cover the beans by about two inches. Put the lid on the pot and set aside for 8 hours or overnight. Drain the water from the beans and refill the pot with fresh water - again, so that it is about 2 inches above the reconstituted beans. Add two bay leaves to the pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover and cook for 45-50 minutes on a low simmer. Turn off the heat and let the beans sit in the pot, covered.
- Meanwhile, over medium high heat add the olive oil to a large skillet. When the oil is hot, add the sausage and break apart with the back of a spoon or fork to brown the meat. Add the carrots and onions and cook for 3-5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften. Stir in the garlic, red pepper flakes and rosemary and cook another 2-3 minutes until very fragrant.
- Transfer the sausage mixture to the beans. Add the bundle of thyme and stir to combine. Heat the pot to boiling and reduce to a simmer, cooking for another 30-40 minutes. Until the beans are quite tender.
- Just before serving, stir in the escarole and cook until it wilts, 3-5 minutes. Ladle into bowls and serve with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.
More Hearty Winter Soups:
- Homemade French Onion Soup
- Healthy Vegetable Beef Soup
- Cream of Tomato Soup with Orzo
Yummmm….perfect for our frosty 60 degrees in south Florida!
I know….
I adore hearty soups! This one looks perfect…making this week!!
This soup looks so hearty and I would love a bowl this time of year. We are experiencing temps in the teens and this soup would be perfect for lunch right about now. Of course white wine would be delish with this but I think I would pour myself a glad of red. Perfect for frosty 10 degrees in Ohio.
10°??? OMG – I would be in 20 layers if it were that cold here!
My stomach is rumbling from looking at these pictures – let alone from the smell in the kitchen. I make a sausage and bean soup with chard but I really like the idea of escarole. And the rosemary is a great idea.
I’m glad you like it Romain! I was quite the little piggy with this soup — eating most of it myself!
It is freezing where I am and this looks so warm and cozy! My grandma used to make a soup with escarole that I love. I need to try yours!
Escarole is an underutilized lettuce, I think and it wilts perfectly in soups!
I’m absolutely in love with this soup ~ I adore navy beans and sausage, and I’ve never added lettuce to a soup like this ~ genius!
I’m in love with it too. Escarole is a really sturdy lettuce — and it holds up quite well to a last minute simmer — wilting the leaf, but retaining some chew!
This looks so hearty and comforting, I love it!!
Thanks, Emily – it’s a winner in my book!
What a simple and delicious looking recipe – perfect to make when you just want to relax {like my entire month of January!}
My sentiments exactly, Sarah!
This is a soup that’s very similar to one a friend of mine from Italy makes. It looks so good, I can taste it now
I think we should go to Italy to try her version.
I am so glad it is cold outside! Because I can so enjoy this soup for a couple days!
Let me know how you like it, Meg!
This looks like my kind of soup! So delicious!
It really is delicious, Priya!
You always make the yummiest food!! I could definitely use this hot dish on this cold day!
OMG – it’s so good, Natalia!
Soup is exactly what I need on these frigid Miami days 😉
LOL! Frigid? More like chilly — if you can call a breezy 75, chilly!
This recipe looks incredible! I’m doing a vegetable fast so I can easily make this vegan.
Please let me know how you like it!
I’m struggling to keep my head above water most times, but December! Oh wow, what a month!! Such a hearty and delicious looking soup, would definitely give you all the nourishment you need to keep moving on.
Well, as long as we’re being honest — I’m always under water…
What a perfect warming and nourishing soup for winter!
I love that this is kind of like beans and greens! A favorite dish of mine that I always forget about.
Glad you like it Lyssa!
Nothing beats a good, hearty bowl of homemade soup on a cold day! Yours looks just perfect
Thanks, Oana! There were no leftovers if that’s any indication of deliciousness!
This soup looks so inviting. It has been so cold and his this soup looks absolutely delicious.
I appreciate that Michele – we’ve had our own stretch of cooler weather and this soup was a blessing!