Slow Cooker Vegan Sausage Soup (with Greens and Beans!)

I owe you an apology. I'm so sorry that I waited until (almost) March to share a soup recipe that really should have been your go-to soup all winter long. That said, it is still a bit chilly and good soup weather in some areas of the country. And, in my opinion, this soup also tastes decent chilled (although served hot with a warm sliced of crusty, seedy, whole grain bread tops the {vegan} cake). Slow Cooker Vegan Sausage Soup (with Greens and Beans!) checks all the boxes in that it is:

• warm and comforting.

• bursting with flavor.

• brimming with nutrition.

• easy-peasy to make.

• something that the entire family will love.

Nutritional Benefits

If including daily leafy greens is a challenge for you, this soup is the perfect way to sneak in those superstars. (By the way, it's a challenge for most people so don't beat yourself up over it!) Leafy greens are one of the most nutrient-packed foods on the planet, packed with folate, magnesium, vitamin A, iron, and fiber — all of which support brain health, mood, good sleep, and overall health.

Beans and Tempeh substitute meat, but offer similar satisfying textures and flavors so, trust me, you will not miss meat at all. Plus, by swapping beans and tempeh in place of meat, you're eliminating inflammatory saturated fat (disrupts gut health among other things), unhealthy heme iron (has been linked to heart disease), and TMAO-inducing carnitine (an amino acid that has been shown to increase TMAO, a substance which may increase risk of heart disease).

Not only are you omitting those unhealthy things when you add beans and tempeh in place of meat, but you're also adding tons of fiber (good for gut health, cholesterol, inflammation, and much more), plant protein (better for your health than meat protein), and lots of phytonutrients, or plant nutrients, that can only be found in ... plants!

How to Make This Soup

Make the tempeh sausage first on the stovetop, then, if you have a crockpot, simply add all of the soup ingredients to the crockpot before waiting patiently while the home permeates with the most delicious aromas. Or, if you prefer the stovetop method, those instructions are available below as well (and the home will smell equally scrumptious).

We had some local extra seedy, wholesome whole-grainy, and perfectly crispy bread in the house so we made vegan grilled cheese with Miyoko's vegan butter and cheese to accompany the yummy soup. It was pretty spectacular and I highly recommend it! :)

Slow Cooker Vegan Sausage Soup (with Greens and Beans!)

Serves: 6

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cooking time: 4 hours (in the slow cooker) or approximately 60 minutes on the stovetop

Slow Cooker Vegan Sausage Soup (with Greens and Beans!) Ingredients

• 1 batch of Vegan Fennel {Tempeh} Sausage

• 1 cup sliced celery

• 1 cup thinly sliced carrots

• 1 1/2 cups cooked butter beans (one 15-ounce can, drained) (or other bean of choice)

• 2 cups thinly sliced Napa cabbage (or other cabbage of choice, but Napa does work best here)

• 2 cups chopped leafy greens, hard ribs removed, leaves only (kale, collards, spinach, or Swiss chard)

• 1 Tbsps thyme leaves

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp ground turmeric

• 4 cups vegetable broth

• salt, to taste

• ground black pepper, to taste

• lemon wedges for serving

Directions to make Slow Cooker Vegan Sausage Soup (with Greens and Beans!)

1. Make the tempeh sausage and set aside.

2. Add the celery and carrots to your slow cooker and sauté for 5 minutes, if that’s an option. If it’s not an option, skip to step 3.

3. Add all ingredients, including the tempeh sausage, and except the salt, pepper, and lemon wedges, to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours.

4. Once it’s finished cooking, taste for seasoning, salt and pepper, if desired. Divide between bowls and serve with lemon wedges.

Stovetop Directions

Heat a large stovetop pot on medium-high heat and add the celery and carrots, cooking for 2–3 minutes until the celery starts to soften. Add the tempeh sausage, beans, Napa cabbage, Swiss chard, thyme, garlic powder, turmeric, and vegetable broth. Stir to combine and turn the heat down to low, cover ¾ of the way, and cook for 45 minutes.

Tips for Making Fennel Sausage Soup with Beans and Greens

• Make It Ahead: Like most soups, the flavor deepens after sitting for a day. Prepare it the night before or double the recipe so you have ready-to-go meals during the week.

• Storage & Freezing: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 1 month. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to refresh the consistency.

• Bean Swaps: Butter beans add a creamy bite, but you can easily substitute with cannellini beans, chickpeas, or even navy beans. Each will slightly change the texture and flavor.

• Green Options: Swiss chard brings a mild, earthy taste, but kale, spinach, or collard greens work just as well. Use what’s freshest or what you already have on hand.

• Herb Variations: Don’t have thyme? Fresh rosemary or oregano both make excellent swaps, giving the soup a slightly different but equally delicious aroma.

• Boost the Broth: For an extra layer of flavor, deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine before adding the broth, or stir in a spoonful of nutritional yeast for a subtle cheesy note.

• Thicker or Thinner: Want a creamier soup? Lightly mash some of the beans before adding the greens. Prefer a brothier texture? Add a bit more vegetable stock.

• Serve It Your Way: This soup is hearty on its own but pairs beautifully with crusty bread, or ladle it over cooked grains like quinoa, brown rice, or farro for extra satisfaction.

Did you make this soup? Please share your experience below!