Turnip Green Soup is a comforting dish that brings a burst of flavor and nutrition to your table. This wholesome soup showcases the earthy and slightly peppery taste of turnip greens, combined with savory kielbasa sausage and hearty beans, making it a satisfying meal for any day of the week. With its rich broth and vibrant greens, this recipe is not only easy to prepare but also perfect for a cozy gathering or a simple family dinner. Its delightful aroma will fill your kitchen, inviting everyone to gather around and enjoy a warm bowl of goodness.
Why We Love This Turnip Green Soup Recipe
This Turnip Green Soup recipe stands out for more than just its delicious flavors. It embodies the spirit of home cooking, where simplicity meets heartwarming comfort. The combination of kielbasa sausage and nutritious turnip greens provides a balanced meal that is both hearty and fulfilling. Plus, using canned ingredients like turnip greens and great northern beans allows you to whip up this dish quickly without sacrificing taste. The blend of spices and seasonings gives the soup a slight kick, making it a great option whether you are feeling under the weather or simply want to savor a flavorful dish. You’ll find that this soup is not just a recipe; it’s a nourishing experience that warms your heart and soul.
Ingredients about Turnip Green Soup
To create your own delicious Turnip Green Soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:
List of ingredients with measurements
- 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 Turnip Green Soup is a straightforward process that anyone can master. Follow these simple steps to create your flavorful dish.
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the kielbasa pieces along with the chopped onion. Cook these ingredients for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure they brown evenly and release their flavors. When the kielbasa is nicely browned, transfer it to a plate and set it aside.
In the same saucepan, pour in the chicken broth. The broth will serve as the base for your soup, providing rich flavor and depth. Add the drained turnip greens and great northern beans to the broth. These ingredients will not only add nutrition but also create a lovely texture to the soup.
Next, sprinkle in the vegetable soup mix, hot pepper sauce, garlic powder, Creole seasoning, salt, and ground black pepper. Give the mixture a good stir, allowing all the flavors to combine. Increase the heat to medium-high to bring the soup to a boil.
Once the soup is boiling, return the cooked kielbasa and onion mixture back to the saucepan. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer uncovered for approximately 2 hours. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a hearty and satisfying soup.
When you’re ready to serve, ladle the steaming hot soup into bowls. You can garnish it with your favorite toppings, such as fresh herbs or a sprinkle of cheese, if desired. For the perfect accompaniment, consider serving it with crusty bread or warm cornbread on the side. This soup is not only filling; it’s a soul-soothing meal that brings warmth to any occasion.
How to Serve Turnip Green Soup
Serving Turnip Green Soup is as delightful as preparing it. After ladling the soup into bowls, you can enhance the presentation with thoughtful garnishes. Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can add a touch of color and freshness, while a sprinkle of cheese can introduce an extra layer of richness. If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding a few drops of extra hot pepper sauce on top for those who like a spicy kick.
Pairing your soup with sides can elevate the meal. A crispy slice of crusty bread is perfect for dipping, allowing you to savor every spoonful of the rich broth. Alternatively, warm cornbread complements the soup beautifully, adding a hint of sweetness that balances the savory flavors. Your dining experience will be complete with the warm, hearty soup alongside these delightful sides.
Expert Tips: Turnip Green Soup
To ensure your Turnip Green Soup turns out perfectly, keep these expert tips in mind. First, when selecting kielbasa, opt for high-quality sausage for a richer flavor. You can also experiment with different types of sausage to suit your taste preferences. If you like more heat, feel free to increase the amount of hot pepper sauce or replace it with a spicier variety.
Second, make sure to adjust the seasoning to your liking. Taste the soup before serving, and add more salt, pepper, or Creole seasoning if needed. This step is crucial for achieving a well-balanced flavor.
Third, for a thicker soup, consider pureeing a portion of the beans after rinsing them and adding them to the broth. This will create a creamier texture while still incorporating all the wholesome ingredients.
Finally, simmering the soup for two hours allows the flavors to develop fully. If you’re short on time, you can reduce the simmering time to 30 minutes but note that longer cooking will yield a richer flavor. Enjoy your journey of cooking this wholesome dish!
How to Store Turnip Green Soup
Storing your Turnip Green Soup is simple, allowing you to enjoy leftovers without hassle. Once the soup has cooled to room temperature, you can transfer it to airtight containers. It’s best to portion out the soup into smaller servings if you plan to reheat only what you’ll eat at a time.
Refrigerate the soup for up to three to four days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating. If left in the fridge for an extended period, consider freezing the soup for later use.
To freeze, place the cooled soup in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It can typically be stored for 2 to 3 months in the freezer. When you desire a comforting meal, simply remove it from the freezer, allowing it to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. This way, you can have the delightful Turnip Green Soup available at a moment’s notice!
Variation of Turnip Green Soup
The beauty of Turnip Green Soup lies in its versatility. While the classic recipe is delicious, you can customize it to suit your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are several variations you might consider:
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the kielbasa for a plant-based sausage or simply omit it altogether. You can enhance the umami flavor by adding mushrooms or extra spices like smoked paprika.
- Add Other Greens: Turnip greens are fantastic, but you can mix in other greens, such as kale or spinach, for added nutrition and flavor. Simply incorporate them along with the turnip greens.
- Add More Vegetables: Enhance the soup by throwing in additional vegetables. Carrots, celery, or bell peppers can add sweetness and texture. Just chop them finely and sauté them along with the onion and kielbasa.
- Different Beans: While great northern beans are a classic choice, you could substitute them with lentils, black beans, or even chickpeas for a different texture and flavor profile.
- Spice it Up: If you crave a more robust flavor, experiment with different spices or chili flakes to tailor the level of heat and complexity to your liking.
These variations allow you to reinvent the classic Turnip Green Soup and keep it fresh and exciting every time you make it!
FAQ
What is Turnip Green Soup?
Turnip Green Soup is a hearty, nutritious dish made with kielbasa sausage, turnip greens, great northern beans, and flavorful seasonings, all simmered together in a savory broth.
Can I make Turnip Green Soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can leave out the kielbasa or substitute it with a plant-based sausage. Feel free to add additional vegetables for a rich plant-based meal.
How long does Turnip Green Soup last in the fridge?
Turnip Green Soup can be stored in the refrigerator for three to four days. Ensure it’s kept in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Can I freeze Turnip Green Soup?
Yes, you can freeze Turnip Green Soup! Store it in freezer-safe containers or bags, and it will be good for 2 to 3 months. Just thaw and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
How can I make Turnip Green Soup spicier?
To give your Turnip Green Soup an extra kick, add more hot pepper sauce or spicy seasoning during cooking. Adjust the spice level to suit your taste!
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
- 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
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Add kielbasa pieces and chopped onion; cook for 5-7 minutes until browned.
- Transfer the kielbasa and onion to a plate and set aside.
Soup Base
- In the same saucepan, pour in the chicken broth.
- Add drained turnip greens and great northern beans to the broth.
- Sprinkle in the vegetable soup mix, hot pepper sauce, garlic powder, Creole seasoning, salt, and ground pepper.
- Stir well and increase the heat to medium-high to bring to a boil.
Simmering
- Once boiling, return the cooked kielbasa and onion mixture to the saucepan.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and let simmer uncovered for approximately 2 hours.
Serving
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs or cheese if desired.
- Serve with crusty bread or warm cornbread on the side.
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