Looking for a hearty, flavorful, and incredibly easy soup recipe? This sausage and kale soup is it! This comforting soup is packed with savory Italian sausage, nutrient-rich kale, tender potatoes, and aromatic vegetables, all simmered in a rich and flavorful broth. It’s the perfect one-pot meal for chilly evenings and busy weeknights. We’ve optimized this recipe for both taste and ease, ensuring you get a delicious and nutritious meal with minimal effort. Get ready to taste the ultimate in comfort food!
What is Sausage and Kale Soup?
Sausage and kale soup is a robust and nourishing dish that combines the richness of Italian sausage with the earthy goodness of kale. It’s a versatile recipe that can be customized to your liking, allowing you to experiment with different types of sausage, vegetables, and spices. The beauty of this soup lies in its simplicity; it requires basic pantry staples and minimal cooking expertise.
This soup delivers a satisfying depth of flavor thanks to the rendered sausage fat and the slow simmering of the vegetables, creating a symphony of tastes that will warm you from the inside out. Often, potatoes are added, thickening the soup naturally and adding a creamy texture. Its healthy and hearty profile make it a perfect choice for a complete and balanced meal. Eager to experience this deliciousness? Grab your ingredients and let’s get cooking!
Key Ingredients for Sausage and Kale Soup:
- 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet, mild, or hot), casings removed: The sausage is the star, so choose a high-quality one you enjoy. Remove the casings for even browning.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the vegetables and sausage.
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped: Adds a foundational layer of flavor.
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped: Contribute sweetness and texture.
- 2 celery stalks, chopped: Enhances the savory depth of the soup.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the soup with pungent aroma.
- 6 cups chicken broth: Forms the base of the soup, providing a rich and savory flavor. Use low-sodium to control salt levels.
- 1 pound Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced: Provides creamy texture and heartiness.
- 1 bunch (about 8 ounces) kale, stemmed and chopped: Adds nutrients, color, and a slightly bitter counterpoint to the richness of the sausage.
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning: A convenient blend of herbs for added flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For a touch of heat.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: To season the soup to your preference.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional), for serving: Enhances flavor with salty cheese flavor
How to Make Sausage and Kale Soup:
This sausage and kale soup recipe is surprisingly easy to make, making it ideal for quick weeknight dinners! The preparation time is minimal, about 15-20 minutes, and the total cooking time is only about 30-40 minutes. This is a one-pot wonder, utilizing a single pot for the entire cooking process, making cleanup a breeze. The combination of savory sausage, healthy kale, and hearty potatoes creates a truly satisfying and comforting meal that the whole family will love.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Brown the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside. Leave the rendered fat in the pot.
Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Deglaze the Pot: Pour in one cup of the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This adds tons of flavor to the soup.
Combine Ingredients: Add the remaining chicken broth, diced potatoes, and cooked sausage back to the pot. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
Add the Kale: Stir in the chopped kale and cook until it wilts, about 3-5 minutes. Don’t overcook the kale; it should be tender but still retain some texture.
Season and Serve: Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Sausage and Kale Soup:
This sausage and kale soup is a winner for so many reasons. The heartiness of the soup is a main highlight – it’s a complete meal in a bowl! The delicious sausage and potato combination is so satisfying and the kale adds a healthy boost. Making this soup at home is also incredibly cost-effective. Instead of ordering takeout or buying pre-made soup, you can create a large, nourishing batch for a fraction of the price, providing meals for several days. What really makes this soup special are the customizable topping options. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese adds a salty and cheesy richness, while a dollop of sour cream offers a creamy tang.
For another soup recipe to try, consider a classic minestrone! While this sausage and kale soup focuses on savory sausage and earthy kale, minestrone boasts a vibrant medley of fresh vegetables and pasta in a light tomato broth. Why not experiment with both and find your ultimate comfort soup? Ready to bring the warmth and flavor of this amazing soup into your kitchen? Get cooking today!
What to Serve Sausage and Kale Soup With:
This sausage and kale soup is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs well with the following:
- Crusty bread: Perfect for dipping into the savory broth.
- Garlic bread: Adds an extra layer of flavor and richness.
- Side salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast.
- Grilled cheese sandwich: A classic comfort food pairing.
Top Tips for Perfecting Sausage and Kale Soup:
- Choose high-quality sausage: The flavor of the sausage is paramount, so select a good-quality Italian sausage, whether it’s sweet, mild, or hot, based on your preference.
- Don’t overcrowd the pot when browning the sausage: Brown the sausage in batches if necessary to ensure even browning.
- Adjust the consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes with a fork before adding the kale. For a thinner soup, add more broth.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a kick.
- Don’t overcook the kale: Add the kale towards the end of cooking to prevent it from becoming too mushy.
5 Facts about Sausage and Kale Soup:
- Italian Roots: While variations exist, many believe its origins lie in Italian cuisine, adapted with readily available ingredients.
- Nutrient Powerhouse: Rich in vitamins A, C, and K from the kale, offering significant health benefits.
- Customizable: Easily adapted to dietary needs by using vegetarian sausage or gluten-free broth.
- One-Pot Wonder: Simplicity is key; usually made in one pot for easy cleanup.
- Freezes Well: A fantastic make-ahead meal that freezes beautifully for future enjoyment.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
Storing: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months. Be sure to leave some headspace in the containers, as the soup will expand when frozen.
Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through, stirring occasionally. You can also reheat it in the microwave. If reheating from frozen, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Add a splash of broth or water if the soup seems too thick after reheating.
Final Thoughts:
This sausage and kale soup is a comforting and nutritious meal that’s perfect for any time of year. It’s easy to make, customizable, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a hearty weekend lunch, this soup is sure to become a family favorite. So gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and satisfying bowl of goodness!
try also : Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe and find more in pinterest
Sausage and Kale Soup FAQs:
- Can I use a different type of sausage? Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with your favorite sausage. Chorizo, andouille, or even chicken sausage would work well.
- Can I use frozen kale? Yes, frozen kale can be used. Just thaw it before adding it to the soup.
- Can I make this soup vegetarian? Yes, simply omit the sausage or substitute it with a plant-based sausage alternative.
- Can I add other vegetables? Of course! Feel free to add other vegetables such as spinach, zucchini, or green beans.
- My soup is too thick. What should I do? Add more chicken broth or water to thin it out.