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Tuesday, December 6, 2011

White Bean and Sauerkraut Soup


I was making soup the other afternoon and it was a perfect, dreary day outside.  I say perfect because those kind of days make for a nice, cozy, let's-make-soup feeling.

It was also relaxing because I've taken Jesse's advice lately and been doing as much dinner prep as possible during the girl's afternoon nap.  At first I resisted because I didn't want to give up my precious afternoon "me time".  But it ended up being an amazing idea that has really contributed to a more peaceful evening for us.  We don't have "witching hour" as often anymore because instead of having hungry babies at my ankles while I cook, I get to play on the floor and dinner is ready when we are!  I'd sacrifice extra computer time for a peaceful evening any day!




So I tried a new recipe from Nourishing Traditions.  But I must say I doctored it up quite a bit.  I scoff when people say a pinch of red pepper flakes.  Come on!  We need more flavor than that!

Here's the recipe with my adaptations:

White Bean and Sauerkraut Soup
olive oil/butter
1 onion, diced small
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 quart chicken stock (I definitely used more than a quart)
3 C small white beans (I used Navy)
Red pepper flakes,  to taste
1 lb spicy sausage, sliced (I used leftover turkey instead but I think the sausage would be AMAZING and I'm definitely trying that next time!)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Sauerkraut

Saute your onions in the oil till soft, add the garlic till fragrant.  Add the stock, beans, seasonings, and meat and bring to a boil.  Salt and pepper to taste.


Top with sauerkraut and a bit of sour cream.  Four Aiduk Stars for this one.  We're still enjoying the leftovers! 

8 comments:

  1. this looks soo good...I'm afraid I'd be the only one in the house who would eat it, though :( Do you think it would freeze well, or would the kraut get mushy?

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  2. I would freeze it without the sauerkraut. But yeah, I think it would freeze fantastic!

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  3. it does look (and sound) delish...
    i'm having trouble selling it to dad 'cause of the kraut, but i may try it for myself.
    do you have a kraut recipe?
    x0x0x0x0

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  4. Well the kraut is just a topping... you don't have to put it in if you hate it ;o) I do have a recipe. I'll try to post it soon.

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  5. Mike was reading your blog while I was at work and let me know that you had a new recipe up. He was really excited that it included kraut! I'm serious! So...If I use sausage, do I precook it and then add it to the soup or do I just add it raw?

    Thanks ;) Love you all and love your blogging! Cassie

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  6. Oh good I'm glad he's excited! I'm not an expert on cooking sausage... I always ask J when we buy it from the local shops "eh, what am I supposed to do with this?" ;o) But I'd probably saute it with the onions. Love you miss you!

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  7. I'm totally making this some night this week...I saw sauerkraut at the store and noticed that I had white beans, broth and sausage too and I thought to myself, "You can make that soup Jess made!" Hope you are having fun on your vacay across Europe!

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    1. Did you like it? I'm so glad we get to recipe-share across the ocean :o) Makes me feel connected to y'all. PS congrats on soon-to-be-#2!

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