Warm up your kitchen and your taste buds with a bowl of Smoked Sausage and Navy Bean Soup! This hearty, soul-soothing dish combines the robust flavors of smoky sausage with the creamy goodness of navy beans, creating a comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend treat, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you'll be serving up a steaming pot of deliciousness that will have everyone asking for seconds. Ready to dive into this culinary delight? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) navy beans, drained
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by slicing smoked sausage into half-moon shapes, finely chopping the onion, and mincing the garlic cloves.
- Heat a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add sliced smoked sausage and cook until lightly browned, about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add chopped onions to the pot and sauté with the sausage until onions become translucent and slightly softened, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Pour in chicken broth and drained navy beans, then add dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and cover the pot. Simmer the soup for 45-50 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. The soup should have a rich, hearty flavor with tender beans and sausage.
- Remove from heat and let the soup rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
- Ladle into bowls and serve hot, optionally garnishing with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of additional black pepper.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can chop the onion and mince the garlic in advance. Store them in the refrigerator until you're ready to cook.
- Choose Quality Sausage: Opt for a high-quality smoked sausage for the best flavor. You can also experiment with different types, such as kielbasa or andouille, for a unique twist.
- Adjust the Thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, mash some of the navy beans against the side of the pot as they cook to create a creamier texture.
- Add Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or celery for extra flavor and nutrition. Just sauté them along with the onions.
- Season to Taste: Don't hesitate to adjust the seasoning! Taste the soup as it simmers and add more salt, pepper, or thyme according to your preference.
- Garnish for Flair: For a pop of color and freshness, garnish your soup with chopped fresh parsley or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes before serving.
- Make it Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day! Make a big batch and enjoy the leftovers for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 45mg
