Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of the South! This Southern Kidney Bean and Andouille Soup is not just a recipe—it's a flavor-packed adventure that combines the smoky, spicy kick of andouille sausage with hearty kidney beans and a symphony of aromatic vegetables. In just one hour, you'll create a soul-warming dish that promises to become an instant family favorite, delivering the kind of comfort that only true Southern cooking can provide.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Southern
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound andouille sausage, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add sliced andouille sausage and cook until lightly browned and slightly crisp, about 5-6 minutes. Remove sausage and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
- In the same pot, add chopped onions, diced celery, and bell pepper. Sauté vegetables until they become soft and translucent, approximately 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Return the browned andouille sausage to the pot. Add drained and rinsed kidney beans, chicken broth, thyme, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 30-35 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and beans to become tender.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If the soup seems too thick, add a little more chicken broth. If too thin, simmer uncovered to reduce.
- Serve hot in deep bowls, optionally garnishing with chopped fresh parsley or green onions. Pair with crusty French bread for a complete Southern-style meal.
Tips
- Sausage Selection: Choose high-quality andouille sausage for authentic flavor. If possible, select locally made or artisan sausages for an extra flavor boost.
- Browning Technique: Take time to properly brown the andouille sausage. This step builds a rich, deep flavor foundation for your entire soup.
- Vegetable Prep: Ensure uniform chopping of onions, celery, and bell peppers for even cooking and consistent texture.
- Spice Management: Adjust cayenne pepper to your heat preference. Start with less and add more if desired.
- Liquid Dynamics: Monitor the soup's consistency during simmering. Don't hesitate to add more broth if it becomes too thick or simmer uncovered to reduce.
- Flavor Enhancement: For an extra layer of complexity, consider adding a splash of white wine when sautéing vegetables or a dash of Worcestershire sauce.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This soup tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to prepare it in advance and reheat for maximum flavor melding.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 45mg
