Creamy Bean Soup with Sausage Simple Comfort Dish

by Victoria on October 28, 2024

Looking for a cozy meal that warms your heart? Try my creamy bean soup with sausage! This simple comfort dish is packed with flavor and nutrition. You’ll love how easy it is to make with just a few fresh ingredients. In this post, I’ll guide you through each step to create a rich and savory soup that’s perfect for any day. Let’s dive into the deliciousness!

$The perfect Creamy Bean Soup with Sausage starts with fresh, simple ingredients. Each one adds flavor and texture to this warm dish. - 1 cup dried white beans (cannellini or navy), soaked overnight - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 carrot, diced - 1 celery stalk, diced - 2 medium potatoes, diced - 4 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup cooked Italian sausage, sliced (or plant-based sausage for a vegetarian option) - 1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream - Salt and black pepper to taste - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - ½ teaspoon dried thyme - 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped - Fresh parsley for garnish This ingredient list gives you a hearty, flavorful soup. The dried beans are vital; they create a creamy base. Olive oil and fresh veggies add depth. The sausage makes it filling and adds a nice kick. Heavy cream (or coconut cream) enriches the soup, making it velvety. Spinach adds a pop of color and nutrients. Fresh parsley on top brightens the dish and looks great. With these ingredients, you’re ready to create a comforting meal that warms the soul. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by soaking your dried white beans overnight. This step is key for getting the right texture. Rinse the beans well after soaking to remove any dirt. Soaking makes the beans easier to cook and digest. If you skip this step, the beans will take much longer to become tender. In a large pot, heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion, minced garlic, diced carrot, and diced celery. Sauté these veggies for about 5-7 minutes. You want them soft and fragrant. This base adds a rich flavor to the soup. Next, stir in the diced potatoes and the rinsed beans. Cook this mix for another 3 minutes. Then, pour in 4 cups of vegetable broth. Add smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Bring everything to a boil and then lower the heat to simmer for 30-40 minutes. This will make the beans tender and let the flavors blend. Once the beans are tender, add in one cup of cooked Italian sausage and one cup of heavy cream or coconut cream. Stir gently to combine. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together nicely, creating a creamy and rich soup. Now, stir in 2 cups of roughly chopped spinach. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. This adds a fresh touch and boosts the color. When ready to serve, ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. You can also drizzle a bit of olive oil on top and sprinkle freshly cracked pepper. This makes it look even more inviting and delicious. Enjoy your creamy bean soup! To change the thickness of your soup, you can adjust the cream. If you want it thicker, add less cream. For a thinner soup, add more broth or cream. If you like a rich flavor, use heavy cream. Coconut cream adds a nice twist and keeps it dairy-free too. To enhance the flavor, you can add more spices. A little extra smoked paprika can deepen the taste. Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley also brighten the soup. Taste often. This way, you can tweak the seasonings just how you like them. Soaking beans overnight saves time. But if you're in a rush, use a quick soak. To do this, boil the beans for about 5 minutes, then let them sit for an hour. This helps them soften faster. Chop your veggies ahead of time. You can do this the night before. This way, when you're ready to cook, you simply toss everything in the pot. Garnishes can make your soup look fancy. Fresh parsley adds color and a fresh taste. You can also drizzle a little olive oil on top for a rich finish. A sprinkle of black pepper can add a nice touch too. For more flair, consider croutons or a dollop of sour cream. These add texture and extra flavor to your creamy bean soup. Enjoy making it your own! Pro Tips Soak Beans Properly: Ensure you