Creamy Bean Soup With Kielbasa Recipe

Creamy Bean Soup with Kielbasa Recipe: Hearty Comfort in a Bowl

Chilly evenings call for a hearty bean soup with kielbasa that warms you from the inside out.

This Polish-inspired comfort dish blends smoky sausage with rich, velvety beans.

Tender legumes mingle with savory meat, creating a robust flavor profile that satisfies deep hunger.

Robust spices dance through each spoonful, promising a meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Nutrition meets indulgence in this simple yet sophisticated recipe.

Each bite tells a story of rustic cooking and culinary tradition.

Grab a ladle and savor every comforting moment of this soul-soothing soup.

Why Bean Soup With Kielbasa Hits the Spot

  • Packed with savory kielbasa and creamy beans, this soup delights both kids and adults. The mild spices and rich texture make it a crowd-pleaser for picky eaters.
  • Minimize kitchen cleanup with this single-pot recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal. From sautéing to simmering, everything happens in the same pot, saving time and reducing dish washing.
  • Easily adapt the soup by swapping beans, adding different herbs, or adjusting spice levels. The flexible recipe welcomes creativity while maintaining its delicious core flavor profile.

Shopping List for Bean and Kielbasa Soup

Main Protein:
  • Kielbasa Sausage: Hearty Polish sausage that adds rich, smoky flavor and protein to the soup. Choose a high-quality smoked kielbasa for best taste.
Beans:
  • Great Northern Beans: Creamy white beans that provide texture and additional protein. Soft and mild, they blend perfectly with the soup's consistency.
Vegetables:
  • Onion, Carrots, Celery: Classic soup base that builds deep flavor and adds nutritional value. Fresh, crisp vegetables work best for maximum taste.
  • Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that enhances overall soup complexity. Fresh garlic cloves preferred over pre-minced.
Herbs and Spices:
  • Smoked Paprika, Dried Thyme, Dried Oregano, Black Pepper: Warm spice blend that creates depth and complexity. Use fresh dried herbs for maximum flavor.
Liquid Components:
  • Chicken Broth: Primary liquid base that provides savory foundation. Low-sodium broth recommended for better seasoning control.
  • Heavy Cream: Creates rich, creamy texture and helps thicken soup. Full-fat cream ensures best results.
Thickening Agent:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Helps create smooth, velvety soup consistency. Sifted flour prevents lumps when mixing.
Optional Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley: Bright, fresh herb that adds color and light herbaceous note. Freshly chopped just before serving.
Cooking Oils:
  • Olive Oil: Used for sautéing vegetables and sausage. Extra virgin olive oil provides best flavor.

Method for Making Bean Kielbasa Soup

Step 1: Brown The Kielbasa

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Slice kielbasa and cook until golden brown, developing rich caramelized edges. Remove sausage and set aside on a plate.

Step 2: Prepare Aromatic Vegetables

Add to the same pot:
  • Onions
  • Carrots
  • Celery

Sauté until vegetables soften and release their flavors. Stir in minced garlic, smoked paprika, thyme, oregano, and black pepper. Cook briefly until herbs become fragrant.

Step 3: Build The Soup Base

Return browned kielbasa to the pot. Pour in chicken broth and Great Northern beans. Mix ingredients thoroughly. Bring liquid to a rolling boil, then reduce heat. Cover and simmer gently for 20 minutes.

Step 4: Create Creamy Texture

Whisk heavy cream with all-purpose flour in a separate bowl until completely smooth. Slowly stream cream mixture into soup, stirring constantly to prevent clumping. Continue simmering for additional 10 minutes until soup thickens.

Step 5: Finish And Garnish

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt. Ladle soup into warm bowls. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top if desired. Serve immediately while piping hot.

Cook’s Tips for a Satisfying Result

  • Sear Sausage for Maximum Flavor: Brown kielbasa thoroughly to develop deep, rich caramelized edges that enhance the soup's overall taste profile.
  • Choose Fresh Herbs Wisely: Replace dried herbs with fresh parsley or thyme for a brighter, more vibrant flavor if available in your kitchen.
  • Control Soup Thickness Strategically: Add more flour or cream gradually to adjust consistency without creating lumpy texture- whisk constantly while incorporating.
  • Optimize Bean Texture: Rinse canned beans before adding to reduce sodium and prevent potential metallic undertones in the final dish.
  • Make It Diet-Friendly: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version, or use turkey kielbasa to reduce overall fat content while maintaining delicious protein elements.

