There’s something magical about a bowl of creamy bean soup, especially when it’s paired with smoky kielbasa. It’s like a cozy sweater on a brisk autumn day—a comforting hug in meal form. I remember the first time I made it; the aroma filled my kitchen, mingling with the crisp sound of leaves rustling outside.
Steps
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the sliced kielbasa and cook until browned on both sides, about 7-9 minutes. Remove the kielbasa and set aside.
- In the same pot, melt the butter and add chopped onion, diced carrots, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir well and cook for 10-12 minutes until the onion is translucent and the carrots start to soften.
- Sprinkle the flour over the cooked vegetables and stir until well combined. Cook for an additional minute to form a roux.
- Pour in the chicken broth, milk, and Worcestershire sauce, stirring to mix thoroughly. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Return the browned kielbasa to the pot and add the rinsed and drained beans. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the soup simmer, stirring occasionally, until it thickens, about 15-20 minutes.
- Serve the soup hot, garnished with parsley for added flavor and color.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 rings kielbasa (13 ounces each), sliced into ¼-inch slices
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced into ¼-inch pieces (about 1 cup)
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 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 Great Northern white beans (15 ounces each), rinsed and drained
- Parsley, for garnish
FAQ
- Can I prepare Creamy Bean Soup without using kielbasa?
- Certainly! You can easily make this soup without kielbasa for a vegetarian option. It will still be hearty and delicious.
- How should I store and reheat Creamy Bean Soup?
- After allowing the soup to cool to room temperature, store it in airtight containers. Dividing the soup into portions makes it convenient for individual servings. It can be refrigerated for 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
- Is it possible to freeze Creamy Bean Soup?
- Yes, you can freeze this soup. Let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion. The soup can be stored in the freezer for 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.
- What can I serve alongside Creamy Bean Soup?
- Complement this soup with crusty bread, a fresh salad, garlic breadsticks, or roasted vegetables. Cornbread is another great side that pairs well with its flavors.
- Can I use a different type of sausage instead of kielbasa?
- Certainly! Andouille sausage, Mexican Chorizo, or other sausages can be substituted for kielbasa to add a different flavor profile to the soup.
Tips
- Brown the Kielbasa: For an extra depth of flavor, consider browning the kielbasa slices before adding them to the soup. This step enhances the smokiness of the sausage, but if you’re short on time, you can skip it since kielbasa is typically pre-cooked.
- Adjust Salt Levels: When using salted butter or substituting chicken stock for broth, be mindful of the salt content. You might want to reduce or omit additional salt to prevent the soup from becoming overly salty.
- Experiment with Beans: While Great Northern beans offer a soft and creamy texture, you can substitute them with navy or cannellini beans for a slightly firmer bite. Remember to rinse and drain the beans before adding them to the soup.
- Freezing Tips: If you plan to freeze the soup, let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top to allow for expansion during freezing, and thaw in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven – Essential for cooking the soup.
- Airtight containers – Useful for storing leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Freezer-safe containers or resealable plastic bags – Needed for freezing portions of the soup.
