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Hearty Slow Cooker White Bean and Kale Soup

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A comforting and hearty slow cooker soup featuring white beans, kale, and smoky sausage, perfect for chilly winter evenings. Easy to prepare with simple ingredients and slow-cooked to meld flavors beautifully.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups dried navy or great northern beans, soaked overnight (or 4 cans, drained and rinsed)
  • 1 pound smoked kielbasa or andouille sausage, sliced
  • 1 bunch curly kale, stems removed and leaves chopped
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 2 stalks celery, sliced
  • 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  1. If using dried beans, rinse 2 cups thoroughly and soak overnight in plenty of water. Drain before cooking. (Shortcut: canned beans work fine; just rinse and drain.)
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 pound sliced smoked sausage and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same pan, add diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Cook for 5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook another minute until fragrant.
  4. Add the soaked and drained beans, sautéed sausage, vegetables, 6 cups chicken broth, 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 2 bay leaves, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours, or until beans are tender and flavors meld. If pressed for time, cook on high for 3-4 hours but keep an eye on liquid levels.
  6. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the chopped kale. Cook uncovered to let the greens soften but maintain their bright color and texture.
  7. Remove bay leaves. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. If the soup feels too thick, add a splash of broth or water to reach your preferred consistency.
  8. Ladle into bowls and serve hot with crusty bread or your favorite side.

Notes

Soak dried beans overnight for best texture and digestibility. Brown the sausage and sauté vegetables before slow cooking to enhance flavor. Add kale 30 minutes before serving to keep it vibrant and tender. Adjust seasoning at the end. Keep extra broth on hand to adjust consistency. Can be made on stovetop in a heavy pot simmering for about 2 hours. For vegan version, substitute sausage with smoked tempeh or plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker soup, white bean soup, kale soup, smoked sausage soup, winter meals, hearty soup, easy slow cooker recipe

Find it online: https://fuzzyforker.com/hearty-slow-cooker-white-bean-and-kale-soup-recipe-easy-and-perfect-for-winter-meals/