Description
A hearty and flavorful Swamp Soup featuring smoked sausage, leafy greens, and beans simmered in a savory broth. This comforting dish combines robust spices with nutritious ingredients, perfect for a warming meal that serves six.
Ingredients
Scale
Sausage and Aromatics
- 12 ounces smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Soup Base and Vegetables
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini or Great Northern beans, drained
- 4 cups fresh kale, chopped (or spinach or collard greens)
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional)
Instructions
- Heat oil and brown sausage: Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 5–6 minutes. Remove the browned sausage and set it aside.
- Sauté aromatics: In the same pot, add diced onion and sauté for about 4 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add broth and main ingredients: Pour in the chicken broth, canned diced tomatoes, and drained beans. Stir well to combine. Then return the cooked sausage to the pot.
- Simmer with greens: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Add the chopped kale (or your choice of greens) and cook for 15–20 minutes, or until the greens are tender and the flavors meld.
- Season the soup: Season with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir in apple cider vinegar if using, which adds a subtle tang to balance the flavors.
- Serve hot: Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy warm. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or cornbread for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can substitute kale with spinach or collard greens according to preference or availability.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes to control the level of spiciness.
- Apple cider vinegar is optional but adds a nice acidity to brighten the soup.
- Leftovers reheat well and flavors often improve after a day.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute sausage with plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
