If you’re craving a hearty, comforting dish to warm you up on a chilly day, look no further than creamy bean soup with kielbasa. This dish is a delicious combination of smoky kielbasa sausage, creamy beans, and savory broth, making it the perfect comfort food soup for any occasion. Whether you’re new to cooking or looking for a quick and satisfying meal, this easy kielbasa and bean soup will surely hit the spot.
In this article, we’ll walk you through a simple and flavorful creamy bean soup with kielbasa recipe, provide tips for serving, and offer ideas for storing and freezing leftovers. By the end, you’ll have everything you need to make this hearty kielbasa bean soup recipe a staple in your kitchen.
What Makes Creamy Bean Soup with Kielbasa So Special?
The key to this dish’s popularity lies in its balance of flavors and textures. The smoked sausage adds a rich, savory smokiness, while the Great Northern beans contribute a creamy texture that blends beautifully with the broth. The creamy northern bean soup with kielbasa is not only comforting but also filling, making it a perfect choice for hearty soup for winter or any time you need a satisfying meal.
Why Kielbasa?
Kielbasa, a lightly smoked sausage, is the star of this dish. Its rich, smoky flavor pairs perfectly with the creamy beans and savory broth, giving the soup depth and complexity. Plus, kielbasa is typically pre-cooked, making it easy to prepare—simply slice and brown it before adding it to the pot.
If kielbasa isn’t available, feel free to swap it out with Andouille sausage, Mexican chorizo, or other types of smoked sausages to create your own unique variation of sausage bean soup.
Key Ingredients for Creamy Bean Soup with Kielbasa
The beauty of this soup lies in its simplicity. Below are the ingredients you’ll need to create this flavorful Kielbasa soup with beans:
- Kielbasa (2 rings, 13 ounces each, sliced into ¼-inch slices)
- Great Northern beans (2 cans, 15 ounces each, rinsed and drained)
- Yellow onion (1 large, about 1 cup, chopped)
- Carrots (2 medium, peeled and diced into ¼-inch pieces, about 1 cup)
- Garlic (2 teaspoons, minced)
- Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons)
- All-purpose flour (¼ cup, about 31g)
- Chicken broth (3 cups, 720g)
- Whole milk (1 cup, 245g)
- Worcestershire sauce (2 tablespoons)
- Vegetable oil (1 tablespoon for cooking)
- Kosher salt (½ teaspoon)
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon)
Optional Garnishes:
- Parsley (for garnish)
- Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
How to Make Creamy Bean Soup with Kielbasa
Making this creamy soup with kielbasa and beans is easy and quick, even if you’re a beginner cook. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make this comforting meal:
Step 1: Brown the Kielbasa
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the sliced kielbasa and cook for about 7-9 minutes until browned on both sides. Once done, remove the kielbasa from the pot and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, melt the unsalted butter. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and minced garlic. Stir everything together and cook for about 10-12 minutes until the onions are translucent and the carrots are softened. This creates a rich, flavorful base for your soup.
Step 3: Create the Roux
Sprinkle flour over the cooked vegetables and stir for about 1 minute to create a roux. This will help thicken the soup and give it a creamy consistency.
Step 4: Add Broth and Milk
Pour in the chicken broth, whole milk, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine, and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Step 5: Return Kielbasa and Add Beans
Once the broth mixture is simmering, return the browned kielbasa to the pot. Add the Great Northern beans and stir everything together. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the soup thickens to your desired consistency.
Step 6: Final Seasoning
Taste the soup and add kosher salt and black pepper as needed. You can also garnish with a sprinkle of parsley and parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy kielbasa soup is a meal in itself, but it pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes to create a well-rounded meal. Here are some ideas for what to serve with bean soup with sausage:
- Crusty bread or a baguette to soak up the delicious broth.
- Garlic breadsticks or garlic knots for added flavor.
- A fresh green salad (e.g., Wedge salad) to balance out the richness of the soup.
- Roasted vegetables, such as asparagus, green beans, or Brussels sprouts, for added nutrition.
- Cornbread, which complements the creamy texture of the soup with its slightly sweet, crumbly texture.
Storing and Freezing Creamy Bean Soup with Kielbasa
This soup is perfect for meal prep! Here’s how to store and freeze it:
- Refrigerate: Allow the soup to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to airtight containers. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freeze: If you want to keep the soup for longer, store it in freezer-safe containers or resealable plastic bags. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop.
Nutritional Information
For those keeping an eye on their calories, here’s the nutritional breakdown for one serving of creamy bean soup with kielbasa:
- Calories per serving: 502 kcal
- Serving Size: 1 portion
Keep in mind that nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredient brands and portion sizes.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Kielbasa Soup
Not only is Kielbasa soup with beans incredibly easy to make, but it’s also a versatile dish that you can customize based on your preferences. You can make it spicier by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or include more vegetables for extra nutrition. The creamy texture of the beans, combined with the smoky kielbasa, makes every spoonful a comforting experience.
This soup is perfect for hearty soup lovers, families, and anyone looking for a delicious and filling meal that can be prepared in under an hour. Whether you’re making it for dinner tonight or preparing it for lunch leftovers, this creamy bean soup with kielbasa will quickly become a go-to recipe in your collection.
In summary, creamy bean soup with kielbasa is the ultimate comfort food for any season, especially winter. With its rich flavors, creamy texture, and hearty ingredients, this soup is sure to satisfy your cravings. Whether you enjoy it with crusty bread, roasted vegetables, or cornbread, it’s a meal that brings everyone to the table.
So, the next time you’re in the mood for something hearty, easy kielbasa and bean soup is the way to go. Enjoy making this recipe, and be sure to share it with friends and family!
FAQs
1. Can I make creamy bean soup without kielbasa?
Yes, you can make creamy bean soup with kielbasa without the sausage for a vegetarian version. Simply omit the kielbasa and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The soup will still be rich and flavorful thanks to the creamy beans and vegetables.
2. What type of beans can I use in this soup besides Great Northern beans?
While Great Northern beans are the recommended choice for their creamy texture, you can also use navy beans or Cannellini beans. Keep in mind that these beans may be slightly firmer, but they will still work well in the soup.
3. How can I make creamy bean soup spicier?
If you want to add some spice to your Kielbasa soup with beans, you can include red pepper flakes, jalapeños, or a pinch of cayenne pepper. You could also use a spicy sausage like Andouille sausage or Mexican chorizo to add extra heat.
4. How do I store and reheat creamy bean soup with kielbasa?
To store the soup, let it cool to room temperature and transfer it to an airtight container. It will last in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze it in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, simply thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.
5. Can I add more3 vegetables to the creamy kielbasa soup?
Absolutely! You can add extra vegetables like celery, spinach, or potatoes to make the soup even heartier. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time to ensure the vegetables are tender, and feel free to experiment with your favorite veggies to customize the soup to your liking.
