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Creamy Bean Soup with Sausage

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This Creamy Bean Soup with Sausage combines smoky kielbasa with tender beans and vegetables in a rich, creamy broth that's surprisingly light. Instead of heavy cream, it uses milk and a flour roux for its silky texture, making it satisfying without being too heavy. The mix of Great Northern and kidney beans adds variety in both texture and flavor, while the vegetables provide color and freshness. What makes this soup special is the balance of flavors - the savory kielbasa, earthy beans, and touch of sage, all brought together by the Worcestershire sauce that adds depth to every spoonful. It's the kind of soup that's perfect for cold days but not too rich for year-round enjoyment.
Soo Ben
Updated on Sat, 01 Feb 2025 00:01:40 GMT
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A warming bowl of Creamy Bean Soup with Sausage combines smoky kielbasa, tender beans, and vegetables in a velvety broth that's rich yet surprisingly light. Through countless winter evenings perfecting this recipe, I've discovered that using milk instead of heavy cream creates the perfect silky texture while keeping the soup from feeling too heavy.

Last week, I served this on a chilly evening, and my husband couldn't believe how creamy it was without using heavy cream. The secret? Taking time to properly make the roux, which creates that silky texture naturally.

Essential Ingredients and Selection Tips

  • Kielbasa Sausage (1 lb) – Choose a good quality smoked version for the best flavor.
  • White and Kidney Beans (15 oz each) – Rinse well to remove excess sodium.
  • Milk (2 cups) – 1% or whole both work beautifully, avoid skim.
  • Vegetables (onion, pepper, carrots) – Fresh, uniformly diced for even cooking.
  • Flour (2 tbsp) – All-purpose creates the perfect roux.
  • Worcestershire Sauce (2 tbsp) – Adds depth and umami.
  • Ground Sage (1/2 tsp) – Brings warmth and earthiness.
  • Oil (1 tbsp) – Use a neutral oil like canola.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Sausage Browning
Begin by heating oil in your Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add sliced kielbasa in a single layer, allowing it to develop a golden crust - about 3-4 minutes per side. This step creates incredible flavor.
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2. Vegetable Foundation
In the same pot, now flavored with sausage drippings, add your diced onions, bell pepper, and carrots. Let them soften and become aromatic, about 4-5 minutes. Add minced garlic just until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.
3. Roux Creation
Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes. This step is crucial - cooking the flour removes any raw taste while creating the base for your creamy broth. Gradually add milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
4. Building Flavors
Return the browned kielbasa to the pot along with both types of beans. Add Worcestershire sauce and sage, letting everything simmer gently to meld the flavors. The broth will continue to thicken as it cooks.
5. Final Adjustments
Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust the consistency with additional milk if needed, and season to taste with salt and pepper.

My grandmother taught me that patience with the roux makes all the difference in achieving that perfect creamy texture.

Temperature Control

Watch your heat carefully when adding milk - too hot and it can separate. A gentle simmer is key.

Storage Solutions

Keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently, adding a splash of milk if needed.

Make-Ahead Tips

Prep vegetables in advance and store in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Seasonal Variations

Add kale or spinach in winter, fresh corn in summer. The base recipe welcomes any seasonal vegetables.

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Chef’s Essential Tips

  • Cut vegetables uniformly for even cooking.
  • Use room temperature milk for smoother incorporation.
  • Let the soup rest 5 minutes before serving to thicken properly.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Bean Soup with Sausage represents comfort food at its finest. While simple to prepare, each step builds layers of flavor that make this soup truly special. Remember, patience with the roux and gentle heat create the best results. From my kitchen to yours, I hope this soup brings as much warmth and comfort to your table as it has to mine.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: ~450
  • Protein: ~28g
  • Carbohydrates: ~38g
  • Fat: ~20g

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use different beans?
Yes, any combination of canned beans works well. Just rinse and drain them first.
→ What other sausage can I use?
Any smoked sausage works. Andouille adds spice, while turkey kielbasa makes it lighter.
→ Can I make this ahead?
Yes, reheats well. May need extra milk when rewarming as it thickens when chilled.
→ Can I freeze this soup?
Not recommended as milk-based soups can separate when frozen and thawed.
→ What can I serve with it?
Crusty bread, cornbread, or crackers make perfect accompaniments.

Creamy Bean and Sausage Soup

Hearty soup with kielbasa, two types of beans, and vegetables in a creamy milk-based broth. Perfect comfort food!

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
27 Minutes
Total Time
37 Minutes
By: Sou

Category: Soups & Stews

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Base

01 1 tablespoon canola or vegetable oil
02 2 pounds kielbasa sausage, cut into 1-inch slices
03 1 cup chopped onion
04 1 cup chopped green bell pepper
05 1 cup chopped carrot
06 2 cloves garlic, pressed or minced

→ Seasonings & Thickener

07 ½ teaspoon kosher salt
08 ½ teaspoon black pepper
09 ¼ cup all-purpose flour
10 ½ teaspoon ground sage
11 6 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

→ Liquids & Beans

12 4 cups milk
13 1 (15-ounce) can Great Northern beans, rinsed and drained
14 1 (15-ounce) can dark kidney beans, rinsed and drained
15 Chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

Step 01

Heat oil in Dutch oven. Cook sausage 5 minutes until browned.

Step 02

Add onion, pepper, carrot, garlic, salt, and pepper. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

Step 03

Sprinkle flour over mixture, cook 1-2 minutes. Slowly add milk, stirring until smooth and thickened.

Step 04

Add Worcestershire, sage, and beans. Simmer 15-20 minutes. Season to taste and garnish with parsley.

Notes

  1. Great with crusty bread or crackers
  2. Uses milk instead of cream for thickening

Tools You'll Need

  • Dutch oven or stock pot
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (milk)
  • Contains gluten (flour)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 417
  • Total Fat: 21 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 28 g
  • Protein: 29 g