Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Kielbasa and Bean Slow Cooker Soup?
It is a savory and satisfying slow cooker soup combining low-fat smoked sausage, hearty pinto and black beans, and fresh vegetables.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 8 servings.
What size slow cooker is needed for this soup?
A large 5 to 6-quart slow cooker is recommended for this recipe.
How long does it take to cook the soup on the low setting?
The soup should be cooked on the low-heat setting for at least 6 hours, or until the vegetables are tender.
What are the main ingredients for this soup?
The main ingredients include fat-free chicken broth, low-fat smoked sausage, pinto beans, black beans, carrots, celery, onion, thyme, and diced tomatoes.
Should I drain the beans before adding them to the slow cooker?
Yes, the canned pinto beans and black beans should be rinsed and drained before use.
Do I need to drain the diced tomatoes?
No, the diced tomatoes should be added to the soup undrained.
How many calories are in one serving of this soup?
There are approximately 40 calories per serving.
Is this recipe low in fat?
Yes, it is designed to be low-fat, containing only 1 gram of fat per serving by using fat-free broth and low-fat sausage.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving contains approximately 2.5 grams of protein.
What is the fiber content per serving?
This soup provides about 1.25 grams of fiber per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are approximately 5.6 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What kind of smoked sausage should I use?
The recipe calls for 16 ounces of low-fat smoked sausage, cut into slices.
Is this soup good for meal prep?
Yes, it is perfect for meal prep for the week as it makes a large batch and is easy to store.
What type of broth is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 58 ounces (four 14.5 oz cans) of fat-free chicken broth.
When do I add the diced tomatoes?
The undrained diced tomatoes should be stirred in once the initial 6-hour cooking time is nearly complete.
What is the purpose of increasing the heat to high at the end?
The heat is increased to high for the final 15 minutes to ensure the added tomatoes are heated through.
How many carrots are needed?
You will need 4 medium carrots, chopped, for this soup.
How much celery is required?
The recipe requires 3 celery stalks, chopped.
What kind of onion should I use?
Use one large onion, chopped, for the best flavor.
What herb is used for seasoning?
One teaspoon of dried thyme is used to season the soup.
What is the recommended serving size?
The recommended serving size is about 1 heaping cup per person.
Is this soup a one-pot meal?
Yes, it is a convenient one-pot meal prepared entirely in the slow cooker.
How much sausage is used in the recipe?
The recipe uses 16 ounces of low-fat smoked sausage.
Can I cook this faster on a high setting?
While the recipe specifies the low setting for 6 hours for best results, most slow cooker soups can be cooked on high for about half that time.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
The provided nutritional data indicates the sugar content is null or negligible.
How many different types of beans are in this soup?
There are two types of beans: canned pinto beans and canned black beans.
Is this a good recipe for a cozy family meal?
Yes, it is described as a warm, comforting bowl of soup perfect for a cozy family dinner.
What is the preparation for the carrots and celery?
Both the carrots and celery should be chopped before being added to the slow cooker.
Does this soup contain cholesterol?
The specific cholesterol value is not listed, but using fat-free and low-fat ingredients helps keep it heart-healthy.