This is a traditional Italian soup made by all Italian mothers and grandmothers using white beans, Italian sausage and whatever veggies that are on hand. My mother made this frequently in the cold winter months and always added spinach, or other greens, kale is another good choice. Your kitchen smells heavenly while this soup simmers! Freshly grated Parmesan is a must! This is a very rustic soup, with phenomenal flavor! To lighten this up you can use turkey sausage. Delish with warm, crusty bread!