Sausage and kale soup is a hearty, comforting dish that's perfect for winter days. This savory soup combines the smokiness of sausage with the earthy flavor of kale, all simmered together in a rich chicken broth. It's a simple recipe, but one that packs a lot of flavors.
Most of the ingredients are common kitchen staples, but there are a few that you might need to pick up at the supermarket. Kale might not be a regular in your fridge but it's a superfood packed with nutrients and its slight bitterness adds a nice touch to the soup. Smoked sausage is another ingredient that you might need to buy. It lends a unique flavor to the soup, but you can also substitute it with any other sausage of your choice.
Ingredients for Sausage and Kale Soup
Olive oil: A healthy cooking oil that adds a hint of flavor.
Yukon gold potatoes: These potatoes are creamy and hold their shape well in soups.
Onion: It adds a savory depth to the soup.
Smoked sausage: Gives the soup a smoky, savory flavor.
Chicken broth: The base of the soup, adds depth and richness.
Kale: A nutrient-dense leafy green that adds texture and color.
Chickpeas: Adds protein and fiber to make the soup more filling.
Tomatoes: Gives a subtle tanginess to the soup.
Garlic: Adds a pop of flavor.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that enhances the taste.
Bay leaf: Adds a subtle depth of flavor.
Parmesan cheese: A sprinkle on top adds a salty, cheesy finish.
One reader, Gabie Billings says:
This sausage and kale soup recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are rich and comforting, and the combination of sausage, kale, and potatoes is simply divine. It's a hearty and satisfying meal that's perfect for a cozy night in. I highly recommend trying it out!
Cooking Techniques for Sausage and Kale Soup
How to cook sausage and kale soup: This technique involves cooking the sausage and vegetables until tender and then simmering the soup until the potatoes are cooked through.
How to discard bay leaf: Simply remove the bay leaf from the soup before serving.
How to sprinkle parmesan cheese on top: Sprinkle a generous amount of grated parmesan cheese over the soup before serving to add a delicious savory flavor.
How to serve with bread: Simply slice the bread and serve it alongside the soup for a hearty and satisfying meal.
How To Make Sausage and Kale Soup
Grab a warm bowl of this flavorful kale soup cooked with potatoes, smoked sausage, and chickpeas, then garnished with cheese.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1tbspolive oil,or more if needed
- 3medium Yukon gold potatoes,½-inch diced
- 1large onion,chopped
- ½lbsmoked sausage,sliced
- 4cupschicken broth
- 2cupskale,packed, chopped
- 19ozcanned chickpeas,or cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 19oztomatoes,diced with juices
- 4clovesgarlic,minced
- 1tspItalian seasoning
- 1bay leaf
- Parmesan cheese,for garnish, if desired
Instructions
-
Add olive oil to a pan. Combine potatoes, onion, and sausage, then cook for 4 to 5 minutes over medium heat or until the onion is tender.
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Add remaining ingredients and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
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Discard bay leaf.
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Sprinkle parmesan cheese on top and serve with bread if desired.
Nutrition
- Calories: 569.26kcal
- Fat: 23.50g
- Saturated Fat: 5.94g
- Trans Fat: 0.06g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 10.11g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 4.83g
- Carbohydrates: 65.78g
- Fiber: 12.18g
- Sugar: 10.91g
- Protein: 26.78g
- Cholesterol: 46.89mg
- Sodium: 1158.74mg
- Calcium: 123.57mg
- Potassium: 1720.59mg
- Iron: 4.99mg
- Vitamin A: 116.55µg
- Vitamin C: 64.04mg
Expert Technique Tip for Sausage and Kale Soup
When preparing the potatoes for this soup, it's best to cut them into small, even pieces. This ensures they cook evenly and at the same rate as the other ingredients. Additionally, when adding the kale, make sure to remove the tough stems and only use the leaves. The stems can be quite fibrous and tough, even after cooking. Lastly, for an extra flavor boost, consider using smoked chicken broth instead of regular. It pairs wonderfully with the smoked sausage and adds a depth of flavor to the soup.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Soup Recipe
Plan ahead: Prep your ingredients and tools before starting to cook to streamline the process.
