Protein-Packed Winter Soup Recipe
Introduction
This protein-packed winter soup is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for chilly days. Featuring white sausage, white beans, and fragrant herbs, it’s both nourishing and flavorful. Easy to prepare, it makes a great meal for the whole family.
Ingredients
- 12 oz white sausage, casing removed
- 2 cups white beans (canned or cooked)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried herbs (such as thyme or rosemary)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the white sausage, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes.
- Step 2: Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the sausage. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent, about 4–5 minutes.
- Step 3: Stir in the white beans and pour in the chicken broth. Add the dried herbs and mix well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Step 4: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Lower the heat and let the soup simmer uncovered for at least 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to allow flavors to meld.
- Step 5: Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as desired. Serve hot for a warming winter meal.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh herbs if available for a more vibrant flavor, adding them near the end of cooking.
- For a creamier texture, puree part of the soup and stir it back in before serving.
- Swap white sausage for turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner option.
Storage
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. This soup can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
Yes, but be sure to soak and cook the dried beans fully before adding them to the soup to ensure they become tender.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, but always check your sausage and broth labels to confirm.
PrintProtein-Packed Winter Soup Recipe
This Protein-Packed Winter Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for chilly days. Featuring savory browned white sausage, creamy white beans, and aromatic herbs simmered in rich chicken broth, it offers a comforting and satisfying meal that’s both nutritious and easy to prepare in under an hour.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Sausage and Beans
- 12 oz white sausage, casing removed
- 2 cups white beans (canned or cooked)
Broth and Aromatics
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Oil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried herbs (such as thyme or rosemary)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the white sausage, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until the sausage is nicely browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the sausage. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent, about 4-5 minutes, releasing the fragrant aromas.
- Add Beans and Broth: Stir in the white beans and pour in the chicken broth. Add the dried herbs and stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer the Soup: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Lower the heat and let the soup simmer uncovered for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and thicken slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Season and Serve: Taste the soup and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as desired. Serve the soup hot for a warming winter meal.
Notes
- For a thicker soup, mash some of the white beans before adding the broth.
- You can substitute white sausage with turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner option.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness.
- Fresh herbs can be used instead of dried herbs if available; add them towards the end of cooking.
- This soup freezes well; cool completely before freezing in airtight containers.
Keywords: protein soup, white sausage soup, winter soup, hearty soup, white bean soup, easy soup recipe
