Rustic Kielbasa and Spinach Bean Soup
This Rustic Kielbasa and Spinach Bean Soup combines the hearty flavors of tender turkey kielbasa with nutritious great northern beans and vibrant baby spinach. Inspired by my favorite Cooking Light recipes, this one-pot meal is both easy to prepare and deeply satisfying. Ideal for chilly evenings, serve it alongside crusty bread or garlic toast for a complete and comforting dining experience. Packed with protein and fiber, it's not only delicious but also a nourishing choice for any homemade soup lover.
N/A
Servings
160
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
baby carrots
1 cup (halved)
chopped onion
1 cup (chopped)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
turkey kielbasa
7 ounces (halved lengthwise and cut into 1/2-inch pieces)
fat-free low-sodium chicken broth
4 cups
dried Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon
black pepper
1/2 teaspoon
great northern beans
2 (15 7/8 ounce) cans (drained and rinsed)
fresh baby spinach leaves
6 ounce bag
Instructions
1
Begin by heating a large saucepan over medium-high heat, then coat it lightly with cooking spray.
2
Add the baby carrots, chopped onion, minced garlic, and turkey kielbasa. Sauté for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
3
Lower the heat to medium and continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften and the kielbasa to start browning slightly.
4
Pour in the fat-free low-sodium chicken broth, followed by the dried Italian seasoning and the rinsed great northern beans. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
5
Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat again and let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
6
Carefully transfer two cups of the soup into a blender. Blend until smooth for a creamy texture, then return the pureed mixture to the saucepan.
7
Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes to heat through.
8
Remove the soup from heat and stir in the fresh baby spinach. Mix until the spinach is wilted and incorporated.
9
Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot, accompanied by crusty bread or garlic toast for a fulfilling meal. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
2g
Fat
22g
Carbs
11g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rustic Kielbasa and Spinach Bean Soup?
It is a hearty, one-pot meal that combines tender turkey kielbasa, great northern beans, and fresh baby spinach in a flavorful chicken broth.
Is this kielbasa soup healthy?
Yes, it is a nourishing choice that is low in fat (2g per serving) and high in protein and fiber.
How many calories are in a serving of this soup?
There are approximately 160 calories per serving.
What are the main protein sources in this recipe?
The primary protein sources are turkey kielbasa and great northern beans, providing 11g of protein per serving.
What type of beans should I use?
The recipe calls for two 15 7/8 ounce cans of great northern beans, drained and rinsed.
Can I use a different type of kielbasa?
While the recipe specifies turkey kielbasa for a leaner option, you could use traditional pork or beef kielbasa if preferred.
How do I prepare the turkey kielbasa for the soup?
The kielbasa should be halved lengthwise and then cut into 1/2-inch pieces.
What vegetables are included in this soup?
The recipe includes baby carrots, chopped onion, minced garlic, and fresh baby spinach leaves.
How do I make the soup creamy without adding dairy?
To create a creamy texture, transfer two cups of the soup to a blender, blend until smooth, and then return the pureed mixture to the saucepan.
When should I add the spinach?
The fresh baby spinach should be stirred in at the very end, after the soup has been removed from the heat, so it wilts perfectly.
What seasonings are used in this recipe?
The soup is seasoned with dried Italian seasoning and black pepper.
How long does it take to sauté the vegetables and meat?
You should sauté the carrots, onion, garlic, and kielbasa for about 3 minutes on high heat, then another 5 minutes on medium heat.
What kind of broth is best for this recipe?
Fat-free, low-sodium chicken broth is recommended to keep the soup healthy and light.
Is this a one-pot meal?
Yes, this entire recipe is prepared in a single large saucepan, making cleanup easy.
How much spinach is needed?
You will need one 6-ounce bag of fresh baby spinach leaves.
What should I serve with Rustic Kielbasa and Spinach Bean Soup?
It is best served alongside crusty bread or garlic toast for a complete and comforting meal.
How long does the soup need to simmer?
The soup simmers for 10 minutes after boiling, and then an additional 5 minutes after adding the pureed portion back in.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
While fresh baby spinach is recommended for the best texture, you can use frozen spinach if you thaw and squeeze out the excess moisture first.
How much fat is in this soup?
This soup is very low in fat, containing only 2g per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 22g of carbohydrates per serving.
Do I need to peel the baby carrots?
No, baby carrots come pre-peeled; you just need to halve them for this recipe.
What is the total number of ingredients required?
There are 9 main ingredients in this recipe.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, like most bean soups, the flavors often deepen and improve the next day.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to heat a large saucepan over medium-high heat and coat it lightly with cooking spray.
Can I use an immersion blender?
Yes, an immersion blender can be used directly in the pot to puree a portion of the soup instead of transferring it to a standard blender.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Most ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but you should check the label on your turkey kielbasa and chicken broth to be sure.
What is the texture of the finished soup?
The texture is a mix of chunky vegetables, tender meat, and whole beans in a slightly thickened, creamy base from the pureed beans.
How much garlic is used?
The recipe calls for 2 minced garlic cloves.
Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
Yes, you can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth if you prefer.
Is this recipe inspired by any specific source?
The recipe is inspired by favorite Cooking Light soup recipes.