This is one of those soups that's not too heavy, so perfect for early fall when you're still bridging those warm days / cool nights. The beans make it feel hearty, the sausage lends it a deep savory flavor, and the chard is so sweet and soft, you barely realize you're eating something so healthy. Smarts: Heat this up with some grains and throw it into a thermos for a no-heat needed lunch. Eat it outside and enjoy some sun and the cool air.
Heat up oven to 375F (191C) degrees. Place bread onto a sheet pan and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until bread is golden.
Heat a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add cooking oil and then Italian sausage (removed from its casing) to heated oil. Saute until sausage is golden, 4 to 6 minutes. Drain any fat from the pot.
Add garlic, onions, chopped chard stems, and mushrooms to pot. Saute for ~3 minutes and then add in tomatoes, chicken stock, bay leaf, and oregano. Cover and bring to a boil.
Add in beans and chard leaves. Cook for another 5 minutes and then season to taste with salt and pepper. Remove bay leaf before spooning into individual bowls and top with parsley. Enjoy with garlic bread! Soup can be served with parmesan if you’re a big cheese fan.