How to Store and Warm Leftover Soup

  • Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the soup completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Avoid freezing dairy-based soups for best texture.
  • Warm soup over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth if the soup seems too thick. Heat until steaming and thoroughly warm.
  • Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even heating. Stop when soup reaches desired temperature.

Pairing Options for a Meal

  • Crusty sourdough or hearty rye bread provides the perfect texture contrast to the creamy soup, absorbing the rich flavors and offering a delightful crunch.
  • Choose a medium-bodied red like Syrah or Zinfandel that matches the smoky kielbasa and cuts through the soup's creaminess, enhancing the overall dining experience.
  • Create a light side with mixed greens, tangy vinaigrette, and some toasted nuts to provide a fresh, zesty counterpoint to the rich, hearty soup.
  • Add a jar of homemade or store-bought pickled vegetables like cornichons or quick-pickled onions to introduce a sharp, acidic element that brightens the meal's heavy profile.

Variations to Make This Soup Your Own

  • Vegetarian Bean Soup: Replace kielbasa with plant-based sausage or smoked tofu, ensuring a protein-rich alternative that maintains the smoky flavor profile.
  • Gluten-Free Version: Use cornstarch instead of flour for thickening, and select gluten-free chicken broth to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Low-Sodium Option: Choose reduced-sodium kielbasa and chicken broth, and control salt levels by adding herbs like rosemary or sage for enhanced taste without excess sodium.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or unsweetened almond cream, creating a lighter yet equally creamy soup base for lactose-intolerant individuals.
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Creamy Bean Soup With Kielbasa Recipe

Creamy Bean Soup With Kielbasa Recipe


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4.6 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty Polish-inspired “Creamy Bean Soup with Kielbasa” delivers comforting warmth in every spoonful. Rich sausage and smooth beans blend seamlessly, offering satisfying flavors you’ll crave during chilly evenings.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound kielbasa sausage, sliced into ¼-inch rounds

Vegetables:

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Other Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 cups (32 fluid ounces) low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 cans (15 ounces each) Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup (8 fluid ounces) heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • Salt, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Initiate the flavor foundation by searing kielbasa in a spacious pot, transforming the sausage into a rich, caramelized delicacy. Extract the browned pieces, preserving their robust essence for later incorporation.
  2. Utilize the residual oils to sauté a vibrant medley of onions, carrots, and celery until they soften and release their aromatic qualities. Introduce garlic, smoked paprika, thyme, oregano, and black pepper, allowing the spices to bloom and intensify the vegetable base.
  3. Reintroduce the kielbasa to the vegetable ensemble, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. Pour in chicken broth and Great Northern beans, elevating the mixture to a gentle boil before reducing to a tranquil simmer.
  4. Craft a silky thickening agent by whisking heavy cream with all-purpose flour until achieving a seamless, lump-free consistency. Gradually incorporate this mixture into the simmering soup, stirring consistently to maintain a smooth texture.
  5. Allow the soup to gently thicken, developing a luxurious, creamy consistency. Calibrate the seasoning with salt, ensuring a perfectly balanced flavor profile. Serve the soup piping hot, optionally adorned with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a vibrant finish.

Notes

  • Switch kielbasa for turkey sausage to create a leaner protein option with similar smoky flavor profile.
  • Blend half the beans before adding to create ultra-creamy texture without extra heavy cream.
  • Consider using gluten-free flour or cornstarch as thickening alternative for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Enhance nutrition by adding chopped kale or spinach during last 5 minutes of simmering for extra vitamins and fiber.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Polish

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 8 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Dave Mitchell

Dave Mitchell

Founder & Chief Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Grilling Techniques and Innovations​
  • Recipe Development and Testing
  • Culinary Education and Workshops​
  • Food Photography and Styling

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and menu planning, with a special emphasis on grilling and outdoor cooking. ​


Dave Mitchell is the heart behind Daves Grill, a cook, writer, and lover of all things grilled. He studied Culinary Arts at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and spent years cooking, testing, and sharing recipes that actually work.

Dave started Daves Grill to keep things simple: one great recipe at a time. His food is bold, easy to follow, and made for real people with regular kitchens. From juicy steaks to quick sides, Dave’s recipes bring the heat without the hassle.

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