Looking for a cozy, hearty dish that will warm you up on a chilly day? Look no further! This Savory Creamy Bean Soup with Smoky Kielbasa is packed with flavor, rich in texture, and super easy to make. Whether you’re a fan of kielbasa or simply love a creamy, comforting soup, this recipe is bound to become a favorite in your household. Let’s dive in!
Introduction
Soup season is officially here, and there’s no better way to embrace it than with a bowl of Creamy Bean Soup featuring smoky kielbasa. This dish brings together the richness of beans, the creaminess of the broth, and the irresistible flavor of kielbasa, a traditional Eastern European sausage. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or a special meal for the weekend, this soup hits all the right notes.
What makes this Creamy Bean Soup special is the unique combination of ingredients and flavors. The smoky kielbasa adds depth, while the Great Northern white beans bring a hearty texture. The addition of Worcestershire sauce elevates the umami factor, making each spoonful more delicious than the last. My family loves this dish, and I’m confident yours will too!
Ingredients
To prepare this comforting Savory Creamy Bean Soup, you’ll need:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 rings (13 ounces each) kielbasa, sliced into ¼-inch slices
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
- 2 medium carrots, peeled, diced into ¼-inch pieces (about 1 cup)
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup (31 g) all-purpose flour
- 3 cups (720 g) chicken broth
- 1 cup (245 g) whole milk
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) Great Northern white beans, rinsed and drained
- Parsley, for garnish
If you have dietary restrictions or prefer different ingredients, you can substitute the kielbasa with a plant-based sausage or even chicken sausage. For a dairy-free version, use almond milk instead of whole milk. These adjustments may slightly alter the flavor and texture but will still result in a delicious dish.
How to Make Savory Creamy Bean Soup with Smoky Kielbasa
Follow these steps to create your own delicious Savory Creamy Bean Soup:
- Cook the Kielbasa: In a large pot over medium-high heat, add the vegetable oil. Once hot, add the sliced kielbasa. Cook until browned on both sides, about 7-9 minutes. Remove and set aside on a plate.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, melt the butter. Add the chopped onion, carrots, garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the onion is translucent and the carrots begin to soften.
- Make the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to combine. Cook for another minute.
- Add the Liquids: Pour in the chicken broth, milk, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
- Combine & Simmer: Return the browned kielbasa to the pot, add the beans, and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the soup thickens.
- Garnish & Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your cozy and delicious soup!
Helpful Tips
To ensure your Savory Creamy Bean Soup turns out perfect, here are some helpful tips:
- Brown the kielbasa: Browning the kielbasa adds an extra layer of flavor to the soup. Don’t skip this step!
- Simmer gently: Once you add the beans and kielbasa back into the pot, keep the heat low to avoid overcooking the beans. You want them to maintain their texture.
- Thicken the soup: If the soup isn’t thick enough for your liking, you can let it simmer longer or add a bit more flour to the roux.
Cooking Tips
Here are additional tips to elevate your Creamy Bean Soup:
- Add more veggies: Feel free to add more vegetables like celery, potatoes, or even kale for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Use an immersion blender: If you prefer a smoother texture, you can partially blend the soup using an immersion blender. Just make sure to leave some whole beans for added texture.
- Equipment matters: A large, heavy-bottomed pot is ideal for making soups as it distributes heat evenly, preventing the ingredients from sticking or burning.
Serving Suggestions
This Savory Creamy Bean Soup pairs perfectly with:
- Crusty bread: A slice of warm, crusty bread or a buttery baguette complements the creamy soup beautifully.
- Fresh salad: Serve the soup alongside a light green salad to add a fresh contrast to the rich flavors.
- Beverage pairings: A glass of white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc, or a chilled lager would work nicely with the smoky notes of the kielbasa.
For an elegant presentation, serve the soup in individual bowls garnished with a sprinkle of parsley and a drizzle of olive oil.
Nutritional Information
This recipe provides a nutritious and balanced meal. The kielbasa offers protein, while the beans contribute fiber and essential nutrients.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
- Sodium: 1100 mg
- Potassium: 820 mg
- Fiber: 8 g
- Sugar: 5 g
- Vitamin A: 3000 IU
- Vitamin C: 10 mg
- Calcium: 130 mg
- Iron: 3 mg
This soup is not only flavorful but also loaded with nutrients like fiber, potassium, and protein, making it a well-rounded meal.
Storage and Leftovers
Refrigerate: Store any leftover Creamy Bean Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot. Add a splash of milk or broth if the soup has thickened too much.
Leftover soup can be creatively repurposed into a stew by adding more vegetables, or even used as a sauce over rice or pasta.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap out the kielbasa for a plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Can I freeze this soup?
Absolutely. Let the soup cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
What can I use instead of Great Northern beans?
Cannellini beans or navy beans would work well as substitutes.
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Conclusion
Now that you have all the tools and tips, it’s time to make your own Savory Creamy Bean Soup with Smoky Kielbasa. This hearty and flavorful dish is sure to satisfy your hunger and keep you cozy on a cold day. Don’t forget to share your experience with this recipe—I’d love to hear your thoughts and any variations you tried!
Happy cooking!
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Savory Creamy Bean Soup with Smoky Kielbasa
Description
Looking for a cozy, hearty dish that will warm you up on a chilly day? Look no further! This Savory Creamy Bean Soup with Smoky Kielbasa is packed with flavor, rich in texture, and super easy to make. Whether you’re a fan of kielbasa or simply love a creamy, comforting soup, this recipe is bound to become a favorite in your household. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 rings (13 ounces each) kielbasa, sliced into ¼-inch slices
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
- 2 medium carrots, peeled, diced into ¼-inch pieces (about 1 cup)
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup (31 g) all-purpose flour
- 3 cups (720 g) chicken broth
- 1 cup (245 g) whole milk
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) Great Northern white beans, rinsed and drained
- Parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Kielbasa: In a large pot over medium-high heat, add the vegetable oil. Once hot, add the sliced kielbasa. Cook until browned on both sides, about 7-9 minutes. Remove and set aside on a plate.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, melt the butter. Add the chopped onion, carrots, garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the onion is translucent and the carrots begin to soften.
- Make the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to combine. Cook for another minute.
- Add the Liquids: Pour in the chicken broth, milk, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
- Combine & Simmer: Return the browned kielbasa to the pot, add the beans, and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the soup thickens.
- Garnish & Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your cozy and delicious soup!
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
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Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
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To ensure your Savory Creamy Bean Soup turns out perfect, here are some helpful tips:
- Brown the kielbasa: Browning the kielbasa adds an extra layer of flavor to the soup. Don’t skip this step!
- Simmer gently: Once you add the beans and kielbasa back into the pot, keep the heat low to avoid overcooking the beans. You want them to maintain their texture.
- Thicken the soup: If the soup isn’t thick enough for your liking, you can let it simmer longer or add a bit more flour to the roux.
