When the weather turns chilly, there’s nothing quite like a hearty, comforting bowl of soup to warm you up from the inside out. One of the best soup recipes to fill both your belly and your heart is the Kale, Potato, and Sausage Soup. It’s a perfect combination of flavors and textures, with the earthy bitterness of kale, the creamy starchiness of potatoes, and the savory richness of sausage. This dish is a crowd-pleaser, easy to make, and can be enjoyed on a cold winter’s day or any time you’re craving something satisfying and wholesome.
In this recipe, we’re going to dive deep into every step of creating this wonderful soup. We’ll break it down into clear, easy-to-follow instructions, explore the ingredients, and offer some pro tips to make sure your soup turns out as good as possible. Ready to get cooking? Let’s jump in!
Kale Potato And Sausage Soup Recipe
This recipe serves about 4-6 people and is a fantastic dish for both weeknight dinners and weekend gatherings. It’s filling without being too heavy and offers a great balance of flavors. Plus, it comes together in less than an hour! Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, this soup will impress with minimal effort.
Ingredients Needed
Before you start cooking, let’s go over everything you’ll need for this recipe. Gather these ingredients, and you’ll be all set:
- Sausage (1 lb): Choose a flavorful sausage; Italian sausage works well, but you can also use chorizo, kielbasa, or chicken sausage, depending on your preference.
- Olive oil (1-2 tbsp): Used to sauté the onions and garlic, adding richness to the base of the soup.
- Yellow onion (1 medium): Adds sweetness and depth of flavor to the broth.
- Garlic (3-4 cloves): A must-have for that aromatic base.
- Potatoes (4 medium, peeled and diced): Russet or Yukon Gold are great choices. They bring creaminess to the soup as they cook and break down.
- Kale (4 cups, chopped): You can use curly kale or Lacinato (dinosaur) kale. Make sure to remove the tough stems.
- Chicken broth (4 cups): This is your soup’s base. You can substitute with vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): For richness and a silky texture.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): A pinch adds a subtle heat. If you’re not a fan of spice, feel free to leave them out.
- Salt and pepper: For seasoning, to taste.
Cooking Instructions
Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, it’s time to get cooking. The process is simple, and you’ll be rewarded with a warm, flavorful soup in no time.
-
Cook The Sausage
- Heat a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
- Once browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes), transfer the sausage to a plate and set aside. Leave any rendered fat in the pot for flavor.
-
Sauté The Vegetables
- In the same pot, add 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
-
Cook The Potatoes
- Add the diced potatoes to the pot and stir to combine with the onions and garlic.
- Pour in the chicken broth, bring it to a boil, and reduce the heat to simmer. Let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
-
Add The Kale
- Once the potatoes are soft, add the chopped kale to the pot, stirring it into the soup. Let it cook for an additional 5 minutes until the kale is tender.
-
Finish The Soup
- Return the cooked sausage to the pot.
- Stir in the heavy cream, and let the soup simmer for another 5-10 minutes to allow all the flavors to meld together.
- Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to taste.
-
Serve
- Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot, maybe with a side of crusty bread for dipping.
Ingredient Insights
Each of the ingredients in this soup brings something unique to the table:
- Sausage: The star of this soup, sausage imparts rich, meaty flavor. The fat rendered from the sausage is essential in creating a deep, savory base for the soup. It also adds texture and protein.
- Potatoes: Besides adding heartiness, potatoes act as a natural thickener for the soup. As they cook, they release starch, which gives the broth a velvety smoothness.
- Kale: Kale is full of nutrients, especially fiber, vitamins A, C, and K, and antioxidants. It’s also packed with flavor and provides a perfect balance to the richness of the sausage and cream.
- Heavy Cream: Adds a luxurious, smooth finish to the soup, making each spoonful feel indulgent. You can also experiment with coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative.
- Chicken Broth: The broth serves as the foundation for the soup, soaking up all the flavors and allowing each ingredient to shine. Chicken broth brings warmth and richness, while vegetable broth offers a lighter version.
- Spices: Garlic, onions, and red pepper flakes are your flavor-builders, giving the soup an aromatic depth and subtle heat.
Expert Tips
To elevate this recipe, here are a few expert tips that can make a difference:
- Brown the Sausage Well: Don’t rush this step. Let the sausage brown thoroughly before removing it from the pot. The caramelized bits (fond) left behind are packed with flavor, and they’ll infuse your soup as the other ingredients cook.
