Creamy Bean Soup With Kielbasa

Creamy Bean Soup with Kielbasa is a hearty and satisfying dish that combines rich flavors and comforting ingredients into one delicious meal. The smoky kielbasa, creamy broth, and tender beans create a filling soup that’s perfect for chilly days or when you’re craving something comforting. This recipe is simple to prepare, packed with flavor, and sure to please everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This creamy bean soup is the ultimate comfort food. The kielbasa adds a smoky depth to the soup, while the creamy broth balances it out with smooth, rich flavor. The Great Northern beans provide a soft and satisfying texture, and the carrots and onions bring sweetness and freshness to every bite. The addition of Worcestershire sauce gives the soup a subtle tang, making it incredibly flavorful and hearty. This soup is quick to make and perfect for any occasion—whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a cozy gathering.

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 and 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
Parsley, for garnish

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Brown the Kielbasa
In a large pot over medium-high heat, add the vegetable oil. Once hot, add the sliced kielbasa. Cook until the kielbasa is browned on both sides, about 7-9 minutes. Remove the kielbasa from the pot and set it aside on a plate to keep warm.
Cook the Vegetables
In the same pot, melt the butter. Add the chopped onion, carrots, garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine. Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and the carrots start to soften.
Add the Flour
Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well. Continue cooking for another minute to help the flour cook through.
Add the Liquids
Pour in the chicken broth, milk, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine, making sure to incorporate any flour that may have stuck to the bottom of the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Return Kielbasa and Add Beans
Return the browned kielbasa to the pot, followed by the beans. Stir well and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency.
Serve
Once the soup is thickened, serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6-8
Total Time: 35-40 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian Version: Replace kielbasa with smoked tofu or tempeh for a plant-based alternative. You can also add extra vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers to enhance the flavor.
Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for a bit of heat to balance the creamy base.
Other Beans: You can swap the Great Northern beans with other white beans like cannellini or navy beans, or even use a mixture of beans for variety.
Add Greens: Stir in some fresh spinach or kale towards the end of cooking for extra nutrients and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: This soup freezes well for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove over low heat.
Reheating: To reheat the soup, warm it on the stove over medium heat. Add a bit of extra broth or milk if it thickens too much during storage.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of sausage instead of kielbasa?

Yes, you can substitute kielbasa with other sausages like smoked sausage, bratwurst, or even chicken sausage for a lighter version.

2. Can I make this soup in advance?

Yes, this soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. You can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.

3. Can I make this soup without flour?

Yes, if you want to make the soup gluten-free or reduce the flour, you can skip it. The soup will still be delicious, but it may not be as thick. You can also use a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to thicken it if desired.

4. Can I use low-fat milk instead of whole milk?

Yes, you can use low-fat or skim milk instead of whole milk, though it will affect the creaminess of the soup. If you’re looking for a richer soup, consider adding a splash of heavy cream instead.

5. Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?

Yes, you can easily substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth if you’re looking to make a vegetarian version of this soup.

6. How can I make the soup spicier?

To add a spicy kick, you can add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or even a dash of hot sauce. Adjust the level of heat to suit your taste.

7. Can I use canned carrots instead of fresh carrots?

While fresh carrots give the best texture and flavor, you can use canned carrots if you’re in a pinch. Just make sure to drain them and add them towards the end of cooking to avoid overcooking.

8. Can I use other types of beans?

Yes, you can swap the Great Northern beans for other types of beans, such as cannellini, navy beans, or even kidney beans. Just be sure to rinse and drain them well before adding them to the soup.

9. Can I add potatoes to this soup?

Yes, diced potatoes would make a great addition. Simply add them along with the carrots and let them cook until tender.

10. How do I make the soup thicker?

If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the beans with a potato masher or use an immersion blender to purée a portion of the soup.

Conclusion

This Creamy Bean Soup with Kielbasa is a perfect blend of comforting flavors and textures. The smoky kielbasa and creamy broth, paired with tender beans and vegetables, make it a hearty meal for any occasion. It’s quick to prepare, easily customizable, and perfect for cold weather or a cozy dinner. With this recipe, you’ll have a warming, delicious soup that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds!

Creamy Bean Soup With Kielbasa

Creamy Bean Soup With Kielbasa

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ingredients

Directions

Servings and Timing

Variations

Storage/Reheating

FAQs