Smoked Sausage, White Bean & Potato Soup

Happy 2013 everyone! I'm starting off the new year with a tasty soup recipe. The weather in Texas has been quite chilly and we even got snow on Christmas day. It's been a long time since we have had a White Christmas.

I planned a small get together for New Years Eve, so it was all about finger foods, dips and few appetizers.  On New Years day I had a bunch of leftovers.


Since the cold temps continued straight into the New Year. I thought a hot bowl of homemade soup would be fitting.  I started making a simple potato soup, but it quickly turned into a Smoked Sausage, White Bean & Potato Soup. 

 I had some smoked sausage leftover from the night before, so I sliced it and tossed into soup. The sausage gave the soup a smokey flavor.  Leftover ham can be used in place of sausage. Just use whatever you  have on hand.  

I'm a huge fan of adding beans to different soup recipes, so choosing to add white beans to a potato was a great choice. Also by using canned beans this soup was quick and easy to prepare. 

My brand of choice is Bush's Great Northern Beans, but I think Cannellini beans would work fine. Just use whatever white beans you have on hand. If you're a potato soup lover I think you will love this new spin on a old favorite. 

Smoked Sausage White Bean & Potato Soup 
{mommyskitchen.net}

3 - cups potatoes, diced

2 - stalks celery, chopped

1/2 - cup onions, chopped
1 1/2 - cups smoked sausage or ham, chopped 

2 1/2 - cups low sodium chicken broth

2 - cups half & half or whole milk (creamier with half & half)

3 - tablespoons butter, melted

3 - tablespoons all purpose flour
1 - 15 oz can Bush's great northern beans, drained & rinsed

1/2 - chicken bouillon cube, crushed

black pepper to taste

In a large pot, bring potatoes, celery, onions and smoked sausage to a boil in the chicken broth. Cook until the potatoes are tender about (10 - 15 minutes).
 
Drain and reserve liquid. Combine the reserved broth and half & half in pot. In a separate small bowl combine the melted butter and the flour.
 
Stir into half and half mixture over medium heat. Stir until thickened. Stir in reserved vegetables, white beans. crushed bouillon and pepper. Heat through and serve.  

Inspired by: Borden

I'm brand ambassador with Bush’s Beans. All opinions stated above are entirely my own.