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Cozy Kielbasa and White Bean Fall Soup in 30 Minutes

kielbasa and white bean soup - featured image

A hearty, smoky kielbasa and white bean soup that comes together in under 30 minutes. Perfect for cold weather, this comforting soup is packed with protein and fiber, and even converts soup skeptics.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1214 ounces kielbasa, sliced into half-moons
  • 2 cans (15 ounces each) white beans (cannellini or Great Northern), drained and rinsed
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 34 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes (fire-roasted preferred), undrained
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Brown the kielbasa: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add sliced kielbasa in a single layer. Cook without moving for 3 minutes until deeply browned, then flip and cook for 2 more minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside. Do not wipe out the pot.
  2. Sauté the aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until softened and onion is translucent.
  3. Add garlic and spices: Add minced garlic, dried thyme, and smoked paprika. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Do not let garlic burn.
  4. Deglaze the pot: Pour in about 1/2 cup of the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
  5. Add remaining ingredients: Add remaining broth, diced tomatoes with juices, drained white beans, bay leaf, and browned kielbasa. Stir to combine.
  6. Simmer: Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes. Taste around 10 minutes and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
  7. Finish and serve: Remove bay leaf and discard. Give a final stir and adjust seasoning. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread or a simple green salad.

Notes

Don’t rush the browning step—those crispy edges on the kielbasa and the fond on the bottom of the pot are key to deep flavor. For a thicker soup, mash about half a cup of beans against the side of the pot before adding broth. The soup tastes even better the next day. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: kielbasa soup, white bean soup, fall soup, quick soup, hearty soup, comfort food, 30 minute meal