Hearty Southern Swamp Soup Recipe

Don’t let the unique name fool you; this incredible Southern dish is pure comfort in a bowl. Our easy swamp soup recipe combines hearty greens, savory smoked sausage, tender beans, and pasta in a rich, flavorful broth. It’s a wonderfully filling and satisfying one-pot meal with deep Southern roots, perfect for warming you up from the inside out. This dish gets its name from its beautiful green hue, reminiscent of the lush Louisiana bayou, promising a meal that is as vibrant as it is delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Swamp Soup Recipe

You are going to fall in love with the rustic charm of this satisfying soup. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a big, warm hug, making it an instant family favorite. This particular swamp soup recipe is designed for busy weeknights and cozy weekends alike.

• Incredibly Hearty and Satisfying: Packed with sausage, beans, greens, and pasta, this soup is a complete meal that will leave you feeling full and happy.
  
  
• Simple, One-Pot Meal: Everything comes together in a single large pot or Dutch oven, which means more flavor and less cleanup for you.
  
  
• Wonderfully Customizable: Easily swap the greens, beans, or protein to suit your taste or use whatever you have on hand in your pantry.
  
  
• Rich, Balanced Flavor: The combination of savory sausage, earthy greens, and tangy tomatoes creates a complex and deeply comforting flavor profile you’ll crave.
  
  
• Perfect for Any Season: While it’s ideal for chilly evenings, this delightful Southern soup is a comforting choice any time of year.

Ingredients

To create this amazing swamp soup recipe, you will need a handful of wholesome, simple ingredients. The combination of textures and flavors is what makes this dish so special.

• 2 bunches turnip greens (or other dark greens like kale or collard greens)
  
  
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
  
  
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
  
  
• 3 ribs of celery, diced
  
  
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  
  
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
  
  
• 3/4 pound smoked beef sausage or kielbasa, diced
  
  
• 2 (15-ounce) cans white beans, drained and rinsed
  
  
• 1 (15-ounce) can crushed or diced tomatoes
  
  
• 6 cups chicken broth
  
  
• 1 cup water
  
  
• 1 cup small pasta, like ditalini or orzo
  
  
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves, optional

Beyond their traditional use in Southern cooking, turnip greens are also celebrated for their numerous health benefits.

Notes & Substitutions

• Greens: Turnip greens give this soup its classic Southern flavor, but don’t hesitate to use what you love. Sturdy kale or collard greens are excellent substitutes. You can even use spinach, but be sure to add it at the very end of cooking, as it wilts much faster.
  
  
• Beans: Great Northern beans are my go-to, but cannellini or navy beans work just as well. They all provide a wonderful creamy texture.
  
  
• Sausage: Smoked beef sausage adds a fantastic, deep flavor. For a different taste, try a spicy chorizo-style sausage or a savory chicken sausage.
  
  
• Vegetables: Feel free to add more veggies! Diced carrots, bell peppers, or even a can of corn can be sautéed with the onions and celery to make this swamp soup recipe even heartier.

Equipment

You won’t need any fancy gadgets for this recipe, which is part of its simple charm. Here are the basic tools that will help you bring this delicious soup to life:

• Large pot or Dutch oven (at least 6 quarts)
  
  
• Sharp knife and cutting board
  
  
• Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
  
  
• Ladle for serving

How to Make Swamp Soup Recipe

Follow these simple steps to create a comforting and flavorful pot of soup. This beginner-friendly swamp soup recipe is designed to be straightforward and enjoyable to make.

Step 1: Prepare the Greens

• First, give your greens a thorough wash to remove any grit. Trim the tough, thick stems from the leaves. Don’t discard the stems! Finely dice them, as they will add fantastic texture and flavor to the soup base. Roughly chop the leaves and set them aside separately from the stems. This preparation ensures every part of the vegetable is used beautifully.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Sausage

• Heat the olive oil in your large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the diced turnip green stems, onion, and celery. Sauté the vegetables until the onion becomes soft and translucent, which usually takes about 4 to 5 minutes. As they cook, season them with a pinch of salt and pepper to start building layers of flavor. Next, add the minced garlic and diced smoked sausage to the pot. Continue to sauté for another 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’re looking for the sausage to get a little browned and the garlic to become wonderfully fragrant. This step is key to developing the rich foundation for your swamp soup recipe.

Step 3: Add Liquids, Beans, and Pasta

• Now it’s time to transform your aromatic base into a soup. Pour in the drained beans, the undrained can of tomatoes, the chicken broth, and the water. Stir everything together well. Increase the heat to high and cover the pot with a lid to bring the mixture to a lively simmer. Once it’s simmering, reduce the heat to low and let it cook gently for 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together. After 10 minutes, stir in the pasta and the chopped turnip leaves.

