Blustery Bean Soup

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 6
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Welcome to a cozy bowl of Blustery Bean Soup! This hearty, smoky dish is perfect for those chilly days when you just want something warm and comforting. With its rich flavors and simple ingredients, it’s sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients for Blustery Bean Soup

Olive oil kicks things off by coating the bottom of your pot and giving a subtle flavor to the base. Onion, garlic, carrots, and celery form the aromatic foundation—think of them as the soup's flavor backbone. Smoked sausage brings a delicious smokiness that is both hearty and satisfying. Chicken broth is the main liquid, adding depth without overpowering. White beans offer creaminess and protein, while kale adds a pop of color and nutrition. Dried thyme and smoked paprika elevate the flavor profile, making each spoonful a delight.

Tips & Tricks

  • For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and use vegetable broth.
  • If you prefer a thicker soup, mash some of the beans before adding them in.
  • Add a splash of lemon juice before serving to brighten the flavors.

Serving Suggestions

This soup pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or a classic grilled cheese sandwich. If you want to keep it simple, a slice of crusty sourdough bread for dipping is all you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Absolutely! Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can add a vibrant touch. Just remember to use about three times the amount of fresh herbs as you would dried.
What type of sausage works best?
A smoked sausage like kielbasa or andouille works well, but feel free to use your favorite type.

Blustery Bean Soup Recipe Walkthrough

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and let it sauté until it turns translucent, which should take about five minutes. You’re looking for it to soften and sweeten, not brown.

Next, add the minced garlic, diced carrots, and diced celery. Give them a good stir and let them cook for another five minutes. You want the veggies to begin softening but still hold some bite.

Stir in the sliced smoked sausage. Allow it to cook for about four minutes, or until it’s lightly browned. This browning adds a layer of flavor that’s hard to beat.

Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Once it’s bubbling gently, add the white beans, kale, dried thyme, and smoked paprika. Stir everything together, ensuring it’s well mixed.

Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for 20 minutes. This gives all the flavors time to meld beautifully. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, ideally with some crusty bread for dipping.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Rich, smoky flavors from the sausage and smoked paprika.
  • Nutritious and filling, thanks to beans and kale.
  • Minimal ingredients, yet it's a meal in a bowl.

Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
4 cups chicken broth
2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, drained and rinsed
1 bunch kale, stemmed and chopped
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Add minced garlic, diced carrots, and diced celery. Cook for another 5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
3. Stir in sliced smoked sausage and cook until lightly browned, about 4 minutes.
4. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add white beans, kale, dried thyme, and smoked paprika.
5. Reduce heat to low and let the soup simmer for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot with crusty bread for dipping.

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