There’s something incredibly satisfying about a hearty soup that warms you from the inside out, especially when it’s packed with vibrant greens and savory flavors. Kale and sausage soup is one of those comforting dishes that feels like a big hug in a bowl. It combines the rich, hearty texture of kale with the spicy, savory kick of sausage, making it a perfectly balanced meal. The best part? It’s quick to make, simple, and fills your kitchen with a mouthwatering aroma. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just feed the family on a cozy evening, this soup checks all the boxes.
Kale And Sausage Soup Recipe
This recipe is all about finding that perfect balance between rich, comforting ingredients and a light, fresh green touch. The kale provides a slightly bitter contrast to the savory sausage, while potatoes add substance and broth brings everything together with a satisfying depth of flavor. Perfectly seasoned, with a touch of heat from the sausage and a creamy finish from a splash of cream, this soup is the kind of dish you’ll crave when the weather turns chilly or when you need something easy and wholesome for dinner.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s what you’ll need for a delicious batch of kale and sausage soup:
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Sausage (Italian, Spicy Or Mild)
- Choose your favorite type of sausage. Italian sausage, whether mild or spicy, is perfect for this recipe. Its seasoning adds so much flavor, so don’t skimp here.
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Kale
- Fresh, hearty kale works best. You can use curly or lacinato kale, but curly kale is often preferred for soups because it holds up well to long cooking times.
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Potatoes
- A couple of medium-sized russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, diced into cubes, will add a creamy texture to the soup once they soften and break down. They also help thicken the broth naturally.
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Onion
- A yellow or white onion brings a bit of sweetness and depth when sautéed.
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Garlic
- Fresh garlic cloves minced finely, which will infuse the broth with an irresistible aroma as it cooks.
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Chicken Or Vegetable Broth
- A good-quality broth is key here. It serves as the soup base, bringing a savory richness that ties all the flavors together.
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Heavy Cream
- A splash of heavy cream at the end will make the soup creamy and velvety, but you can also substitute with half-and-half for a lighter option.
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Olive Oil Or Butter
- You’ll need this for sautéing the vegetables and sausage. Olive oil gives a slightly fruity flavor, while butter adds richness.
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Salt & Pepper
- Basic seasonings but essential for pulling all the flavors together.
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Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
- A pinch of these will add a kick of spice, making the soup even more irresistible.
Cooking Instructions
Let’s get cooking! Follow these easy steps to whip up this delicious soup:
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Prepare The Ingredients
- Dice the potatoes into bite-sized cubes. Chop the kale into smaller pieces, removing any tough stems. Mince the garlic and onion, and set everything aside.
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Brown The Sausage
- In a large soup pot, heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the sausage and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove it from the pot and set it aside.
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Sauté The Onions And Garlic
- In the same pot, add another tablespoon of olive oil (if needed) and sauté the onion until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Add The Potatoes And Broth
- Add the diced potatoes and pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. Stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the pot and cook for 10-15 minutes, until the potatoes are tender.
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Add The Kale And Sausage Back In
- Once the potatoes are soft, add the kale to the pot. Stir it in until it wilts down, then return the cooked sausage to the soup. Let it all simmer together for another 5-7 minutes.
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Finish With Cream And Season
- Stir in a splash of heavy cream to add creaminess to the broth. Season with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.
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Serve
- Once everything is well combined and heated through, ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot, perhaps with some crusty bread on the side for dipping.
Ingredient Insights
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Sausage
Sausage is the star here, bringing the primary savory flavor to the soup. The fat from the sausage also infuses the broth, giving it richness. If you want a leaner option, turkey sausage works too, but the flavor might not be as bold.
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Kale
Kale is packed with nutrients, making this soup as healthy as it is delicious. It’s rich in vitamins A, K, and C, and the fiber content helps keep you feeling full. Plus, it holds its shape even when cooked for a while, so it adds texture and visual appeal.
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Potatoes
Potatoes are fantastic for soups because they absorb flavor while also adding a satisfying creaminess to the broth. They help thicken the soup and make it feel more substantial without needing to add any flour or thickening agents.
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Broth
Choose a high-quality broth for the best flavor. A store-bought broth can work, but if you have homemade on hand, that’s even better! It enhances the overall depth of the soup, making it even more delicious.
