Crockpot Kielbasa & White Bean Soup

The temperature has dropped by 15 degrees here – back to 20 degrees above normal, rather than close to 40 above our average.  It’s been a little overcast and dreary too, so it looks like soup weather might make one more appearance. 

This crockpot soup recipes was inspired by two recipes from Kalyn’s Kitchen.  This lady has a blog chocked full of delicious recipes, but her soups always catch my attention.  The first is a stew with tomatoes & basil, and the second is a soup with white beans and spinach.  Put them together with a handful of green beans and you have a tasty & unique soup. 

Crockpot Kielbasa and White Bean Soup – Inspired by Kalyn’s Kitchen

Ingredients

• 1 medium onion, diced {we used 2 T minced onion flakes}
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 tsp. rosemary
• dash of thyme
• 1 tsp. basil
• 1 tsp. oregano
• 6 C chicken stock
• 1 can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 7 oz. Kielbasa sausage, sliced and halved {use more if you’d like}
• 2-4 C spinach
• 1 C green beans in bite-sized pieces
• 1 can white beans, rinsed and drained
• Splash of balsamic vinegar, if desired
• Pepper, to taste

Directions

In the base of your crockpot, combine 1 can diced tomatoes (juice included), 1 medium onion, 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 can white beans. 

Add in sliced kielbasa {we used turkey sausage}, and spices – 1 tsp. basil, 1 tsp. oregano, 1/4 tsp. rosemary, dash of thyme and pepper, and a splash of balsamic vinegar, if desired. 

Stir until ingredients are well blended. 

Add in 6 C chicken broth or stock. 

Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.  About two hours before serving, add in 1 C green beans and 2-4 C spinach.  We used closer to 2 cups of spinach, but I would definitely up it towards 4 C next time.  But, we really like spinach! 

Serve warm with a crusty bread, crackers, or cheese-filled quesadillas. 

What temperature does the mercury need to hit to signal the end of your hot soup season?