Skip to content 
Embrace the warmth of the season with a bowl of comforting Christmas Soup. This delightful recipe is your go-to for chilly winter nights and festive gatherings. We’re combining savory kielbasa, tender potatoes, fresh kale, and wholesome kidney beans into a hearty dish. It’s a simple, flavorful soup that brings joy and coziness to your holiday table, making every spoonful a celebration.
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Soup
This isn’t just any soup; it’s a bowl of holiday cheer designed for busy parents and beginners. Here’s why this particular Christmas Soup recipe will quickly become a family favorite:
- Hearty and Filling: It’s a complete meal in one pot, packed with protein and vegetables.
- Delicious Flavors: Enjoy the rich, savory taste of sausage complemented by fresh greens and tender beans.
- Easy to Prepare: Simple, step-by-step instructions make this perfect for any home cook.
- Great for Make-Ahead: Prepare this festive soup in advance to save time during busy holidays.
- Family-Friendly: A customizable recipe that even the pickiest eaters will enjoy.
- Versatile for Occasions: Ideal for casual weeknights or elegant holiday dinners.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your comforting holiday soup. Fresh, high-quality components ensure the best flavor in this hearty Christmas Soup.
- 1 pound kielbasa, sliced 1/4-inch thick, on the bias
- Vegetable oil, as needed
- 8 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound dried red kidney beans, soaked for at least 4 hours or overnight
- 2 quarts unsalted chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1 pound red potatoes, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 6 ounces fresh kale, washed, rinsed, and torn into 1-inch pieces
- 2 Tbsp red wine vinegar, plus more to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Notes & Substitutions
You can easily adapt this festive soup to your taste and pantry.
- Kielbasa: Feel free to use smoked sausage, Italian sausage, or even a plant-based sausage for a vegetarian option.
- Beans: Canned kidney beans work well; just drain and rinse them, then add with the potatoes to reduce cooking time. Great northern or cannellini beans are also delicious.
- Broth: Use vegetable broth for a delicious vegetarian or vegan version of this winter soup.
- Potatoes: Yukon Gold or russet potatoes can substitute red potatoes, just adjust cooking time slightly until tender.
- Greens: Spinach, collard greens, or Swiss chard are excellent alternatives to kale. Add them towards the end of cooking.
- Seasoning: Enhance the flavor with dried thyme, bay leaves, or a pinch of smoked paprika.
Equipment
You won’t need much specialized equipment for this cozy soup, making it perfect for beginners.
- Large Dutch oven (7-quart): Essential for simmering your hearty soup evenly.
- Cutting board: For safe and efficient preparation of ingredients.
- Sharp knife: To handle all your slicing and chopping tasks.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Ensure precise ingredient amounts for perfect flavor.
- Ladles: For easy and safe serving of your delicious Christmas Soup.
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create a wonderfully flavorful Christmas Soup. This beginner-friendly guide ensures a perfect result every time.
- Prep the beans: If using dried kidney beans, make sure to soak them thoroughly for at least 4 hours or overnight. According to WebMD, soaking beans can improve texture and reduce gas, making this step crucial for even cooking and proper texture in your hearty holiday soup.
- Brown the kielbasa: Place a 7-quart Dutch oven over medium-low heat. Add the sliced kielbasa and cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most of its fat has rendered and the sausage is nicely browned.
- Remove sausage: Use a slotted spoon to remove the browned kielbasa from the pot. Set it aside on a plate; you’ll add it back later to the warming soup.
- Sauté garlic: If you have less than 2 teaspoons of rendered fat in the pot, add enough vegetable oil to reach 2 teaspoons. Add the minced garlic to the fat and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Add liquid and beans: Stir in the chicken broth and the soaked, drained kidney beans. Add 2 teaspoons of kosher salt to the pot.
- Simmer beans: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover the Dutch oven and cook for 45 minutes, allowing the beans to soften and absorb the rich flavors.
- Add potatoes: After 45 minutes, stir in the cubed red potatoes. Cover the pot again and cook for another 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender.
- Stir in kale: Toss the fresh kale into the pot. Cover and cook for an additional 10 minutes, or just until the kale is tender but still holds its shape. Avoid overcooking the kale to maintain its vibrant green color and texture in this cozy soup.
- Season the soup: Sprinkle the red wine vinegar and freshly ground black pepper into the pot. Stir to combine these elements, which brighten the overall flavor profile.
- Return sausage: Add the reserved kielbasa back into the pot. Cook just until the sausage is heated through, usually a few minutes.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the Christmas Soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add more salt or a splash of red wine vinegar to achieve your perfect balance.
- Serve hot: Ladle generous portions of this delicious Christmas Soup into bowls and enjoy immediately.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Making this festive soup is straightforward, but these tips ensure the best results every time.
