Soup By Ellie
A hearty, flavorful bean and vegetable soup with sausage, perfect for comforting meals and adaptable to various tastes, combining rich tomato flavors with fresh vegetables.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the sausage in a large pot.
- Add the soaked pinto beans, tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, carrots, celery, onion, potatoes, split peas, and any spices as needed.
- Simmer the soup until the beans and vegetables are tender, approximately 40-60 minutes.
- Add the sliced cabbage about 20 minutes before serving and cook until tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using smoked sausage or adding spices like cumin and paprika. If you don’t have pinto beans, black beans or kidney beans can work as substitutes. Fresh herbs like thyme or bay leaves enhance the soup's depth. If you're short on time, canned beans can be used; just reduce the cooking time accordingly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot with crusty bread or cornbread for a comforting meal. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or grated cheese on top adds a nice touch. This soup pairs wonderfully with a side salad for a balanced dinner. For something different, try it alongside Barbecued Turkey Breast for a delightful contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the soup in portions for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it has thickened too much during storage.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Soup By Ellie contains roughly 20 calories, with 1g protein, 3g carbohydrates, and 1g fat.
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 use dried split peas instead of soaked pinto beans?
Yes, you can substitute dried split peas for soaked pinto beans; however, be aware that split peas cook faster. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, adding them later in the process to ensure they don't become mushy.
What if I want to make this soup vegetarian?
To make this soup vegetarian, omit the sausage and replace it with a plant-based sausage or simply increase the amount of beans and vegetables. You may also want to use vegetable broth instead of water for added flavor.
How can I make the soup spicier?
To increase the heat, add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the vegetables. You can also include a splash of hot sauce before serving for an extra kick, adjusting to your personal spice tolerance.
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).