Cozy Kielbasa & Bean Soup Recipe: A Soul-Warming Bowl

Steaming bowls of hearty bean soup with kielbasa tantalize taste buds with their rich, comforting flavors.

Savory sausage and tender beans create a symphony of warmth in every spoonful.

Packed with protein and robust seasonings, this soup delivers a satisfying meal that warms you from the inside out.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this classic recipe, passing down techniques that make each bite memorable.

The aromatic blend of herbs and smoky kielbasa elevates this simple dish into a culinary experience.

Each ingredient tells a story of comfort and nourishment.

Grab a ladle and prepare to savor a bowl of pure, soul-warming deliciousness that promises to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.

Serve Bean Soup with Style

• Cozy Bread Companions: Serve alongside crusty sourdough or warm garlic bread to soak up the delicious creamy broth and add a delightful crunch.
• Hearty Salad Sidekick: Pair with a crisp mixed green salad topped with tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the soup and add fresh texture.
• Comfort Bowl Topping: Sprinkle extra crispy kielbasa bits, chopped green onions, or a dollop of sour cream on top for added flavor and visual appeal.
• Wine Weekend Treat: Complement the soup with a light-bodied white wine like Pinot Grigio or a smooth Sauvignon Blanc to enhance the meal's warmth and complexity.

Storing Bean Soup with Flavor Intact

• Transfer cooled soup to airtight containers and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep kielbasa chunks intact to maintain flavor and texture when reheating.
• Portion soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze for maximum 3 months. Avoid adding cream before freezing to prevent separation.
• Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator. Warm gently on stovetop, stirring occasionally to restore creamy consistency. Add extra broth if soup seems too thick.
• Chop vegetables and slice kielbasa a day ahead. Store separately in sealed containers to streamline cooking process and reduce kitchen prep time.

FAQs

• What makes kielbasa different from other sausages?

Kielbasa is a Polish sausage with a distinctive smoky flavor and coarser texture. It’s typically made from pork and seasoned with garlic and marjoram, giving it a unique taste that sets it apart from other sausage varieties.

• Can I use dried beans instead of canned Great Northern beans?

Yes, you can use dried beans. Just soak them overnight and cook them until tender before adding to the soup. You’ll need to adjust the cooking time and liquid amount to ensure the beans become soft and fully cooked.

• Is this soup suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This soup reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The flavors actually develop and improve after a day, making it an excellent option for preparing in advance.

• How can I make this soup healthier?

To reduce calories, you can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream or use a lighter cream. Additionally, you can increase the vegetable content by adding more carrots, celery, or even incorporating diced zucchini or spinach for extra nutrition.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 7

Creamy Bean Soup Ingredients with Kielbasa

• Kielbasa Sausage: Adds a smoky, rich depth to the soup with its hearty Polish-style sausage profile; choose a high-quality, well-seasoned variety for maximum taste.
• Chicken Broth: Creates a robust liquid base that infuses the soup with savory undertones; opt for low-sodium versions to control salt content.

• Heavy Cream: Brings luxurious richness and silky texture to the soup; select fresh, high-fat content cream for best results.
• All-Purpose Flour: Acts as a natural thickening agent that helps create a smooth, velvety consistency; ensure it's lump-free when mixing.

• Onion: Provides a foundational sweet and savory base for the soup's flavor profile; select firm, fresh bulbs without soft spots.
• Carrots: Adds subtle sweetness and vibrant color; choose crisp, bright orange carrots for maximum nutrition.
• Celery: Contributes a delicate, herbaceous note and textural complexity; pick stalks that are firm and bright green.
• Garlic: Delivers a punchy, aromatic kick that elevates the entire dish; fresh cloves offer the most intense flavor.
• Smoked Paprika: Introduces a warm, smoky undertone that complements the kielbasa perfectly; use high-quality Spanish varieties.
• Dried Thyme: Brings earthy, slightly minty notes that enhance the soup's overall complexity.
• Dried Oregano: Offers a subtle, slightly bitter herb dimension to the flavor profile.
• Black Pepper: Provides a gentle heat and sharp accent.