One-pot wonders: Opt for recipes that require minimal dishes and cooking equipment for easy cleanup.
Batch cooking: Make larger portions and freeze the extras for quick and convenient future meals.
Prep in advance: Wash, chop, and store ingredients like vegetables and herbs ahead of time to cut down on prep during cooking.
Use kitchen gadgets: Utilize tools like food processors, slow cookers, and instant pots to simplify cooking tasks.
Substitute Ingredients For Sausage and Kale Soup Recipe
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar high smoke point and mild flavor, making it a suitable replacement for olive oil in this recipe.
smoked sausage - Substitute with smoked turkey sausage: Smoked turkey sausage offers a leaner option with a similar smoky flavor, making it a healthier alternative to traditional smoked sausage.
chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used as a vegetarian-friendly substitute for chicken broth, adding depth of flavor to the soup.
kale - Substitute with swiss chard: Swiss chard can be used as a substitute for kale, providing a similar texture and flavor profile to the soup.
canned chickpeas - Substitute with cannellini beans: Cannellini beans can be used as a substitute for chickpeas, offering a creamy texture and mild flavor to the soup.
tomatoes - Substitute with fire-roasted tomatoes: Fire-roasted tomatoes can add a smoky depth to the soup, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
italian seasoning - Substitute with herbs de Provence: Herbs de Provence can provide a fragrant and flavorful alternative to Italian seasoning, adding a unique blend of herbs to the soup.
Presentation Tips for Sausage and Kale Soup
Elevate the plating: When presenting the sausage and kale soup, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing presentation. Use a wide-rimmed bowl to showcase the vibrant colors and textures of the soup.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Add a touch of freshness and color to the dish by garnishing with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a pop of flavor.
Incorporate artisan bread: Serve the soup alongside a slice of warm, crusty artisan bread. This adds a delightful textural contrast and provides a sophisticated touch to the overall presentation.
Utilize fine dining serveware: Opt for high-quality porcelain bowls or earthenware dishes to elevate the dining experience. The choice of serveware can enhance the perceived value of the dish.
Focus on symmetry and balance: Arrange the elements in the bowl with precision, ensuring that the sausage, potatoes, and kale are evenly distributed. Pay attention to creating a balanced composition for a visually striking presentation.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making This Soup
- Olive oil: A staple in many kitchens, olive oil is used for cooking, dressing, and flavoring dishes.
- Yukon gold potatoes: These potatoes are versatile and great for soups, stews, and roasting due to their waxy texture.
- Onion: Onions are a fundamental ingredient in many dishes, providing flavor and aroma.
- Smoked sausage: This adds a rich, smoky flavor to the soup and provides a hearty protein component.
- Chicken broth: Chicken broth serves as the base for the soup, providing depth of flavor and richness.
- Kale: A nutritious leafy green, kale adds texture and a pop of color to the soup.
- Chickpeas: Chickpeas are a good source of protein and fiber, adding heartiness to the soup.
- Tomatoes: Tomatoes add acidity and sweetness to the soup, enhancing its overall flavor profile.
- Garlic: Garlic brings a pungent, aromatic flavor to the soup, enhancing its savory notes.
- Italian seasoning: This blend of herbs and spices adds a Mediterranean flavor profile to the soup.
- Bay leaf: Bay leaves add a subtle, earthy flavor to the soup and are typically removed before serving.
- Parmesan cheese: Parmesan cheese is used as a garnish, adding a salty, nutty flavor to the finished soup.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Sausage and Kale Soup
Allow the sausage and kale soup to cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent the formation of condensation, which can lead to spoilage and freezer burn.
For short-term storage, transfer the cooled soup to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to develop as the soup sits, making it even more delicious the next day.
If you plan to freeze the soup, consider the following steps:
- Portion the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Leave about an inch of headspace to allow for expansion during freezing.
- Label the containers or bags with the date and contents to keep track of your frozen meals.
