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A hearty bowl of swamp soup with sausage and greens.

Southern Swamp Soup


  • Author: Rita
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Swamp Soup isn’t just a meal; it’s a heartwarming experience rooted in Southern comfort and culinary creativity. This hearty soup blends smoked sausage, creamy white beans, tender greens, and savory broth into a flavorful dish perfect for chilly evenings. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or new to the kitchen, this comforting recipe is simple to make, nourishing, and easily customizable to fit any dietary preference.


Ingredients

Turnip greens or kale – 4 cups, chopped
Smoked sausage (Andouille or kielbasa) – 1 pound, sliced
White beans (cannellini, Great Northern, or navy) – 2 cans, drained and rinsed
Pasta (ditalini or orzo) – 1 cup
Onion – 1 large, diced
Garlic – 4 cloves, minced
Celery – 2 stalks, diced
Canned diced tomatoes – 1 can (14.5 ounces)
Chicken broth – 6 cups
Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
Salt – 1 teaspoon or to taste
Black pepper – 1/2 teaspoon
Red pepper flakes – 1/4 teaspoon (optional)
Chopped fresh parsley – for garnish


Instructions

Preparation of Greens
Wash and trim the greens thoroughly
Remove any tough stems and chop the leaves finely
Dice the stems if you’d like to add extra texture to the soup

Cooking the Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat
Add diced onions, celery, and chopped turnip stems
Cook until the onions are translucent, about 4 to 5 minutes
Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant

Building the Soup Base
Add the sliced smoked sausage to the pot and cook until lightly browned
Stir in the drained white beans and canned diced tomatoes
Pour in the chicken broth and add a cup of water to cover the ingredients
Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally

Cooking the Pasta and Greens
Stir in the pasta and cook according to the package instructions
Add the chopped greens in the last few minutes of cooking, allowing them to wilt
Adjust seasoning with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired

Finishing Touches
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving
Serve hot with crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal

Notes

For a vegetarian version, replace the sausage with plant-based alternatives and use vegetable broth
Add diced bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini for extra veggies
For a gluten-free option, substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta or omit it entirely

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Southern, Cajun

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 500
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 850mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 8g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: swamp soup southern soup, hearty soup, smoked sausage soup, comfort food easy soup recipe