Sausage Lima Bean and Potato Soup

Sausage Lima Bean and Potato Soup Recipe - Delicious and Filling

Preparation time: 1 hour | Cooking time: 2 hours 20 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Sausage Lima Bean and Potato Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for a cold winter day. This recipe combines the rich flavors of sausage, lima beans, and potatoes to create a delicious and satisfying meal.

History

This recipe has its roots in traditional American cuisine, where hearty soups and stews are a staple during the colder months. The combination of sausage, lima beans, and potatoes creates a dish that is both filling and flavorful.

Ingredients

0.5 lb (227 g) rolled sausage
1 cup potato cubes
1 cup dried lima beans
1 tsp salt
7 cup water divided
1 tsp black pepper
1 small white onion, chopped
dash of cayenne pepper
2 cup milk
1 tsp chopped fresh parsley

How to prepare

Place beans and 5 cups of water in a large saucepan, then bring to a boil over high heat and remove from heat.
Let it stand covered for 1 hour.
Meanwhile, crumble sausage into a medium skillet and add onion.
Cook over medium heat until the sausage is lightly browned, stirring occasionally.
Drain off any drippings.
Add the sausage mixture and the remaining 2 cups of water to the beans, and bring to a boil over high heat.
Reduce the heat to low, then simmer covered for 2 hours.
Stir in milk, potatoes, salt, black pepper, and cayenne, then simmer covered for 20 minutes.
Sprinkle with parsley and serve hot.

Variations

Substitute the sausage with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Add diced carrots or celery for extra vegetables.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Soaking the lima beans before cooking helps to soften them and reduce cooking time.

- Browning the sausage before adding it to the soup adds depth of flavor.

- Adding a dash of cayenne pepper gives the soup a subtle kick of heat.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Sausage Lima Bean and Potato Soup with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Simmering the soup on low heat allows the flavors to meld together.

- Stirring in the milk at the end adds creaminess to the soup.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use navy beans or cannellini beans instead of lima beans.

- Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the soup with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream for a decorative touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this soup with a glass of red wine or a crisp white wine for a delicious meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories per serving: 320

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 32g

Fats

Total Fat: 14g

Saturated Fat: 6g

Proteins

Protein: 18g

Vitamins and minerals

Iron: 3mg

Calcium: 150mg

Vitamin C: 10mg

Alergens

Contains: Dairy

Summary

This soup is a good source of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals. It is a hearty and nutritious meal option.

Summary

Sausage Lima Bean and Potato Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. With a rich combination of sausage, lima beans, and potatoes, this soup is sure to warm you up from the inside out. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Sausage Lima Bean and Potato Soup. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl learning the art of cooking from my grandmother. She was a wonderful cook, always experimenting with new ingredients and flavors.

One day, as I sat in her cozy kitchen watching her chop vegetables and stir pots on the stove, she handed me a tattered old recipe card. It was for a soup that she had learned to make from a friend many years before. The combination of sausage, lima beans, and potatoes intrigued me, as I had never tasted anything quite like it before.

My grandmother explained to me the origins of the recipe, how her friend had brought it back from a trip to Europe and shared it with her. It quickly became a family favorite, warming our bellies on cold winter nights and filling our home with delicious aromas.

I eagerly set to work following the instructions on the recipe card, browning the sausage, sautéing the onions and garlic, and simmering the lima beans and potatoes until they were tender. The kitchen was filled with the savory scent of herbs and spices, and I could hardly wait to taste the finished soup.

When it was finally ready, I ladled myself a steaming bowlful and took my first bite. The flavors were rich and hearty, the sausage adding a smoky depth to the creamy beans and tender potatoes. It was a revelation, a dish unlike any I had ever tasted before.

From that day on, Sausage Lima Bean and Potato Soup became a staple in our family's kitchen. My grandmother would make it for special occasions, and I would often request it for my birthday dinner. I learned to make it myself, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my own tastes.

Over the years, I have shared the recipe with friends and family, passing on the tradition of this comforting soup to the next generation. I have added my own touches, sometimes swapping out the sausage for chicken or adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for a bit of heat.

But no matter how I tweak the recipe, the memories of learning to make it with my grandmother will always remain close to my heart. She taught me not only how to cook, but also how to appreciate the simple pleasures of a homemade meal shared with loved ones.

As I stand in my own kitchen now, stirring a pot of Sausage Lima Bean and Potato Soup for my own family, I can't help but smile at the thought of my grandmother looking down on me. I know she would be proud to see me carrying on her culinary legacy, passing down the recipes and traditions that she so lovingly taught me.

And as I sit down to enjoy a bowl of soup with my own children, I am filled with gratitude for the gift of cooking that my grandmother gave me. The sense of wonder that I felt that day in her kitchen will always stay with me, a reminder of the power of food to bring us together and create lasting memories.