There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of soup, especially when it’s packed with nutritious ingredients. Publix’s Turkey Sausage and Kale Soup recipe delivers just that: hearty, healthy, and rich in flavor. This soup has become a household favorite for many who are looking for a filling meal that’s also packed with vitamins and protein. It’s the perfect balance of spicy sausage, earthy kale, and the right amount of vegetables to make you feel both satisfied and nourished. What’s even better is how simple it is to make, and how adaptable the recipe can be depending on your preferences or the ingredients you have on hand.
If you’re trying to eat healthier or simply need something easy and filling, this recipe is a great go-to. It’s perfect for meal prep, and leftovers taste even better the next day! Let’s dive deeper into what makes this soup such a winner.
Publix Turkey Sausage And Kale Soup Recipe
This recipe brings together the smoky, savory goodness of turkey sausage with the rich, slightly bitter flavor of kale, creating a soup that is both flavorful and good for you. With the addition of other vegetables and aromatic herbs, you get a full-bodied dish that can be served on its own or paired with crusty bread for a heartier meal.
Let’s break it down step by step, starting with the ingredients you’ll need.
Ingredients Needed
To make Publix’s Turkey Sausage and Kale Soup, you don’t need a long list of complex ingredients. The beauty of this soup lies in its simplicity. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb of turkey sausage (preferably mild or spicy, depending on your taste)
- 1 bunch of kale (stems removed, leaves chopped)
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 large carrot, diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 can (15 oz) of diced tomatoes, drained
- 4 cups of chicken broth (low-sodium is best to control the salt content)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp of dried thyme
- 1 tsp of dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for sautéing
- Optional garnish: Grated Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, or a squeeze of lemon for added freshness
This combination of ingredients may look simple, but each one plays a vital role in contributing to the flavor and texture of the soup.
Cooking Instructions
Ready to get your soup on? Here’s how you’ll make this hearty dish:
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Prepare The Ingredients
- Rinse and chop the kale into bite-sized pieces, removing any tough stems.
- Dice the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Set them aside for easy access.
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Cook The Sausage
- Heat a large pot over medium heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Once heated, crumble the turkey sausage into the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and fully cooked (about 6-8 minutes). Use a wooden spoon to break it apart as it cooks.
- Remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside, leaving the rendered fat behind.
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Sauté The Vegetables
- In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrot, and celery. Cook them for about 5 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the vegetables soften.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute, being careful not to burn the garlic.
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Build The Soup
- Return the cooked turkey sausage to the pot with the vegetables. Stir everything together.
- Add the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, bay leaf, thyme, and oregano. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
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Simmer The Soup
- Once it reaches a simmer, lower the heat and let the soup cook for about 20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the vegetables to become tender.
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Add The Kale
- Stir in the chopped kale and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the kale is tender and wilted. It should still maintain a vibrant green color.
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Season And Serve
- Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. You can also sprinkle in some red pepper flakes for a bit of heat, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for extra brightness.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Ingredient Insights
Each ingredient in this soup was chosen not just for flavor, but for the health benefits it brings to the table:
- Turkey Sausage: Leaner than traditional pork sausage, turkey sausage provides a good source of protein without the excess fat. It also infuses the soup with a rich, savory flavor.
- Kale: Known for its high vitamin K content, kale is a powerhouse leafy green. It also provides fiber, calcium, and iron, helping to keep bones strong and aid in digestion.
- Carrots and Celery: These classic soup vegetables add sweetness, crunch, and important vitamins like vitamin A and C. Together, they provide antioxidants and contribute to overall well-being.
- Chicken Broth: A flavorful base that adds depth to the soup without being too heavy. Opting for low-sodium broth helps to control the amount of salt in the recipe.
- Herbs and Spices: Bay leaf, thyme, and oregano are the perfect combination for infusing this soup with Mediterranean flavors, while garlic adds a pungent, aromatic punch.
Expert Tips
- Use Fresh Kale: While you can use frozen kale in a pinch, fresh kale really shines in this recipe. It adds a hearty texture and a fresh, green flavor that frozen kale doesn’t quite capture.
