Make A Meal Soup
A hearty and flavorful soup combining smoked sausage, vegetables, beans, and tomatoes, perfect for comforting meals and suitable for family gatherings or casual dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, brown the chopped onion in vegetable oil.
- Add the sliced smoked sausage, carrots, celery, and cook until vegetables are tender.
- Pour in water and add chicken bouillon cubes, salt, pepper, bay leaf, and thyme.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for about 1 hour.
- Add rice, tomato sauce, red kidney beans, and whole tomatoes during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
- Remove bay leaf before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using smoked paprika or Cajun seasoning in place of some salt. If you don’t have smoked sausage, kielbasa or any other sausage works well. You can also substitute the cabbage with kale or spinach for a different texture. Fresh herbs like parsley can enhance the dish just before serving. This soup is versatile, so feel free to add in leftover vegetables or beans.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty soup with a slice of crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Gavin's Favorite Chicken Roll-Ups for an enjoyable family dinner. You can also top each bowl with shredded cheese or fresh herbs for extra flavor. For a spicy kick, consider adding a dash of hot sauce before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the consistency. This soup also freezes well; portion it into freezer-safe bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Make A Meal Soup contains roughly 501 calories, with 10g protein, 59g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (100% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (75% of the Daily Value), and iron (72% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2110mg per serving (92% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this soup vegetarian by omitting the smoked sausage and using vegetable broth instead of water and bouillon cubes. Increase the variety of vegetables, such as mushrooms and bell peppers, to maintain a hearty texture. This adaptation still offers a delicious and filling meal.
How can I thicken the soup?
To thicken the soup, you can add more rice or use a cornstarch slurry (mix equal parts cornstarch and cold water) during the last few minutes of cooking. Alternatively, you can blend a portion of the soup until smooth and stir it back in for a creamier texture.
What other beans can I use in this recipe?
You can substitute the red kidney beans with black beans, white beans, or chickpeas, depending on your preference. Each type of bean will add a unique flavor and texture to the soup, making it versatile and adaptable to your taste.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).