Kitchen Tools for Bean Soup

• Large Pot or Dutch Oven: Essential for cooking and simmering the soup, allowing enough space for ingredients and even heat distribution.
• Slotted Spoon: Perfect for removing browned kielbasa without excess oil.
• Cutting Board: Needed for slicing sausage and chopping vegetables.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp tool for precise vegetable and sausage cutting.
• Measuring Spoons: Help accurately add spices and seasonings.
• Small Bowl: Used for whisking cream and flour mixture.
• Whisk: Ensures smooth blending of cream and flour without lumps.
• Ladle: Helps serve soup evenly into bowls.

Cooking Bean Soup with a Meaty Twist

• Sizzle the Sausage

Heat a large pot over medium flame. Toss in sliced kielbasa and cook until edges turn golden brown and crispy. Scoop out the sausage and set aside, leaving behind delicious flavor-packed drippings.

• Awaken the Vegetables

Drop diced onions, carrots, and celery into the same pot. Stir and dance them around until they soften and become translucent. Sprinkle in garlic and aromatic spices, letting them bloom and release their incredible fragrance.

• Build the Liquid Foundation

Return the browned kielbasa to the pot. Pour in chicken broth and beans, creating a hearty base. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and let everything mingle and get acquainted for about 20 minutes.

• Create Creamy

Whisk heavy cream with flour until silky smooth. Slowly stream this mixture into the soup, stirring constantly to prevent any unwelcome lumps. Allow the soup to simmer and transform into a luxurious, velvety texture.

• Final Flourish

Taste and adjust seasoning. Ladle the steaming soup into bowls. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy the comforting warmth.

Tips to Thicken or Brighten the Flavor

• Experiment with different types of sausage like andouille or chorizo to change the soup's flavor profile and add exciting regional twists.
• Blend a portion of the beans before adding them to the soup for an extra creamy consistency without using additional heavy cream.
• Swap kielbasa for plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth to create a delicious vegetarian version that doesn't compromise on rich, hearty flavors.
• This soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Store in airtight containers, leaving some space for expansion, and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
• Replace Great Northern beans with cauliflower florets and reduce the flour to create a lower-carbohydrate version that still delivers robust, comforting flavors.

Hearty Bean Soup With Kielbasa Recipe

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4.8 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Rich and comforting Creamy Bean Soup with Kielbasa brings Polish culinary traditions to your table. Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a satisfying meal you’ll savor with each spoonful.

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Ingredients

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• 1 pound (454 g) kielbasa sausage, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
• 4 cups (32 fl oz / 946 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 cans (15 oz / 425 g each) Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup (8 fl oz / 237 ml) heavy cream
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsps all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Salt, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Sear Kielbasa: Heat a large pot and caramelize kielbasa pieces until deeply golden, then remove and set aside, preserving the flavorful browned bits.
2. Build Aromatic Base: In the same pot, sauté onions, carrots, and celery until tender. Introduce garlic, smoked paprika, thyme, oregano, and black pepper, allowing spices to release their intense fragrances and create a rich flavor foundation.
3. Combine and Simmer: Return kielbasa to the vegetable mixture, pour in chicken broth and Great Northern beans. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer, allowing ingredients to meld and develop complex flavors.
4. Create Creamy Texture: Whisk heavy cream and all-purpose flour until completely smooth. Slowly stream the mixture into the simmering soup, stirring continuously to prevent lumps and achieve a velvety consistency.
5. Finish and Serve: Continue cooking until the soup reaches a luxurious, creamy thickness. Adjust seasoning with salt, ensuring a perfectly balanced taste. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley for a vibrant presentation.

Notes

Maximize Kielbasa Flavor: Sear the sausage on high heat to develop deep caramelization, creating a rich foundation of smoky, intense flavors that will elevate the entire soup.

Prevent Cream Separation: Temper the cream mixture slowly into the hot soup while stirring constantly to avoid curdling, ensuring a smooth and silky texture throughout the dish.

Customize Bean Varieties: Swap Great Northern beans with cannellini or navy beans for different textures, or mix multiple bean types to add complexity and nutritional diversity to the soup.

Dietary Adaptation Options: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version, or use turkey kielbasa to reduce fat content while maintaining the soup’s robust flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Polish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg