This Hearty Sausage Potato Kale Soup is warm and filling, packed with yummy sausage, tender potatoes, and healthy kale. It’s the perfect bowl of comfort, especially on chilly days!
I love how easily it comes together. Just toss everything in a pot, let it simmer, and enjoy! Plus, it’s great for leftovers—if there’s any left! 😂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sausage: This is the star of the soup! You can go for mild or spicy depending on your taste. If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey or chicken sausage works well too!
Kale: Kale adds a wonderful texture and nutrition. If you can’t find kale, feel free to substitute with spinach or Swiss chard. Both will give a nice flavor!
Potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold are great choices for this soup, as they hold their shape well. For a healthier option, sweet potatoes can also be used, adding a sweet twist!
Chicken Broth: Homemade is best, but store-bought works just fine. If you need a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead.
Carrots: These are optional but add color and sweetness. If you don’t have any on hand, you can skip them or even toss in some diced celery for added crunch!
How Do You Achieve the Best Flavor in This Soup?
The key to a flavorful soup is layering the ingredients correctly. Start by browning the sausage in the pot. The drippings left behind add depth to the soup.
- Cook the onion and garlic in the drippings, as they soak up the savory flavors.
- When adding the broth, be sure to scrape the bottom of the pot to lift any browned bits – this intensifies the taste.
- Let the soup simmer, allowing all the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Don’t forget to season as you go. Adjusting salt and pepper gradually helps you get it just right!
Hearty Sausage Potato Kale Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups (1 liter) chicken broth
- 3 large potatoes (russet or Yukon gold), peeled and diced
- 4 cups kale, washed and chopped (stems removed)
- 1 cup carrots, diced (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious soup will take about 10 minutes to prep and around 30 minutes to cook. In total, you’re looking at about 40 minutes from start to finish! Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Sausage:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Let it brown and cook through for about 5-7 minutes. Once it’s nice and golden, use a slotted spoon to remove the sausage, setting it aside, while keeping those yummy drippings in the pot.
2. Cook the Onion and Garlic:
In the same pot with the drippings, add your diced onion. Cook for about 4 minutes until it’s nice and soft. Then, add in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it’s fragrant—you’ll love the smell!
3. Bring in the Broth:
Now it’s time to pour in the chicken broth. Bring it to a gentle boil, so everything is bubbling nicely together.
4. Add the Veggies:
Next, toss in the diced potatoes, carrots (if you chose to use them), dried thyme, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a bit of spice. Reduce the heat and let this simmer until the potatoes are fork-tender, which will take about 15-20 minutes.
5. Stir in the Sausage and Kale:
Once the potatoes are tender, stir the cooked sausage and chopped kale into the pot. Let it simmer for another 5-7 minutes until the kale is wilted and soft.
6. Final Touches:
Taste your soup and adjust the seasoning if needed with a bit more salt and pepper. Serve hot, and if you like, pair it with some crusty bread for dipping! Enjoy your delicious and hearty soup!
FAQ for Hearty Sausage Potato Kale Soup
Can I Use Frozen Vegetables in This Soup?
Absolutely! You can substitute fresh potatoes, kale, and even carrots with frozen versions. Just add them directly to the pot, though you may need to extend the cooking time slightly until everything is heated through and tender.
What If I Can’t Eat Sausage?
No problem at all! You can substitute the sausage with other protein options like diced chicken, turkey, or even plant-based sausage for a vegetarian version. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure your protein is cooked through!
How Do I Store Leftover Soup?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing the soup in individual portions for up to 3 months. Just let it cool completely before transferring it to the freezer!
Can I Make This Soup Vegan?
Definitely! To make it vegan, use plant-based sausage or omit the sausage entirely. Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth and ensure your seasonings and other ingredients are plant-based as well!
