Harissa Chicken Sausage & Bean Slow Cooker Soup with Greens

• •1 lb Chicken sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed if applicable)
• •1 tbsp Olive oil
• •1 medium Yellow onion (diced)
• •2 medium Carrots (peeled and diced)
• •2 medium Celery stalks (diced)
• •3 cloves Garlic (minced)
• •2 tbsp Harissa paste (adjust to taste for desired spice level)
• •1 tsp Ground cumin
• •0.5 tsp Ground coriander
• •0.5 tsp Smoked paprika
• •1 can Diced tomatoes (14.5 oz, undrained)
• •4 cups Chicken broth
• •2 cans Cannellini beans (15 oz each, rinsed and drained)
• •0.5 tsp Salt (or to taste)
• •0.3 tsp Black pepper (or to taste)
• •4 cups Fresh kale or spinach (stems removed and roughly chopped)
• •1 tbsp Fresh lemon juice (optional, for serving)
• •2 tbsp Fresh cilantro or parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

1. 1

   In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken sausage (if in casings, remove and crumble into the pan). Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove sausage with a slotted spoon and transfer to your slow cooker, leaving any drippings in the skillet.

2. 2

   Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the skillet. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic, harissa paste, cumin, coriander, and smoked paprika. Cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.

3. 3

   Transfer the sautéed vegetables and spices to the slow cooker with the chicken sausage. Add the diced tomatoes (undrained), chicken broth, rinsed cannellini beans, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything well to combine.

4. 4

   Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the vegetables are very tender and the flavors have melded beautifully.

5. 5

   About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the chopped kale or spinach. Replace the lid and continue to cook until the greens are wilted and tender.

6. 6

   Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Ladle the soup into bowls. If desired, stir in a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley before serving.

Chef's Tips

• 💡For extra richness, a swirl of plain yogurt or a dollop of sour cream can be added to individual bowls before serving.
• 💡Serve with crusty bread for dipping to soak up all the delicious broth.
• 💡Adjust the amount of harissa paste to your preference – start with less if you're sensitive to spice and add more if you like a fiery kick!