This Southern Swamp Soup is a one‑pot supper that’s smoky, rich, and full of character. Think sausage, greens, beans, okra, and savory veggies all simmered in a deep, flavorful broth. It’s comfort food with backbone—and every spoonful hits hard.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Olive oil or bacon drippings | 2 Tbsp |
| Onion, diced | 1 medium |
| Bell pepper (any color), chopped | 1 medium |
| Celery stalks, diced | 2–3 |
| Smoked sausage or protein (chicken, shrimp), sliced | 12 oz (≈ 340 g) |
| Okra, sliced | 1 cup |
| Chopped tomatoes (canned or fresh) | 1 can (14 oz) or 2 cups fresh |
| White beans or kidney beans, drained & rinsed | 1 cup |
| Vegetable or chicken broth | 4–6 cups |
| Italian seasoning or Creole blend | 1 tsp |
| Garlic, minced | 3 cloves |
| Salt & black pepper | To taste |
| Fresh parsley or green onion, chopped (garnish) | a few Tbsp |
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil or bacon drippings in a heavy pot over medium heat.
- Add onion, bell pepper, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 4–5 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and sausage (or chosen protein). Cook a few minutes until the sausage browns slightly.
- Add the sliced okra, chopped tomatoes, beans, broth, and seasoning.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook 20–25 minutes or until flavors meld.
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
- Serve hot in bowls. Garnish with parsley or green onion.
Serving Suggestions
- With warm cornbread or hush puppies
- Over white rice or dirty rice
- With a side of kale or collards
- Top with hot sauce or extra greens for extra bite
Estimated Nutrition (per serving, ~6 servings)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ≈ 300–350 kcal |
| Protein | ≈ 15–20 g |
| Carbohydrates | ≈ 20–25 g |
| Total Fat | ≈ 12–14 g |
| Fiber | ≈ 5–7 g |
Tips & Variations
- Use smoked turkey or shrimp instead of sausage for lighter flavor.
- Add greens like collards, kale, or spinach in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- For spicier soup, stir in Cajun seasoning or hot sauce.
- If soup is too thick, add extra broth or water to reach desired consistency.
- Skip beans or use different types (black beans, navy beans) to change texture.
Southern Swamp Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Southern Swamp Soup is a one-pot wonder packed with sausage, okra, beans, and hearty Southern flavor. Rich, bold, and deeply comforting for cold nights.
Ingredients
Olive oil or bacon drippings – 2 Tbsp
Onion, diced – 1 medium
Bell pepper, chopped – 1 medium
Celery stalks, diced – 2–3
Smoked sausage or chicken/shrimp, sliced – 12 oz
Okra, sliced – 1 cup
Chopped tomatoes – 1 can (14 oz) or 2 cups fresh
White or kidney beans – 1 cup
Vegetable or chicken broth – 4–6 cups
Italian seasoning or Creole blend – 1 tsp
Garlic, minced – 3 cloves
Salt & black pepper – to taste
Fresh parsley or green onion – for garnish
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion, bell pepper, and celery. Cook 4–5 minutes.
3. Stir in garlic and sausage. Cook until browned.
4. Add okra, tomatoes, beans, broth, and seasoning.
5. Bring to boil, then simmer 20–25 minutes covered.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning.
7. Serve hot, garnished with parsley or green onion.
Notes
Use turkey or shrimp for lighter protein.
Add kale or spinach in the last 5 minutes.
Great with cornbread or white rice.
Spice it up with Cajun seasoning or hot sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 325
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: southern swamp soup, sausage soup, okra soup, hearty dinner soup
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes it “swamp” soup?
The name comes from the dark, deep color and floating greens that give it a swampy appearance. It’s an old Southern style of soup.
Is this recipe gluten‑free?
It can be—use gluten‑free sausage and ensure your broth and seasoning blends have no gluten.
Can I make this in a crockpot?
Yes—cook vegetables, sausage, and broth on Low for 4–5 hours, then stir in okra and beans near the end. Add greens last to preserve texture.
How do I store leftovers?
Cool and refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Reheat gently, adding a little water or broth if it thickens.
Can I freeze it?
Yes, though okra and greens may lose texture. Freeze before adding vegetables like okra or greens. Reheat slowly.
Conclusion
This Southern Swamp Soup brings bold flavor and comforting warmth in every bowl. With smoky sausage, vegetables, beans, and greens, it’s a satisfying feast that doesn’t require fuss but delivers on depth. Serve with cornbread or rice for a truly Southern experience.