Creamy Bean Soup: A Comforting Delight for Chilly Days
Get ready to warm up from the inside out with Creamy Bean Soup, a comforting and hearty dish perfect for chilly days. This soup is a delicious blend of creamy texture, savory kielbasa, and tender beans, making it a satisfying meal that will leave you feeling cozy and content. In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to create this flavorful soup, from sautéing the aromatics to simmering everything together for a rich and creamy finish. So grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a bowl of homemade comfort.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to begin your culinary adventure:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 rings (13 ounces each) kielbasa, sliced into ¼-inch slices
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
- 2 medium carrots, peeled, diced into ¼-inch pieces (about 1 cup)
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup (31 g) all-purpose flour
- 3 cups (720 g) chicken broth
- 1 cup (245 g) whole milk
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) Great Northern white beans, rinsed and drained
- Parsley, for garnish
Instructions
Let’s dive into the step-by-step process of creating this delightful Creamy Bean Soup:
- Sauté the Kielbasa: Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced kielbasa and cook until browned and slightly crispy, stirring occasionally. This will take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the kielbasa from the pot and set it aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pot, melt the unsalted butter. Add the chopped onion and diced carrots, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Thicken the Soup: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the vegetables in the pot and stir to coat evenly. Cook for 1-2 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste. This will help thicken the soup and give it a creamy consistency.
- Add Liquid Ingredients: Gradually pour in the chicken broth and whole milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
- Simmer and Flavor: Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and add the rinsed and drained Great Northern white beans. Return the kielbasa to the pot and stir to combine. Allow the soup to simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly and the flavors have melded together.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the creamy bean soup into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting goodness!
Cook Notes and Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the kielbasa and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version of this soup. You can also add extra vegetables such as celery or bell peppers for added flavor and texture.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup for a spicy kick.
- Creamy Finish: For an even creamier texture, blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender or in a regular blender until smooth, then return it to the pot and stir to combine.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions
For those following a keto or low-carb lifestyle, here are some adaptations:
- Replace Flour: Substitute almond flour or coconut flour for the all-purpose flour to thicken the soup while keeping it low in carbs.
- Use Heavy Cream: Replace the whole milk with heavy cream or a combination of heavy cream and water to reduce the carb content and increase the creaminess of the soup.
- Limit Carbohydrates: Adjust the amount of carrots or omit them altogether to reduce the carbohydrate content of the soup. You can also use fewer beans or replace them with lower-carb options such as edamame or cauliflower.
In conclusion, Creamy Bean Soup is a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for warming up on cold winter days or cozying up by the fireplace. With its creamy texture, savory kielbasa, and tender beans, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re serving it as a hearty meal or as a starter for a dinner party, Creamy Bean Soup is guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters. So whip up a batch, grab a spoon, and savor the delicious flavors of homemade comfort in every bite.
