Nothing says comfort like a warm, creamy bowl of bean soup with smoky kielbasa. This hearty dish is rich in flavor, combining tender white beans, a creamy broth, and the perfect touch of spice from the kielbasa. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight meal or a cozy dish to serve on a chilly evening, this soup is guaranteed to satisfy. The best part? It’s a simple one-pot recipe that comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for meal prep or feeding a hungry family. Serve it with a slice of crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. Every spoonful is packed with warmth, comfort, and incredible taste!
Full Recipe:
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
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Directions:
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add kielbasa slices and cook until browned on both sides (about 7-9 minutes). Remove kielbasa and set aside.
- In the same pot, melt butter. Add onions, carrots, garlic, salt, and pepper. Sauté for 10-12 minutes, until onions are translucent and carrots soften.
- Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir well. Cook for another minute to form a roux.
- Pour in chicken broth, milk, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
- Return kielbasa to the pot and add the beans. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes Kcal: 502 kcal | Servings: 8 servings
The Perfect Comfort Food
There’s something incredibly soothing about a bowl of hot soup, and this recipe delivers comfort in every spoonful. The combination of protein-packed beans and smoky sausage makes this soup not only delicious but also nutritious and filling. Unlike many lighter soups, this one has a satisfying, creamy texture that makes it feel indulgent while still being wholesome.
What makes this dish stand out is the balance of flavors. The kielbasa, which is a pre-cooked, lightly smoked sausage, adds a rich, meaty taste that complements the mild creaminess of the beans. The broth, enhanced with aromatics like garlic, onions, and Worcestershire sauce, ties everything together beautifully. Whether you’re enjoying this soup on a cozy night in or serving it at a gathering, it’s sure to be a hit.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy One-Pot Meal – This soup is prepared in a single pot, making cleanup a breeze and cooking simple.
- Rich and Creamy – The use of white beans and a thickened broth creates a velvety, creamy texture without being too heavy.
- Packed with Flavor – The smokiness of kielbasa and the depth of seasoning from the broth make every bite satisfying.
- Versatile – You can modify this recipe to fit different dietary needs, substituting ingredients or adjusting flavors based on preference.
- Great for Meal Prep – It stores well in the refrigerator and tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
The Role of Each Key Ingredient
Each ingredient in this recipe serves a crucial role in bringing out the depth of flavors and creating a well-balanced soup.
- Kielbasa: The hero of the dish, this smoked sausage adds a deep, savory richness that infuses into the broth as it simmers. Its slightly spiced, smoky taste enhances the mildness of the beans.
- Beans: Great Northern beans are the preferred choice for this soup due to their creamy texture and ability to absorb flavors well. They help thicken the soup while providing fiber and protein.
- Chicken Broth and Milk: The broth forms the base, while the milk gives it a smooth, creamy consistency without making it overly rich.
- Worcestershire Sauce: A secret weapon in many soups and stews, this adds an umami depth that enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.
- Onions, Carrots, and Garlic: These aromatics add natural sweetness and a subtle depth of flavor that rounds out the soup.
- Flour and Butter: These ingredients create a roux, which helps thicken the soup and provide a luxurious texture.
Serving Suggestions
While this soup is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, pairing it with complementary sides can elevate the experience. Here are some delicious ways to serve it:
- Crusty Bread or Baguette: A slice of warm, crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the soup and soaking up the flavorful broth.
- Garlic Breadsticks: The garlic flavor pairs beautifully with the richness of the soup.
- Green Salad: A fresh, crisp salad with a tangy dressing can provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy texture of the soup.
- Cornbread: The slightly sweet and crumbly texture of cornbread complements the smoky and creamy notes in the soup.
- Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted Brussels sprouts, green beans, or asparagus for added nutrition.
Customization and Variations
One of the best things about this soup is its adaptability. You can tweak the ingredients based on what you have on hand or tailor the recipe to fit different dietary needs.
- Vegetarian Version: Omit the kielbasa and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add extra beans or a plant-based sausage alternative for texture.
- Spicy Kick: If you like a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or a spicier sausage like Andouille.
- Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute the milk with coconut milk, almond milk, or any plant-based alternative for a lactose-free version.
- More Vegetables: Add leafy greens like kale or spinach for extra nutrients, or toss in diced potatoes for an even heartier meal.
- Thicker Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the beans before adding them to the pot or let the soup simmer longer to reduce the liquid.
How to Store and Reheat
This soup stores exceptionally well, making it a great option for meal prepping. The flavors continue to develop as it sits, so leftovers are often even more delicious.
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: This soup can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To freeze, let it cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Leave some space at the top for expansion.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before warming. You may need to add a splash of broth or milk to maintain the creamy consistency.
The Best Occasions to Serve This Soup
This soup is perfect for a variety of occasions, from casual weeknight dinners to gatherings where you need a simple yet impressive dish.
- Cold Weather Comfort Food: Nothing beats a warm bowl of creamy soup on a chilly evening.
- Family Dinners: A crowd-pleasing recipe that both kids and adults love.
- Potlucks and Gatherings: Easy to make in large batches, making it great for sharing.
- Meal Prep and Work Lunches: A convenient meal that can be made in advance and reheated easily.
Conclusion:
Creamy Bean Soup with Kielbasa is more than just a meal it’s an experience of warmth, comfort, and incredible flavor. The balance of smoky sausage, creamy beans, and aromatic broth creates a dish that feels like a cozy embrace in a bowl. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or serving it at a gathering, this soup is sure to impress.
With its versatility, ease of preparation, and rich, satisfying taste, this recipe deserves a spot in your regular meal rotation. Try it once, and it may just become your new go-to comfort dish!