soak your dried beans overnight to reduce cooking time and enhance their texture. Flavor Boost: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a bay leaf while simmering the soup and remove it before serving. Texture Variation: To achieve a creamier consistency, blend a portion of the soup before adding the cream and sausage. Garnish Smart: Fresh herbs like basil or chives can add a burst of freshness when sprinkled on top before serving. {{image_2}} To make this soup vegetarian, switch out the sausage for plant-based sausage. You can also use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. This keeps the soup rich and creamy. Add more vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrients. These changes make the dish heartier without losing its comforting essence. If you love heat, try using spicy sausage or adding diced jalapeños. This will give your soup a nice kick. You can also sprinkle in red pepper flakes to adjust the spice levels. Start with a little, then taste and add more if needed. This way, you can control the heat to suit your taste. You can vary the beans for different textures and flavors. Black beans, pinto beans, or even chickpeas work well. Each bean brings its unique taste and nutritional benefits. For example, black beans add a rich flavor, while chickpeas offer a nutty taste. Experiment with what you have on hand to find your favorite combo. To store your creamy bean soup, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps the flavors fresh. The best practice is to refrigerate it within two hours of cooking. Your soup can last in the fridge for about three to four days. Make sure to label the container with the date. This helps you know when to eat it. You can freeze the soup for longer storage. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Leave some space at the top because soup expands when frozen. It’s best to freeze the soup without the cream. This keeps the texture smooth. When you reheat, add the cream later. The soup can last for about three months in the freezer. To reheat, use the stovetop for best results. Pour the soup into a pot and heat it slowly. Stir it often to avoid sticking. If the soup seems too thick, add a little broth or water. You can also use the microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This keeps the flavor and consistency just right. Enjoy your creamy bean soup warm and comforting! Yes, you can use canned beans. They save time and are easy to use. However, dried beans have better flavor and texture. Canned beans may contain added salt. Rinse them to reduce sodium. Dried beans need soaking and cooking but provide a richer taste. Choose based on your time and preference. To make this soup dairy-free, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. It adds creaminess without dairy. You can also try cashew cream for a similar texture. Blend soaked cashews with water until smooth. This gives a rich flavor. Always check labels for dairy in any alternatives. This soup is packed with nutrients. White beans provide protein and fiber. Sausage adds flavor and protein but can be high in fat. Spinach is rich in vitamins A and K. Potatoes add carbs for energy. Using vegetable broth keeps it low in calories. Overall, it's a hearty option for balanced meals. Yes, you can use a slow cooker for this soup. Start by sautéing onions, garlic, and veggies in a pan. Then, add them to the slow cooker. Include soaked beans, broth, and spices. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. Add sausage and cream in the last hour of cooking. This allows flavors to blend well. If you want a thicker soup, try these methods. Mash some of the beans against the pot's side. This releases starch and thickens the soup. You can also add a slurry of cornstarch and water. Stir it in and cook for a few minutes. Finally, adding more potatoes can help thicken the texture. Now you know how to make a comforting bean soup. We covered all the key ingredients, from dried beans to fresh parsley. I shared steps for preparation, cooking, and serving. You can customize the soup based on your tastes, including vegetarian options and spice levels. Remember to store leftovers properly for later enjoyment. This soup is not just filling; it’s packed with nutrients. Dive into this recipe and make it your own. Enjoy the warmth and flavor with every bite.$

