Spicy Chorizo & White Bean Soup
Smoky Spanish Flavors Meet Hearty Comfort in Every Spoonful
This Spicy Chorizo & White Bean Soup blends smoky chorizo with tender white beans for a rich, satisfying dish. Inspired by traditional Spanish cuisine, it’s a bold, flavorful soup perfect for any season.
Spicy Chorizo & White Cannellini Bean Soup – Hearty & Comforting Spanish Chorizo Soup Recipe
DifficultyMedium
Servings6
Prep time15 minutes
Cook time40 minutes
Total time55 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Soup Base:
- 1 lb spicy chorizo sausage, casing removed
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (red or green)
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes, (optional, for extra heat)
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 15 oz cans white beans, (such as cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
- 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes with juices
- diced tomatoes with juices, to taste
For the Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Crusty bread or croutons for serving
Instructions:
- 1
Cook the Chorizo:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the chorizo and cook, breaking it up into small pieces with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 7-10 minutes). Remove the chorizo and set aside.
- 2
Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same pot, add the diced onion, bell pepper, and carrots. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened. Add the garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, and chili flakes (if using), and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- 3
Add the Broth and Beans:
- Return the cooked chorizo to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth, white beans, and diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir everything together and bring to a simmer.
- 4
Simmer the Soup:
- Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
- 5
Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve with crusty bread or croutons on the side for a comforting meal.
Recipe Notes and Variations:
Substitutions:
- If you can’t find spicy chorizo, you can use mild chorizo and add extra chili flakes for heat.
- For a lighter version, substitute turkey or chicken sausage for the chorizo.
- You can swap the white beans for other beans such as kidney beans or black beans, but white beans work best for this hearty, creamy soup.
Pro Tips:
- Adjust the Heat: If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of chili flakes or use sweet paprika instead of smoked paprika.
- Beans: For a thicker soup, mash half of the white beans before adding them to the soup. This will create a creamier texture.
- Make It a Meal: Add some spinach or kale in the last 5 minutes of cooking for extra greens and nutrition.
FAQs:
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
- Yes! This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
- Absolutely! Brown the chorizo and sauté the vegetables, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours until the soup is ready.
Storage & Reheating Instructions:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, warm in a pot over medium heat until heated through. Add a splash of broth or water if the soup has thickened too much.
Nutrition
| Calories | 350 |
| Carbohydrates | 38g |
| Cholesterol | 30mg |
| Fat | 18g |
| Fiber | 10g |
| Protein | 17g |
| Saturated Fat | 6g |
| Sodium | 890mg |
| Sugar | 5g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Unsaturated Fat | 11g |
History, Evolution, and Inspiration
Spicy Chorizo & White Bean Soup combines the rich, smoky flavors of Spanish chorizo with hearty white beans, creating a comforting and satisfying dish perfect for any season. Chorizo has long been a staple in Spanish and Mexican cuisine, offering a spicy kick and deep flavors that elevate any dish. The idea of pairing chorizo with beans likely originated from rural Spanish cooking, where beans were a cheap and filling protein source. Over time, this hearty combination became a beloved part of many soup recipes, often featuring robust spices and savory broth.
The Art of Cooking Parts of the Recipe
Cooking this soup is an art of balance—combining spicy chorizo with the creamy texture of white beans. The sautéed vegetables provide a natural sweetness that perfectly complements the savory and smoky flavors of the sausage. The combination of spices like smoked paprika and cumin infuses the soup with depth, while the beans help thicken the broth into a rich, satisfying meal. This soup is the perfect example of how quick bean soups can be both hearty and flavorful, offering the ultimate comfort in a bowl.
Interesting Things About the Recipe
This hearty bean soup is a one-pot meal that’s easy to make yet incredibly satisfying. The Spanish chorizo soup flavor profile pairs the spicy sausage with creamy white beans for a balanced dish that is perfect for winter evenings or any occasion when you crave a comforting meal. What makes this soup stand out is the vibrant combination of flavors and textures—from the smoky heat of the chorizo to the creamy texture of the beans.
Overview of the Parts of the Recipe
- Chorizo: Adds smokiness and spice to the soup base.
- White Beans: Offer creaminess and heartiness to the dish.
- Vegetables: Provide a balance of sweetness and texture.
- Broth: Brings everything together, creating a rich and flavorful soup.
What Occasions It’s Good For
- Winter nights: Perfect for cozying up with a hearty bowl.
- Quick weeknight dinner: Ready in under an hour.
- Meal prep: Makes a great make-ahead meal for lunches and dinners.
- Comfort food lovers: Ideal for anyone craving a warming, spicy soup.
Why It’s the Perfect Recipe
This Spicy Chorizo & White Bean Soup is perfect because it combines everything you want in a comforting soup—spicy chorizo, creamy beans, and a rich, flavorful broth. It’s easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and versatile enough to serve on any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick bean soup or a more substantial meal, this recipe delivers on all fronts.