Expert Tips
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Brown The Sausage Well
Don’t rush the sausage browning process. Getting a deep brown caramelization on the sausage will add an amazing depth of flavor to your soup.
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Let The Soup Simmer
The longer the soup simmers, the more the flavors will develop. Don’t be afraid to let it cook for a little longer (just be sure to keep an eye on the potatoes so they don’t fall apart).
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Add Kale At The Right Time
Kale wilts down significantly as it cooks, so don’t add it too early or it’ll get soggy. It’s best to add it just before the sausage, so it has enough time to soften but not lose its structure.
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Make It Ahead
Soups like this tend to taste even better the next day once the flavors have had more time to meld together. Make it ahead, refrigerate it, and enjoy it for a couple of days.
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Garnish For Extra Flavor
A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of olive oil right before serving can elevate the soup and add extra flavor.
Recipe Variations
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Swap The Greens
If you’re not a fan of kale, you can easily substitute with spinach, collard greens, or Swiss chard. Each will bring a slightly different flavor and texture, but they all work wonderfully.
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Vegetarian Version
To make this dish vegetarian, simply swap the sausage for a plant-based alternative. You could use a veggie sausage or add beans like cannellini or chickpeas for protein. A touch of smoked paprika will give you that meaty flavor.
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Add Beans Or Lentils
If you want to make this soup more hearty, add some beans (like white beans or kidney beans) or lentils. They will absorb the flavors of the broth and add extra nutrition.
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Spicy Sausage
For a real kick, try using spicy Italian sausage or add extra crushed red pepper flakes. You could also toss in some diced jalapeños or other chili peppers to heat things up.
Final Words
Kale and sausage soup is a great example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly comforting and satisfying. The hearty sausage, earthy kale, creamy potatoes, and flavorful broth make this a well-rounded dish that’s perfect for any season, especially colder months. The versatility of this soup allows you to tailor it to your own tastes, making it easy to adapt for different dietary preferences.
FAQs
What Ingredients Do I Need For Kale And Sausage Soup?
To make kale and sausage soup, you will need ingredients such as Italian sausage (or your preferred sausage), kale (preferably curly kale), onions, garlic, potatoes, chicken or vegetable broth, olive oil, salt, pepper, and optional ingredients like heavy cream or Parmesan cheese for added richness.
Can I Use A Different Type Of Sausage In This Recipe?
Yes, you can substitute Italian sausage with other varieties like turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even vegetarian sausage. Just adjust the seasoning if necessary to match the flavor profile you prefer.
How Do I Prepare Kale For The Soup?
To prepare kale for the soup, remove the tough stems from the leaves. You can do this by folding the leaf in half and pulling the stem away or using a knife. Afterward, chop the kale into bite-sized pieces. Rinse the kale thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit.
Can I Use Frozen Kale For This Soup?
Yes, frozen kale can be used in place of fresh kale. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess water before adding it to the soup to maintain the proper texture.
How Long Does It Take To Cook Kale And Sausage Soup?
On average, kale and sausage soup takes about 30-40 minutes to prepare, including sautéing the sausage and vegetables, simmering the broth, and allowing the flavors to meld together. If you’re using potatoes, they will need around 15-20 minutes to soften.
Can I Make Kale And Sausage Soup In A Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can make this soup in a slow cooker. Brown the sausage and sauté the onions and garlic beforehand, then combine them with the remaining ingredients in the slow cooker. Set the cooker on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours until the vegetables are tender and the flavors are fully developed.
Is Kale And Sausage Soup Gluten-free?
Yes, kale and sausage soup can be made gluten-free as long as you use a gluten-free sausage and ensure the broth is gluten-free. Check ingredient labels for hidden sources of gluten.
Can I Make Kale And Sausage Soup Dairy-free?
Yes, to make the soup dairy-free, omit the heavy cream or use a dairy-free substitute like coconut milk or almond milk. Also, skip the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
What Can I Serve With Kale And Sausage Soup?
Kale and sausage soup pairs well with crusty bread, a side salad, or a simple garlic bread. You can also serve it with a dollop of sour cream or grated Parmesan on top for added flavor.
How Do I Store Leftovers Of Kale And Sausage Soup?
To store leftovers, let the soup cool to room temperature and then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. If frozen, reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little extra liquid if necessary.