Why I Love This Recipe

Comforting and Hearty: This creamy soup is perfect for chilly days, providing warmth and satisfaction with every spoonful.
Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with beans, vegetables, and spinach, this recipe is not only delicious but also loaded with nutrients.
Versatile Options: With the option to use Italian sausage or a plant-based alternative, this dish can cater to different dietary preferences.
Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and minimal prep time, this recipe is perfect for both novice and experienced cooks.

Ingredients

The perfect Creamy Bean Soup with Sausage starts with fresh, simple ingredients. Each one adds flavor and texture to this warm dish.

List of Ingredients

– 1 cup dried white beans (cannellini or navy), soaked overnight

– 1 tablespoon olive oil

– 1 medium onion, diced

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 carrot, diced

– 1 celery stalk, diced

– 2 medium potatoes, diced

– 4 cups vegetable broth

– 1 cup cooked Italian sausage, sliced (or plant-based sausage for a vegetarian option)

– 1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream

– Salt and black pepper to taste

– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

– ½ teaspoon dried thyme

– 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped

– Fresh parsley for garnish

This ingredient list gives you a hearty, flavorful soup. The dried beans are vital; they create a creamy base. Olive oil and fresh veggies add depth. The sausage makes it filling and adds a nice kick. Heavy cream (or coconut cream) enriches the soup, making it velvety. Spinach adds a pop of color and nutrients. Fresh parsley on top brightens the dish and looks great. With these ingredients, you’re ready to create a comforting meal that warms the soul.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Beans

Start by soaking your dried white beans overnight. This step is key for getting the right texture. Rinse the beans well after soaking to remove any dirt. Soaking makes the beans easier to cook and digest. If you skip this step, the beans will take much longer to become tender.

Sautéing the Base

In a large pot, heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion, minced garlic, diced carrot, and diced celery. Sauté these veggies for about 5-7 minutes. You want them soft and fragrant. This base adds a rich flavor to the soup.

Cooking the Soup

Next, stir in the diced potatoes and the rinsed beans. Cook this mix for another 3 minutes. Then, pour in 4 cups of vegetable broth. Add smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Bring everything to a boil and then lower the heat to simmer for 30-40 minutes. This will make the beans tender and let the flavors blend.

Incorporating Sausage and Cream

Once the beans are tender, add in one cup of cooked Italian sausage and one cup of heavy cream or coconut cream. Stir gently to combine. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together nicely, creating a creamy and rich soup.

Final Touch with Spinach

Now, stir in 2 cups of roughly chopped spinach. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. This adds a fresh touch and boosts the color.

Serving Suggestions

When ready to serve, ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. You can also drizzle a bit of olive oil on top and sprinkle freshly cracked pepper. This makes it look even more inviting and delicious. Enjoy your creamy bean soup!

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting the Recipe

To change the thickness of your soup, you can adjust the cream. If you want it thicker, add less cream. For a thinner soup, add more broth or cream. If you like a rich flavor, use heavy cream. Coconut cream adds a nice twist and keeps it dairy-free too.

To enhance the flavor, you can add more spices. A little extra smoked paprika can deepen the taste. Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley also brighten the soup. Taste often. This way, you can tweak the seasonings just how you like them.

Time Savers

Soaking beans overnight saves time. But if you’re in a rush, use a quick soak. To do this, boil the beans for about 5 minutes, then let them sit for an hour. This helps them soften faster.

Chop your veggies ahead of time. You can do this the night before. This way, when you’re ready to cook, you simply toss everything in the pot.

Top Garnishes

Garnishes can make your soup look fancy. Fresh parsley adds color and a fresh taste. You can also drizzle a little olive oil on top for a rich finish. A sprinkle of black pepper can add a nice touch too.

For more flair, consider croutons or a dollop of sour cream. These add texture and extra flavor to your creamy bean soup. Enjoy making it your own!

Pro Tips

Soak Beans Properly: Ensure you soak your dried beans overnight to reduce cooking time and enhance their texture.
Flavor Boost: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a bay leaf while simmering the soup and remove it before serving.
Texture Variation: To achieve a creamier consistency, blend a portion of the soup before adding the cream and sausage.
Garnish Smart: Fresh herbs like basil or chives can add a burst of freshness when sprinkled on top before serving.

Variations

Vegetarian Options

To make this soup vegetarian, switch out the sausage for plant-based sausage. You can also use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. This keeps the soup rich and creamy. Add more vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrients. These changes make the dish heartier without losing its comforting essence.

Spicy Kick

If you love heat, try using spicy sausage or adding diced jalapeños. This will give your soup a nice kick. You can also sprinkle in red pepper flakes to adjust the spice levels. Start with a little, then taste and add more if needed. This way, you can control the heat to suit your taste.

