Turnip Green Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines the earthiness of greens with the savory depth of sausage and beans. This recipe embodies comfort food at its best, perfect for those chilly evenings when you crave something warm and nourishing. The ingredients meld together beautifully, creating a satisfying meal that’s not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. In this guide, you’ll discover how to make this delicious soup, the reasons we love it, and some tips for storage and variations.
Why We Love This Turnip Green Soup Recipe
This Turnip Green Soup recipe stands out due to its incredible combination of flavors and textures. The smoky kielbasa sausage adds a robust flavor, while the turnip greens provide a nutritious base rich in vitamins A, C, and K. The creamy great northern beans not only enhance the soup’s heartiness but also contribute plant-based protein, making it a well-rounded dish. Furthermore, the ease of preparation, with one pot to clean afterward, makes it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. You can also customize the spice level to fit your taste, making it a versatile option for everyone at the table.
Ingredients about Turnip Green Soup
To whip up this delightful Turnip Green Soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
- 1 pound kielbasa sausage, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 5 cups chicken broth
- 2 (27-ounce) cans turnip greens, drained
- 2 (14.5-ounce) cans great northern beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 package vegetable soup mix (such as Knorr’s)
- 1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce (such as Tabasco)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 pinch Creole seasoning (such as Tony Chachere’s), or to taste
- Salt and ground black pepper to taste
How to Make Turnip Green Soup Directions
Making this Turnip Green Soup is straightforward and requires just a few easy steps. Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Once hot, add the kielbasa pieces along with the chopped onion. Cook these ingredients for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the kielbasa is browned and the onion is translucent. This initial step builds a foundation of flavor that enhances the soup.
After the kielbasa and onion are cooked, carefully transfer them onto a plate and set aside. In the same saucepan, pour in the chicken broth and add the drained turnip greens. Rinse and drain the great northern beans before adding them as well. To this blend, sprinkle the vegetable soup mix, followed by the hot pepper sauce, garlic powder, Creole seasoning, along with your desired amount of salt and ground black pepper. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
Once it reaches a boiling point, return the kielbasa and onion mixture back into the saucepan. Lower the heat to medium-low and allow the soup to simmer for approximately 2 hours. This slow simmering allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a rich and satisfying broth that you’ll want to savor.
How to Serve Turnip Green Soup
Once your Turnip Green Soup has simmered to perfection, it’s time to serve it up! Ladle the soup into bowls, making sure to include plenty of the flavorful broth, greens, beans, and sausage in each serving. To elevate the dish, consider garnishing with a sprinkle of extra Creole seasoning or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
Serve the soup with a warm loaf of crusty bread or some cornbread on the side for dipping. This comforting combination works incredibly well, allowing you to soak up every last drop of the soup, ensuring nothing goes to waste. Pair it with a simple side salad for a complete meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious.
Expert Tips: Turnip Green Soup
To ensure your Turnip Green Soup turns out perfectly every time, consider the following expert tips. First and foremost, don’t rush the simmering process. Allowing the soup to cook slowly enhances the flavors significantly, making for a richer experience. If you’re short on time, you can reduce the simmering time, but a longer cook will yield better results.
If you like your soup with a bit more texture, you can reserve some of the great northern beans before adding them to the pot. Blend the remaining beans with some broth to create a creamier base, and then stir in the reserved whole beans for added heartiness.
Feel free to adjust the spice levels according to your palate. If you’re preparing this dish for those sensitive to heat, reduce the hot pepper sauce or omit it entirely. For those who love spice, consider adding a bit more Creole seasoning or even diced jalapeños for an extra kick.
Don’t forget to taste as you go; seasoning is key to a great soup!
How to Store Turnip Green Soup
Storing your Turnip Green Soup is simple and convenient. Once the soup has cooled completely, transfer it to an airtight container. You can refrigerate it for up to three to four days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it on the stove over low heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
If you want to store it for a longer period, consider freezing the soup. It can be frozen for up to three months. Divide it into individual portions to make reheating easier. To freeze, allow the soup to cool completely before placing it in freezer-safe containers or bags. Just remember to leave some space in the containers, as the soup will expand as it freezes.
Variation of Turnip Green Soup
One of the joys of making Turnip Green Soup is the opportunity to customize it to your liking. Here are a few variations you may want to try.
For a vegetarian version, you can easily substitute the kielbasa with a meat alternative or simply omit it altogether. By adding more vegetables like carrots, celery, or zucchini, you can enrich the broth with additional flavors. Quinoa or lentils can also be fantastic additions, providing extra protein and texture.
You might also consider changing up the greens! If you cannot find turnip greens, kale or swiss chard can substitute nicely. Both greens lend a slightly different flavor but will beautifully complement the overall dish.
For a creamier soup, consider blending a portion of the soup until smooth and then stirring it back into the pot. This technique gives you a silky texture without having to add cream.
FAQ
What are the main ingredients in Turnip Green Soup?
The Turnip Green Soup is primarily made with kielbasa sausage, turnip greens, great northern beans, and a variety of spices. These ingredients come together to create a hearty and flavorful meal.
How long does it take to prepare Turnip Green Soup?
The cooking time for Turnip Green Soup is about 2 hours, but the preparation of ingredients takes around 15-20 minutes. It’s a great option for those who enjoy a slow-cooked meal that develops rich flavors.
Can I make Turnip Green Soup ahead of time?
Yes! Turnip Green Soup can be prepared ahead of time. This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Store it in the refrigerator for a few days or freeze it for longer storage.
Is Turnip Green Soup healthy?
Absolutely! Turnip Green Soup is packed with nutrients. It contains protein from the beans and sausage, along with vitamins and minerals from the greens. It’s a wholesome option for anyone looking to eat healthier without sacrificing flavor.
Turnip Green Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
- 1 pound kielbasa sausage, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 5 cups chicken broth
- 2 27-ounce cans turnip greens, drained
- 2 14.5-ounce cans great northern beans, rinsed and drained
Seasoning
- 1 package vegetable soup mix (such as Knorr’s)
- 1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce (such as Tabasco)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 pinch Creole seasoning (such as Tony Chachere’s), or to taste
- to taste Salt and ground black pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the kielbasa pieces and chopped onion; cook for about 5 to 7 minutes until kielbasa is browned and onion is translucent.
- Transfer the cooked kielbasa and onion to a plate and set aside.
Cooking
- In the same saucepan, pour in the chicken broth and add the drained turnip greens and rinsed great northern beans.
- Sprinkle the vegetable soup mix, hot pepper sauce, garlic powder, Creole seasoning, and salt and pepper into the mixture. Stir everything together.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, return the kielbasa and onion back into the saucepan. Lower the heat to medium-low and let simmer for approximately 2 hours.
Serving
- Ladle the soup into bowls, including plenty of broth, greens, beans, and sausage.
- Garnish with extra Creole seasoning or hot sauce if desired. Serve with warm crusty bread or cornbread on the side.
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