- Spice it Up: If you like a bit of heat, try using spicy turkey sausage or adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the soup. You can always dial down the heat by using mild sausage and leaving out the flakes if you’re cooking for kids or anyone who prefers less spice.
- Sauté the Sausage Well: Don’t skip the step of browning the sausage! This step adds so much flavor, and it helps develop a deeper, savory base for the soup.
- Don’t Overcook the Kale: Kale cooks quickly and will lose its vibrant color if overcooked. You want it to be tender but still bright green and slightly chewy, so keep an eye on it.
- Make Ahead: This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. In fact, the flavors tend to deepen after a day or two! It’s also freezer-friendly for up to 3 months, making it a great option for meal prep.
Recipe Variations
The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. Here are a few ways to tweak it to your liking:
- Vegetarian Version: Replace the turkey sausage with plant-based sausage or extra beans (cannellini or chickpeas work great) for a vegetarian-friendly option. You can also add extra vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms to fill out the soup.
- Different Greens: If kale isn’t your thing, try spinach, Swiss chard, or even collard greens. Each green will bring its own unique flavor, but they’ll still work well in this soup.
- Add Beans: For extra protein and fiber, throw in some cannellini beans, kidney beans, or lentils. They make the soup even heartier and more filling.
- Spicy Twist: Add a chopped jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper to bring in some extra heat. It complements the sausage and makes the soup even more flavorful.
Final Words
This Turkey Sausage and Kale Soup is more than just a meal-it’s a warming hug in a bowl. With minimal prep time and ingredients you can easily find at most grocery stores, this dish brings together satisfying protein, fiber, and nutrients in a simple yet delicious package. Whether you’re cooking for one or a crowd, it’s a recipe you’ll want to keep in your regular rotation.
FAQs
What Ingredients Are Needed For Publix Turkey Sausage And Kale Soup?
The key ingredients for Publix Turkey Sausage and Kale Soup include turkey sausage, kale, onions, garlic, carrots, celery, chicken broth, white beans, olive oil, and various seasonings like thyme, salt, and pepper.
Can I Use A Different Type Of Sausage Instead Of Turkey Sausage?
Yes, you can substitute turkey sausage with chicken sausage, pork sausage, or any other sausage variety you prefer. However, keep in mind that the flavor and fat content may vary depending on the type of sausage you use.
How Do I Prepare The Kale For The Soup?
To prepare kale for the soup, remove the thick stems from the leaves, then chop the kale into bite-sized pieces. You can use curly kale or lacinato kale, both of which work well in this soup.
Is There A Vegetarian Version Of The Publix Turkey Sausage And Kale Soup?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by replacing the turkey sausage with plant-based sausage or omitting it entirely. You can add extra vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for added flavor and texture.
Can I Make This Soup Ahead Of Time And Freeze It?
Yes, Publix Turkey Sausage and Kale Soup can be made ahead of time and frozen. To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then store it in an airtight container. When reheating, add a bit of broth to adjust the consistency.
How Long Does Publix Turkey Sausage And Kale Soup Last In The Refrigerator?
The soup will last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container. If you’re making a large batch, consider freezing leftovers to extend shelf life.
What Type Of Beans Can I Use In The Soup?
The recipe traditionally uses white beans, such as cannellini beans or great northern beans. However, you can also substitute with other beans like chickpeas or navy beans if desired.
Can I Make Publix Turkey Sausage And Kale Soup In A Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can make the soup in a slow cooker. Simply brown the sausage in a pan first, then add all the ingredients (except the kale) to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Add the kale during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
What Is The Best Way To Season Publix Turkey Sausage And Kale Soup?
The soup is typically seasoned with thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper. You can adjust the seasonings to your taste by adding additional herbs like rosemary or red pepper flakes for some heat.
How Can I Make The Soup Spicier?
To add heat to the soup, consider adding red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or a spicy sausage. You can also add diced jalapeños or serrano peppers to increase the spice level to your liking.