Different Bean Choices

You can vary the beans for different textures and flavors. Black beans, pinto beans, or even chickpeas work well. Each bean brings its unique taste and nutritional benefits. For example, black beans add a rich flavor, while chickpeas offer a nutty taste. Experiment with what you have on hand to find your favorite combo.

Storage Info

Storing Leftovers

To store your creamy bean soup, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps the flavors fresh. The best practice is to refrigerate it within two hours of cooking. Your soup can last in the fridge for about three to four days. Make sure to label the container with the date. This helps you know when to eat it.

Freezing Options

You can freeze the soup for longer storage. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Leave some space at the top because soup expands when frozen. It’s best to freeze the soup without the cream. This keeps the texture smooth. When you reheat, add the cream later. The soup can last for about three months in the freezer.

Reheating Instructions

To reheat, use the stovetop for best results. Pour the soup into a pot and heat it slowly. Stir it often to avoid sticking. If the soup seems too thick, add a little broth or water. You can also use the microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This keeps the flavor and consistency just right. Enjoy your creamy bean soup warm and comforting!

FAQs

Can I use canned beans instead of dried?

Yes, you can use canned beans. They save time and are easy to use. However, dried beans have better flavor and texture. Canned beans may contain added salt. Rinse them to reduce sodium. Dried beans need soaking and cooking but provide a richer taste. Choose based on your time and preference.

How can I make this soup dairy-free?

To make this soup dairy-free, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. It adds creaminess without dairy. You can also try cashew cream for a similar texture. Blend soaked cashews with water until smooth. This gives a rich flavor. Always check labels for dairy in any alternatives.

What are the nutritional benefits of this soup?

This soup is packed with nutrients. White beans provide protein and fiber. Sausage adds flavor and protein but can be high in fat. Spinach is rich in vitamins A and K. Potatoes add carbs for energy. Using vegetable broth keeps it low in calories. Overall, it’s a hearty option for balanced meals.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can use a slow cooker for this soup. Start by sautéing onions, garlic, and veggies in a pan. Then, add them to the slow cooker. Include soaked beans, broth, and spices. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. Add sausage and cream in the last hour of cooking. This allows flavors to blend well.

How can I thicken the soup further?

If you want a thicker soup, try these methods. Mash some of the beans against the pot’s side. This releases starch and thickens the soup. You can also add a slurry of cornstarch and water. Stir it in and cook for a few minutes. Finally, adding more potatoes can help thicken the texture.

Now you know how to make a comforting bean soup. We covered all the key ingredients, from dried beans to fresh parsley. I shared steps for preparation, cooking, and serving. You can customize the soup based on your tastes, including vegetarian options and spice levels.

Remember to store leftovers properly for later enjoyment. This soup is not just filling; it’s packed with nutrients. Dive into this recipe and make it your own. Enjoy the warmth and flavor with every bit

Creamy Bean & Sausage Delight

A hearty and creamy soup featuring white beans, sausage, and fresh vegetables.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 45

Total Time 1

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

1 cup dried white beans (such as cannellini or navy), soaked overnight
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium carrot, diced
1 stalk celery, diced
2 medium potatoes, diced
4 cups vegetable broth
1 cup cooked Italian sausage, sliced (or plant-based sausage for a vegetarian option)
1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream
to taste Salt and black pepper
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Beans: Drain the soaked beans and rinse well. Set aside.
Sauté the Base: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.
Add Potatoes and Beans: Stir in the diced potatoes and the rinsed beans. Cook for another 3 minutes.
Simmer: Pour in the vegetable broth, add smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until the beans are tender.
Incorporate Sausage and Cream: Once the beans are tender, add the cooked sausage and cream. Stir gently to combine and let it simmer for an additional 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Add Spinach: Stir in the chopped spinach and cook for another 2-3 minutes until wilted. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes

Serve the soup in rustic bowls, drizzling a bit of olive oil on top and adding a sprinkle of freshly cracked pepper for a gourmet touch.

Keyword beans, creamy, sausage, soup, vegetarian option