Description
This hearty Kielbasa and Bean Soup is a comforting dish perfect for chilly evenings. Packed with rich flavors from smoked kielbasa and tender beans, it’s sure to warm you up.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450 g) kielbasa sausage, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, with juices
- 1 (15 oz) can white beans (such as cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
- 4 cups (1 liter) low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon sweet paprika (smoked paprika can be used for extra flavor)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering (about 2 minutes), add the diced onion. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring frequently. You’ll know it’s ready when you can smell the fragrant garlic—be careful not to let it burn!
- Stir in the diced carrots, celery, and red bell pepper. Cook for about 5-6 minutes until the vegetables start to soften. They should be vibrant and slightly tender, not mushy.
- Add the sliced kielbasa to the pot and sauté for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the sausage to brown slightly, which will enhance its flavor.
- Pour in the can of diced tomatoes with their juices, followed by the drained and rinsed white beans. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Next, add the chicken or vegetable broth, sweet paprika, dried thyme, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Bring the soup to a gentle boil over high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes. The flavors will meld beautifully, and the soup should thicken slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- After simmering, taste and adjust seasoning as necessary. If you prefer a thicker soup, use a potato masher to slightly mash some of the beans before serving.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley. Enjoy the rich flavors and inviting aromas!
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Polish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
Keywords: Make sure to brown the kielbasa properly for a deeper flavor. Adjust the seasoning to your taste for the best flavor balance.