Description
This Creamy Bean Soup with Kielbasa is a hearty and comforting dish that combines smoky sausage with tender beans and vegetables in a rich, creamy broth. Perfect for a cozy meal, it features sautéed kielbasa, cannellini beans, and aromatic herbs simmered together and finished with a touch of cream for smoothness.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Dairy
- 14 ounces kielbasa, sliced into rounds
- 1 cup half-and-half or heavy cream
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Pantry Items and Spices
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 (15-ounce) cans cannellini or great northern beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the Kielbasa: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add sliced kielbasa and sauté for 5–6 minutes until browned. Remove the kielbasa with a slotted spoon and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the drained beans, dried thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to incorporate all the flavors.
- Simmer the Soup: Let the soup simmer for 10 minutes to meld the flavors together and soften the beans and vegetables further.
- Blend for Creaminess: Remove about one cup of the soup and blend it using an immersion blender or transfer to a standard blender until smooth. Return the blended portion back into the pot to create a creamy texture without using extra cream alone.
- Finish with Cream and Kielbasa: Stir in the half-and-half or heavy cream and add the browned kielbasa back to the pot. Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 5 minutes until everything is heated through and flavors meld.
- Adjust Seasonings and Serve: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread for a delightful meal.
Notes
- For extra depth of flavor, use smoked kielbasa or add a splash of white wine to the pot before simmering.
- Substitute milk for the cream to reduce calories and make a lighter version.
- Try swapping the beans for chickpeas or lentils to vary the texture and flavor.
- This soup freezes well — store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
