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Cozy Smoky Crockpot White Bean and Sausage Soup with Kale

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A warm, smoky, and hearty slow-cooked soup featuring creamy white beans, smoky sausage, and fresh kale. Perfect for cozy nights and easy homemade comfort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups dried navy or great northern beans, soaked overnight (or 4 cups canned, rinsed and drained)
  • 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced (Andouille or kielbasa recommended)
  • 4 cups chopped kale, tough stems removed (Tuscan or curly kale)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 whole bay leaf
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. If using dried beans, soak them overnight in plenty of cold water. Drain and rinse before cooking. If using canned, rinse and drain well.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced sausage and cook until browned on both sides, about 5 minutes. Remove sausage and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 6-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute, stirring to avoid burning.
  4. Add sautéed sausage and veggies to the crockpot. Stir in soaked or canned beans, chicken broth, smoked paprika, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until beans are tender and flavors are blended.
  6. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the chopped kale to soften without turning mushy.
  7. Remove bay leaf, taste the soup, and adjust salt, pepper, or smoked paprika as needed.
  8. Ladle hot soup into bowls. Optionally, garnish with a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan.

Notes

Brown the sausage and veggies before adding to the crockpot to enhance flavor. Add kale in the last 30 minutes to keep it vibrant and slightly firm. For creamier texture, mash some beans against the crockpot side before adding kale. Adjust salt carefully as sausage saltiness varies. This soup freezes well for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: smoky soup, crockpot soup, white bean soup, sausage soup, kale soup, slow cooker recipe, comfort food, easy soup

Find it online: https://elvafood.com/cozy-smoky-crockpot-white-bean-and-sausage-soup-with-kale-recipe-for-easy-homemade-comfort/