A Pot Full of Memories
This soup always reminds me of my grandpa. He loved a good, hearty meal after a long day. He would tell the best stories while we cooked together. I still smile thinking about it.
This recipe is simple and forgiving. You can’t really mess it up. That’s the beauty of a good soup. It welcomes you just as you are.
The First Sizzle
Start by browning that kielbasa. That sizzle is the sound of flavor starting. Doesn’t that smell amazing? It fills the whole kitchen with a cozy feeling.
We take the sausage out for a little rest. This matters because it keeps it nice and juicy. Then we use all those tasty bits left in the pot. They are flavor gold.
Building the Goodness
Now, in goes the butter, onion, and carrots. The onion gets soft and sweet. The carrots add a little bit of happy color. Cooking them slow makes all the difference.
Then we stir in the flour. This is our magic thickener. Fun fact: This simple mix of flour and fat is called a roux. It makes our soup wonderfully creamy later on.
Bringing It All Together
Time for the broth and milk. The Worcestershire sauce is the secret. It adds a deep, savory taste. I call it the what is that yummy flavor? ingredient.
Now, everyone comes back to the pot. The kielbasa and the beans join the party. Let it bubble away until it’s thick and cozy. What’s your favorite soup to eat on a chilly day?
Why This Soup Matters
This soup is more than just food. It’s a warm hug in a bowl. It teaches us that simple ingredients can create something wonderful. That is a good lesson for life, too.
Sharing a meal like this brings people together. It’s a chance to talk and laugh. Do you have a family recipe that makes you feel this way?
Your Turn in the Kitchen
I hope you give this recipe a try. It’s perfect for a first-time soup maker. You will feel so proud when you taste it.
What would you add to make it your own? Maybe a different bean or a new herb? I love hearing your ideas. Tell me all about your cooking adventure.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Vegetable oil | 1 tablespoon | |
| Kielbasa | 2 rings (13 ounces each) | sliced into 1/4-inch slices |
| Unsalted butter | 3 tablespoons | |
| Yellow onion | 1 large | chopped (about 1 cup) |
| Carrots | 2 medium | peeled, diced into 1/4-inch pieces (about 1 cup) |
| Garlic | 2 teaspoons | minced |
| Kosher salt | 1/2 teaspoon | |
| Black pepper | 1/2 teaspoon | |
| All-purpose flour | 1/4 cup (31 g) | |
| Chicken broth | 3 cups (720 g) | |
| Whole milk | 1 cup (245 g) | |
| Worcestershire sauce | 2 tablespoons | |
| Great Northern white beans | 2 cans (15 ounces each) | rinsed and drained |
| Parsley | for garnish |
My Cozy Kielbasa & Bean Soup
Hello, my dear! Come sit with me. I want to share a soup recipe with you. It reminds me of my own grandma’s kitchen. The smell would fill her whole house. It makes me feel so safe and happy.
This soup is creamy and full of good things. It has plump beans and tasty kielbasa. It’s a simple, hearty meal for a chilly day. Let’s make it together, step by step. I know you will love it.
Step 1: First, we brown the kielbasa in a big pot. Use a little oil so it doesn’t stick. You want it to get some golden color on both sides. This makes it taste so much better. (A hard-learned tip: Don’t crowd the pan. Give the slices some space to get nice and brown.)
Step 2: Next, we cook our vegetables in the yummy pot drippings. Melt the butter and add the onion and carrots. Their smell mixing together is just wonderful. We cook them until they get a little soft. This is the flavor base for our whole soup.
Step 3: Now, we sprinkle the flour right over the veggies. Stir it all around for about a minute. This little trick will help thicken our soup later. I still laugh at the first time I forgot this step. My soup was very, very thin!
Step 4: Time for the liquids! Pour in the chicken broth, milk, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything well so the flour mixes in. Bring it all to a gentle simmer. Doesn’t that smell amazing already? It’s starting to look like real soup.
Step 5: Now we bring everyone to the party. Add the kielbasa and those lovely white beans back to the pot. Give it a good stir. Let it all bubble together for about 15 minutes. The soup will get thick and cozy. What’s your favorite soup to eat on a rainy day? Share below!
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Dinner, Soup
Three Fun Twists to Try
This soup is like a good friend. It’s always happy to change things up. You can make it a little different each time. Here are a few ideas I love to play with.
Smoky Veggie Swap: Skip the kielbasa. Use a spoonful of smoked paprika instead. It gives a wonderful smoky flavor. Add some chopped potatoes for heartiness.
A Little Kick: For a spicy version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Do it when you cook the onions and carrots. It will make the whole soup feel nice and warm.
Autumn Harvest: Try using sweet potato instead of carrots. It makes the soup a little sweeter and very cozy. Perfect for when the leaves start to fall. Which one would you try first? Comment below!
How to Serve Your Soup
A good soup deserves good company. I always serve this with a thick slice of crusty bread. It’s perfect for dipping into that creamy broth. A simple green salad on the side is lovely, too. It makes the meal feel complete.
Don’t forget a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top! It adds a pop of color and fresh taste. For a drink, a cold apple cider is just right. For the grown-ups, a crisp lager beer pairs nicely. Which would you choose tonight?
Keeping Your Soup Cozy for Later
This soup is a wonderful friend to have in your fridge. It will stay good for about four days. Just let it cool completely before you put the lid on.
You can also freeze it for a cold day. Pour cooled soup into a freezer container. Leave a little space at the top. It will be happy in your freezer for three months.
I remember my first time freezing this soup. I was so proud to have a ready-made meal. That is why batch cooking matters. It gives you a warm hug on a busy night.
To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Warm it gently on the stove. Add a splash of milk if it gets too thick. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!
Simple Fixes for Common Soup Troubles
Is your soup too thin? Let it simmer a bit longer with the lid off. The extra liquid will steam away. Your soup will thicken up nicely.
I once added the flour too fast. It made little lumps in my broth. If this happens, just use a whisk. Whisking fixes most lumpy situations.
Do not forget to brown the kielbasa well. This step adds so much flavor. Getting this right matters. It makes the whole soup taste richer and deeper.
If your soup seems a little bland, add a pinch more salt. Taste as you cook. This builds your cooking confidence. You learn what flavors you like best. Which of these problems have you run into before?
Your Soup Questions, Answered
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes! Just use your favorite gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose.
Q: Can I make it ahead?
A: Absolutely. The flavors get even better the next day.
Q: What can I use instead of kielbasa?
A: Smoked turkey sausage works very well too.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: You can! Use a very large pot for all that goodness.
Q: Any optional add-ins?
A: A handful of fresh spinach at the end is lovely. Fun fact: Great Northern beans are also called white kidney beans. Which tip will you try first?
Until Next Time, My Dear
I hope this soup brings warmth to your kitchen. It is a recipe full of simple, happy flavors. Cooking for others is a way to show you care.
I would love to see your creation. Your table and your stories are so special. Sharing food connects us all. Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest!
Happy cooking! —Elowen Thorn.
Creamy Kielbasa and Bean Soup
Description
A hearty and comforting soup featuring savory kielbasa, creamy white beans, and tender vegetables in a rich, flavorful broth.
Ingredients
Instructions
- To 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.
- In the same pot, melt the butter. Add the chopped onion, carrots, garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine. Cook for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and the carrots start to soften.
- Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well. Continue cooking for another minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth, milk, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Return the browned kielbasa to the pot. Add the beans.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally until thickened, about 15-20 minutes.
Notes
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. For a thinner soup, add more chicken broth. For a spicier version, use spicy kielbasa or add a pinch of red pepper flakes.