This classic Italian soup is peasant comfort food at its best. Spices and basic pantry essentials elevate inexpensive ingredients in this community favorite. A meatless version of this dish was featured in 2017.
Heat a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add cooking oil and then garlic, Italian sausage, and chard stems to heated oil. Saute until sausage is cooked through, breaking it up as it cooks.
Add tomato paste, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, Italian seasonings, basil, and black pepper. Saute for ~2 minutes, letting the flavors caramelize together.
Add carrots, celery, diced tomatoes, stock, and parmesan rind. Bring to a boil and then add mushrooms. Simmer uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes, until carrots and celery are tender.
Fold in beans and chard leaves.
Discard parmesan rind and season to taste with some salt and pepper. Divide into bowls and sprinkle with more parmesan. Enjoy with bread if using.