Dried Bean Soup with Thyme and Optional Sausage

Name: Dried Bean Soup with Thyme and Optional Sausage
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 120 min
Total time: 145 min
Yield: 6–8 servings
Cuisine: International
Ingredients: 400 g dried beans; as needed water for soaking and boiling; 2 L chicken or vegetable broth; 1 large onion, diced; 2 carrots, diced; 2 stalks celery, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 bay leaves; 1 tsp salt, then to taste; 0.5 tsp ground black pepper; 1 tsp dried thyme; 2 tbsp olive oil; 200 g ready-to-eat smoked sausage or ham, optional

A hearty dried-bean soup with onion, carrots, celery, garlic, thyme and optional smoked sausage.

By Savva LoginovUpdated October 2, 2026

Total 2 hr 25 minMakes 6–8 servings

Jump to Recipe

The source starts with 400 grams of dried beans soaked overnight and two litres of broth. That gives the beans enough liquid to soften while the onion, carrots, celery and garlic build the base. Drain the soaking water, sauté the vegetables and simmer the beans until completely tender. Bean age varies, so use tenderness rather than a strict clock. If you want the original smoky variation, add sliced ready-to-eat smoked sausage for the final half hour; otherwise use vegetable broth and omit the meat. Remove the bay leaves before serving. This soup is filling on its own, but crusty bread is welcome for the broth.

Dried Bean Soup with Thyme and Optional Sausage

How to tell when it is ready

All beans are completely soft, with no chalky centers.

Tips

Soak dried beans overnight for even cooking.
Use fresh water for the initial hard boil.
Taste several beans to confirm tenderness.
Add salt near the end if beans remain firm.

Serving suggestions

Offer with crusty bread.
Finish with fresh parsley.
Top with a little smoked paprika.
Serve beside a crunchy green salad.

Make ahead

Prepare ingredients ahead and keep perishable items cold until cooking or serving.

Storage

Cool in shallow containers and refrigerate up to 3 days.

Food safety

Especially for red kidney beans, boil soaked beans vigorously in fresh water before simmering; never rely on a low-heat slow cooker for raw beans.

Frequently asked questions

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes. Use vegetable broth and leave out the optional smoked meat.

How should I store bean soup with optional smoked sausage?

Cool in shallow containers and refrigerate up to 3 days.

About the author

Savva Loginov

Savva Loginov writes about traditional Ukrainian cooking, including regional dishes, heritage baking and the customs behind familiar recipes. His English guides explain each dish’s context alongside clear, practical cooking instructions.

Dried Bean Soup with Thyme and Optional Sausage