Hearty Bean & Sausage Soup

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb (450 g) smoked sausage or kielbasa, sliced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 large carrot, chopped
• 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups (1 L) chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) cannellini or butter beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Salt to taste
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Brown the sausage:
   Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sausage slices and cook until browned. Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté vegetables:
   In the same pot, add onion, garlic, celery, bell pepper, and carrot. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened.
3. Add broth and seasonings:
   Stir in diced tomatoes, chicken broth, paprika, thyme, bay leaf, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
4. Add beans and sausage:
   Return the browned sausage to the pot along with the beans. Stir well.
5. Simmer:
   Lower the heat and simmer for about 25–30 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Finish and serve:
   Remove the bay leaf. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with crusty bread.

🍞 Serving Suggestions

• Serve with toasted garlic bread or cornbread.
• Top with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of olive oil for extra richness.