Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1 onion (for about 1 cup chopped)
  • 2 celery ribs (for about 1 cup chopped)
  • 2 (15 ounce) cans navy beans
  • 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
  • 1 (14 ounce) can reduced-sodium fat-free chicken broth
  • 1 (14 1/2 ounce) can no-salt-added diced tomatoes, with onions and garlic
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 12 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 14 teaspoon black pepper
  • 8 ounces turkey kielbasa (reduced fat)

Method

  • Heat oil in a 4-1/2 quart Dutch oven or soup pot over medium-high heat.
  • Peel and coursely chop onion, adding it to the pot as you chop.
  • Rince and dice celery, adding it to the pot as you cut.
  • Cook stirring frequently, until onions begin to brown, about 3 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, pour 1 can of the navy beans into a colander, rinse well and set aside to drain.
  • Stir the garlic into the onion mixture.
  • Add the broth and tomatoes with their juices.
  • Raise the heat to high.
  • Add the remaining can of beans with the liquid along with the rinsed beans, bay leaf, thyme and pepper.
  • Stir and cover the pot.
  • When the soup comes to a boil, reduce the heat to low.
  • While the shoup is heating, cut the sausage in half lengthwise.
  • Cut the pieces into 1/4 inch slices and add them to the pot.
  • Stir sour, re-cover pot and simmer for 7 to 10 minutes to let the flavors develop.
  • To serve, discard bay leaf and ladle into bowls.
  • Note: This soup can be made up to 3 days ahead, covered and refrigerated.