- Customize Your Sausage: You don’t have to stick with one type of sausage. Mix it up with spicy, sweet, or even smoked sausage for an added layer of complexity.
- Use Homemade Broth: If you have the time, homemade chicken broth or stock will make a huge difference in the richness and depth of your soup.
- Don’t Overcook the Kale: Kale should be tender, but not mushy. Add it toward the end of the cooking process to preserve its vibrant green color and texture.
- Add a Touch of Lemon: Squeeze a bit of fresh lemon juice over the soup just before serving. The acidity will brighten up the flavors and balance the richness.
Recipe Variations
Feel like experimenting? Here are some creative ways to make this soup your own:
- Vegetarian Version: Omit the sausage and use plant-based sausage or simply add more beans, like white beans or chickpeas, for protein.
- Spicy Kick: If you love heat, consider adding a diced jalapeño or some hot sauce along with the garlic.
- Creamy Twist: For a richer, velvety texture, blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender before adding the cream. This creates a smooth base with chunks of potatoes and sausage.
- Add Grains: For extra bulk, you can add cooked rice or farro to the soup. It’ll make it even more filling and hearty.
- Use Sweet Potatoes: Swap regular potatoes for sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter, more nutrient-dense variation.
Final Words
This Kale, Potato, and Sausage Soup is not just a meal; it’s an experience. From the moment you start sautéing the onions and garlic to the final bowl of hot, comforting soup, you’ll find yourself wrapped in warmth and flavor. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together, sparks conversation, and makes everyone feel like they’re getting a big, cozy hug from the inside out.
Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just for yourself, this soup is a perfect choice for any occasion. It’s filling, nourishing, and just plain delicious. The best part? It’s incredibly versatile, so you can tweak it to fit your taste and dietary preferences.
FAQs
What Ingredients Are Needed For A Kale Potato And Sausage Soup?
The basic ingredients for kale, potato, and sausage soup include kale, potatoes, sausage (typically Italian sausage), onion, garlic, chicken broth, olive oil, salt, pepper, and optional herbs like thyme or bay leaves. You can also add heavy cream or milk for a creamier texture.
Can I Use A Different Type Of Sausage In The Soup?
Yes, you can use any type of sausage you prefer. Italian sausage (either spicy or mild) is commonly used for its flavor, but turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even plant-based sausage can work as alternatives.
How Long Does It Take To Make Kale Potato And Sausage Soup?
On average, the soup takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour to prepare and cook. This includes time for sautéing the vegetables, cooking the sausage, and simmering the soup to blend the flavors.
Can I Make Kale Potato And Sausage Soup Ahead Of Time?
Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time. In fact, it often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. You can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months.
How Do I Make The Soup Gluten-free?
To make this soup gluten-free, ensure that the sausage you use is gluten-free (some sausages may contain breadcrumbs). Additionally, use gluten-free chicken broth and double-check any seasoning mixes for hidden gluten.
Can I Use Frozen Kale In This Soup?
Yes, you can use frozen kale in place of fresh kale. Just make sure to thaw and drain it properly before adding it to the soup to avoid excess water.
How Can I Make Kale Potato And Sausage Soup Vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version of this soup, replace the sausage with a plant-based sausage or omit the sausage entirely. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and add extra vegetables like carrots, celery, or mushrooms for more texture and flavor.
Should The Potatoes Be Peeled For Kale Potato And Sausage Soup?
It’s up to personal preference. Potatoes can be used with their skins on for added texture and nutrients. However, if you prefer a smoother soup, you can peel the potatoes before adding them to the pot.
Can I Add Other Vegetables To Kale Potato And Sausage Soup?
Yes, you can add a variety of vegetables such as carrots, celery, or leeks. These vegetables will enhance the soup’s flavor and provide additional nutrients. Just make sure to adjust cooking times as needed.
How Can I Thicken Kale Potato And Sausage Soup?
If you want a thicker soup, you can mash some of the potatoes in the soup once they are cooked, or you can blend a portion of the soup in a blender and then return it to the pot. Another option is to add a slurry made of cornstarch and water or use a small amount of heavy cream to give it a creamier consistency.