Step 4: Simmer, Season, and Serve

• Continue to cook the soup, stirring every few minutes to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom. Let it simmer until the pasta is cooked to al dente, following the time recommended on your pasta package. The greens should be wilted and tender but still have a vibrant color. Once the pasta is ready, turn off the heat. Stir in the fresh parsley if you are using it. Give the swamp soup recipe a final taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper as needed. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve immediately.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Want to make the absolute best bowl of soup? Here are a few tips from my kitchen to yours to ensure your sausage and greens soup is a total success.

• Brown the Sausage Well: Don’t rush the sautéing step. Allowing the sausage to get some color on the edges creates a deeper, more savory flavor that infuses the entire soup.
  
  
• Don’t Overcook the Greens: Add the chopped leaves with the pasta. This ensures they become tender and flavorful without turning mushy or losing their beautiful green color.
  
  
• Taste and Adjust Seasoning: The saltiness of your broth and sausage can vary. Taste the soup at the end of cooking and add more salt and pepper until the flavors pop.
  
  
• Achieve Perfect Pasta: To prevent mushy pasta, especially in leftovers, you can cook it separately and add it to individual bowls right before serving.
  
  
• Troubleshooting Blandness: If your soup tastes a little flat, a small splash of apple cider vinegar or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end can brighten all the flavors.

Serving, Storage, and Variations

This versatile soup is wonderful on its own, but it’s also fun to dress up. Here are some of my favorite ways to serve, store, and adapt this delicious one-pot meal.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve your swamp soup recipe hot with a side of crusty bread or cornbread for dipping into the delicious broth. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette also makes a lovely pairing for a complete and balanced meal. For a little extra richness, top each bowl with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.

Swamp Soup Storage

• Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to meld and often taste even better the next day! Keep in mind the pasta will absorb more liquid as it sits.

Swamp Soup Freezing

• This soup freezes well. For the best texture, consider freezing it without the pasta. Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop, adding freshly cooked pasta before serving.

Swamp Soup Variations

• Vegetarian/Vegan: To make a vegetarian swamp soup recipe, simply use vegetable broth and a plant-based sausage. Ensure all other ingredients are compliant.
  
  
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic for a gentle warmth.
  
  
• Creamy Version: For a richer, creamier broth, stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk during the last few minutes of cooking.

Nutrition Information

This hearty Southern soup is packed with protein, fiber, and wholesome ingredients. Below is an estimated nutritional breakdown per serving.

Disclaimer: The nutritional information provided is an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands used in this recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion

This Southern swamp soup is a true celebration of simple, wholesome ingredients coming together to create something incredibly delicious and comforting. It’s a forgiving, customizable dish that welcomes your personal touch, whether you’re swapping out vegetables or adjusting the spice level. Perfect for a chilly day or any time you need a nourishing meal, this soup is sure to become a treasured recipe in your collection. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this delightful taste of the South with your loved ones

Hearty Southern Swamp Soup Recipe

This hearty Southern Swamp Soup is packed with flavorful greens, smoked sausage, white beans, and tomatoes, all simmered in a savory broth with pasta for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Soup

Cuisine American

Servings 8 servings

Calories 400 kcal

Equipment

• large pot
• Knife
• Cutting Board
• Lid

Ingredients

  

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Main Ingredients

• 2 bunches turnip greens or other dark greens like kale or collard greens
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion diced
• 3 ribs celery diced
• Salt to taste
• freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 garlic cloves minced
• 3/4 pound kielbasa or other smoked sausage diced
• 2 (15-ounce) cans white beans drained and rinsed
• 1 (15-ounce) can crushed or diced tomatoes
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup small pasta like ditalini or orzo
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves chopped, optional

Instructions

 

Instructions

• Prepare the greens by trimming stems, finely dicing them, and chopping the leaves separately.
• Heat olive oil in a large pot, then sauté diced turnip stems, onion, and celery, seasoning with salt and pepper, before adding garlic and kielbasa and cooking for a few more minutes.
• Stir in the drained beans, undrained tomatoes, chicken broth, and water, bringing the mixture to a simmer for 10 minutes. Then, add the pasta and chopped turnip leaves, cooking until the pasta is al dente while maintaining a simmer.
• Turn off the heat once the pasta is cooked, stir in the parsley, and season the soup with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic. You can also adjust the amount of greens to your preference.

Nutrition

Calories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 22gFat: 18gSodium: 950mgFiber: 12gSugar: 7g

Keyword hearty soup recipe, Southern soup, swamp soup, swamp soup recipe

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