First Step: BROWN THE SAUSAGE

1. Cook the Sausage: Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage to the pot, breaking it up into smaller pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the sausage is fully browned and crispy. If you prefer a leaner soup, you can drain the excess fat after browning the sausage.
2. Season the Sausage: As the sausage cooks, season it with a pinch of salt, pepper, and half of the dried thyme and oregano. This helps to build flavor right from the start. Once the sausage is browned, transfer it to a plate and set aside.

Second Step: SAUTÉ THE VEGETABLES

1. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened and the onions are translucent.
2. Add the Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.

Third Step: BUILD THE SOUP BASE

1. Add the Liquids: Once the vegetables are sautéed and the garlic is fragrant, pour in the chicken broth and water, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. These bits, known as fond, are packed with flavor and will enhance the overall taste of the soup.
2. Add the Beans: Add the white beans (drained and rinsed), along with the remaining thyme and oregano. Stir to combine, and bring the soup to a simmer over medium heat.
3. Simmer the Soup: Let the soup simmer for 20-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to develop. The beans will soften further, and the broth will become rich and flavorful. You can adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

Fourth Step: FINISH THE SOUP

1. Add the Sausage Back: Once the soup has simmered, return the browned sausage to the pot. Stir well to incorporate the sausage into the broth, allowing it to infuse the soup with its savory flavors.
2. Add the Greens: If using spinach or kale, stir in the greens and cook for 5-7 minutes, until wilted and tender. The greens will add a nice touch of color and nutrition to the soup, making it even heartier.
3. Simmer for Additional Flavor: Allow the soup to simmer for another 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.

Final Step: GARNISH AND SERVE

1. Serve the Soup: Ladle the hot soup into bowls, making sure each serving gets a nice portion of sausage, beans, and vegetables.
2. Garnish: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the soup and top with fresh parsley. For a bit of heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
3. Enjoy: Serve the soup with a side of crusty bread for dipping, and enjoy the hearty, satisfying flavors in each bite!