- Bean soaking: Proper bean soaking is key for a creamy texture and faster cooking. Soaked beans cook more evenly in this hearty soup.
- Flavor depth: Don’t skip browning the sausage. This step creates a rich, savory foundation for your entire Christmas Soup.
- Kale tenderness: Add kale at the very end to prevent it from becoming mushy. You want it tender but still with a slight bite.
- Adjusting acidity: Red wine vinegar brightens and balances the richness of the sausage and beans. Add a little more if your soup tastes flat.
- Batch cooking: This recipe doubles well! If making a large batch, ensure your pot is big enough to accommodate all ingredients comfortably.
- Re-seasoning: Always taste and adjust seasonings after simmering for a while. Flavors can mellow, so a final touch of salt or pepper is important.
Serving, Storage, and Variations
This versatile Christmas Soup is perfect for any occasion and stores beautifully.
- Serving suggestions: Serve your warm soup with crusty artisan bread, a slice of fluffy cornbread, or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
- Make ahead: This cozy soup tastes even better the next day! Prepare it in advance, let it cool, and refrigerate for easy reheating.
- Storage: Store any leftover holiday soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: This soup freezes wonderfully. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop.
- Vegetarian variation: Swap kielbasa for plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth for a delicious meat-free version of this winter soup.
- Creamy version: For a richer soup, stir in a quarter cup of heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk (for dairy-free) just before serving.
- Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to your bowl for extra heat.
- Herb additions: Fresh rosemary, thyme, or a bay leaf added during simmering will infuse more aromatic depth into your festive soup.
Nutrition
This Christmas Soup offers a wholesome and satisfying meal.
(Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and preparation.)
This hearty soup is a good source of protein from the kielbasa and kidney beans, which also contribute significant fiber. The kale and potatoes add essential vitamins and minerals, making this a well-rounded and nourishing dish. For more details on the nutritional benefits of legumes like kidney beans, research from the USDA highlights their contribution to a healthy diet. It’s a truly satisfying meal that will warm you from the inside out during the colder months.
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450-550 kcal |
| Protein | 30-35 g |
| Fat | 20-25 g |
| Carbohydrates | 40-50 g |
| Fiber | 10-12 g |
| Sodium | 800-1000 mg |
FAQ
Got questions about making this delightful holiday soup? We’ve got answers!
- Can I use canned beans? Yes, absolutely! If using canned kidney beans, drain and rinse them well, then add them to the pot along with the potatoes to reduce cooking time significantly.
- Is this soup dairy-free? Yes, as written, this Christmas Soup recipe is completely dairy-free, making it suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
- How long does Christmas Soup last? When stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this cozy soup will last for 3 to 4 days.
- Can I use different vegetables? Absolutely! Feel free to customize this hearty soup with your favorite vegetables like carrots, celery, or bell peppers.
- What kind of sausage works best? Smoked kielbasa is traditional and provides a wonderful depth of flavor, but Italian sausage or chorizo can also add a delightful twist.
Conclusion
This Hearty Christmas Soup is more than just a meal; it’s an invitation to savor the season with warmth and flavor. Its comforting blend of savory kielbasa, tender vegetables, and robust beans creates a dish that’s both deeply satisfying and wonderfully easy to prepare. Perfect for busy parents and beginner cooks alike, this festive soup simplifies holiday cooking without sacrificing taste. Make this delightful recipe a new treasured tradition, warming hearts and bellies through the winter months. Try this cozy soup today and share the joy with your loved ones!
Hearty Christmas Soup Recipe: The Perfect Holiday Comfort Food
Equipment
- Large Dutch oven (7-quart)
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle
Ingredients
- 1 lb kielbasa, sliced 1/4-inch thick on the bias
- vegetable oil, as needed
- 8 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb dried red kidney beans, soaked
- 2 quarts unsalted chicken broth
- 2 tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1 lb red potatoes, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 6 oz fresh kale, torn into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar, plus more to taste
- 0.5 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Soak dried kidney beans for at least 4 hours or overnight. Drain before use.
- In a Dutch oven over medium-low heat, brown the kielbasa slices for about 15 minutes, rendering the fat.
- Remove the kielbasa with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- If needed, add oil to make 2 tsp fat in the pot. Add garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add chicken broth, drained beans, and 2 tsp salt. Stir to combine.
- Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 45 minutes until beans begin to soften.
- Stir in cubed potatoes. Cover and cook for another 15 minutes until tender.
- Add kale, cover, and cook for 10 minutes until wilted and tender.
- Season with red wine vinegar and black pepper. Stir well.
- Return cooked kielbasa to the pot. Heat through for a few minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Add more salt or vinegar as desired. Serve hot.