- Lay the bags flat in the freezer to maximize storage space and ensure even freezing.
- Frozen sausage and kale soup can be stored for up to 3 months.
When you're ready to enjoy the frozen soup, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. If you're short on time, you can also thaw the soup in the microwave using the defrost setting.
Reheat the thawed soup in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature. If the soup appears too thick, add a little chicken broth or water to achieve the perfect consistency.
Garnish the reheated soup with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and serve with crusty bread for a comforting and satisfying meal.
How to Reheat Leftover Sausage and Kale Soup
Stovetop method: transfer the leftover sausage and kale soup to a pot and reheat it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature. This method allows you to control the heat and ensure that the soup is evenly heated without overcooking the vegetables or sausage.
Microwave method: pour the leftover soup into a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. Microwave on high power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval, until the soup is heated through. Be careful when removing the bowl from the microwave, as it may be hot.
Slow cooker method: if you have a large amount of leftover soup, you can reheat it in a slow cooker. Transfer the soup to the slow cooker and set it on low heat for 1-2 hours, or until the soup is heated through. This method is convenient if you want to reheat the soup without much supervision.
Oven method: preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the leftover soup to an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Place the dish in the preheated oven and heat for 15-20 minutes, or until the soup is heated through. Stir the soup occasionally to ensure even heating.
Regardless of the reheating method you choose, be sure to stir the soup well to distribute the heat evenly and prevent any cold spots. Also, ensure that the soup reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving to prevent foodborne illness.
Interesting Trivia About Sausage and Kale Soup
Kale is a nutrient-dense leafy green that is high in vitamins A, C, and K. It is also a good source of fiber and antioxidants, making it a healthy addition to any soup recipe.
Budget-Friendly: Is This Soup Economical for Home Cooking?
This sausage and kale soup recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as potatoes, onion, smoked sausage, kale, and chickpeas, are all reasonably priced and readily available. The total cost for a household of 4 people would be approximately $15-$20. Considering the nutritional value and hearty nature of this soup, it's a great budget-friendly option. I would rate this recipe a solid 8 out of 10 for its affordability and delicious outcome.
Is This Soup Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
This sausage and kale soup recipe has both healthy and unhealthy elements. On the positive side, it includes nutrient-dense ingredients like kale, chickpeas, and tomatoes, which provide vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The use of olive oil is also a healthier choice compared to other cooking oils. However, the recipe also contains some less healthy components, such as smoked sausage, which can be high in saturated fat and sodium. Additionally, depending on the amount of parmesan cheese added, the dish may have a higher fat and calorie content.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Opt for a leaner protein source, such as chicken or turkey sausage, to reduce the saturated fat content
- Increase the amount of kale and other vegetables, like carrots or celery, to boost the nutrient density and fiber content of the soup
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to help control the overall sodium levels in the dish
- Be mindful of the portion size of parmesan cheese, or choose a lower-fat alternative like nutritional yeast
- Serve the soup with a side salad or additional steamed vegetables to increase the overall nutrient intake of the meal
Editor's Opinion on This Sausage and Kale Soup Recipe
This sausage and kale soup recipe is a delightful combination of hearty flavors and nutritious ingredients. The use of smoked sausage adds a rich, smoky depth to the soup, while the addition of kale provides a healthy and vibrant element. The incorporation of chickpeas and potatoes adds a satisfying and filling component, making this soup a well-rounded and comforting dish. The Italian seasoning and garlic infuse the soup with aromatic and savory notes, creating a truly satisfying flavor profile. Overall, this recipe offers a delicious and wholesome option for a satisfying meal.
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Why trust this Sausage and Kale Soup Recipe:
This recipe is a trustworthy choice for your kitchen because it features smoked sausage and kale as the star ingredients, providing a hearty and nutritious meal. The addition of chickpeas and potatoes adds a satisfying texture, while the Italian seasoning and garlic infuse the soup with rich, aromatic flavors. The use of chicken broth ensures a savory base, and the finishing touch of Parmesan cheese adds a delightful depth of taste. This recipe promises a comforting and delicious dining experience.
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