This hearty soup combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the savory punch of Italian sausage and the robust green flavor of kale. This recipe is comforting, nutritious, and straightforward - a perfect dish for chilly days or when you need a uplifting meal.
Sweet potatoes, kale, and spicy Italian chicken sausage may not be staples in every kitchen but are easily found in most supermarkets. The sweet potatoes add a hint of sweetness and a great source of fiber and vitamins. Kale is a superfood packed with nutrients and adds a nice green color to the soup. Lastly, the spicy Italian chicken sausage adds a robust flavor. If you prefer a less spicy version, do look for mild Italian chicken sausage instead.
Sweet Potato, Sausage and Kale Soup Ingredients
Olive oil: Used to sauté the sausages and onions, it adds a rich, fruity flavor to the soup.
Spicy Italian chicken sausage: Brings a spicy and savory depth to the soup. If you're not a fan of spicy food, you can replace it with mild Italian sausage.
White onion: Adds a hint of sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the soup.
Garlic: Provides a strong, pungent flavor that complements the other ingredients.
Chicken broth: Forms the base of the soup, adding a rich, savory flavor.
Sweet potatoes: Gives the soup a sweet flavor and creamy texture.
Diced tomatoes: Adds a tangy taste and a bit of texture to the soup.
Dried pasta: Brings a delightful bite to the soup, adding substance and heartiness.
Kale: Gives a vibrant green color and adds a load of nutrients to the soup.
Salt and black pepper: Seasons the soup and enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
Parmesan cheese: Serves as a garnish and adds a sharp, salty flavor.
One reader, Janie Meehan says:
This sweet potato, sausage, and kale soup recipe is a game-changer! The flavors blend perfectly, and it's so comforting. The sweet potatoes add a lovely sweetness, and the sausage gives it a nice kick. Plus, the kale adds a healthy touch. It's a must-try for anyone who loves a hearty, flavorful soup.
Techniques Required for Making Sweet Potato, Sausage and Kale Soup
How to brown sausage and onion: In a large stockpot over medium-high heat, cook the sausage and onion until the onion is translucent and the sausage begins to slightly brown, stirring occasionally.
How to simmer soup: After adding the chicken broth, sweet potatoes, and tomatoes, bring the mixture to a boil. Then, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
How to cook pasta al dente: Add the pasta to the soup and let it cook for an additional 10 to 15 minutes or until the pasta is al dente. This means the pasta should be tender but still firm to the bite.
How to garnish with parmesan cheese: Serve the soup warm and garnish it with lots of freshly-grated parmesan cheese.
How To Make Sweet Potato, Sausage & Kale Soup
Make a sweet and savory soup that’s perfect for any chilly day with the help of this kale soup recipe. It has sausages, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, and more.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2tbspolive oil
- 1lbspicy Italian chicken sausage,or turkey sausage, crumbled
- 1large white onion,diced
- 4clovesgarlic,minced
- 8cupschicken broth
- 8cupssweet potato,about 2 lbs, peeled and diced
- 28ozdiced tomatoes
- 1cupdried pasta
- 3cupskale,roughly-chopped
- salt and freshly-cracked black pepper
- freshly-grated Parmesan cheese,for garnish
Instructions
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Heat oil in a large stockpot over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add onion and sausage and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the onion is translucent and the sausage begins to slightly brown, stirring occasionally.
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Add garlic and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant. Add chicken broth, sweet potatoes, and tomatoes and stir to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and let simmer for 5 minutes.
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Add the pasta, stir to combine, and let cook for an additional 10 to 15 minutes or until the pasta is al dente. Stir in the kale, and season the soup with black pepper and additional salt if needed.
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Serve warm garnished with lots of freshly-grated Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition
- Calories: 579.06kcal
- Fat: 21.37g
- Saturated Fat: 4.71g
- Trans Fat: 0.11g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 9.72g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 4.38g
- Carbohydrates: 70.40g
- Fiber: 9.45g
- Sugar: 17.97g
- Protein: 26.65g
- Cholesterol: 82.17mg
- Sodium: 1772.55mg
- Calcium: 187.79mg
- Potassium: 1461.98mg
- Iron: 3.85mg
- Vitamin A: 1326.95µg
- Vitamin C: 33.64mg
Expert Tip for Enhancing the Flavors in Sweet Potato, Sausage and Kale Soup
When adding the kale to the soup, make sure to remove the tough stems and only use the leaves. The stems can be quite fibrous and tough, even after cooking. Also, to ensure the pasta cooks evenly, stir it into the soup thoroughly. This will prevent it from sticking together and will allow each piece to be fully submerged in the broth. Lastly, when cooking with sausage, remember to break it up into small, bite-sized pieces as it cooks. This will ensure that every spoonful of your soup has a bit of everything.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Soup
Prep ahead: Chop and measure all ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.
One-pot wonders: Opt for recipes that can be made in a single pot to minimize cleanup time.
Batch cooking: Make a larger quantity and freeze individual portions for quick and easy meals later on.
Kitchen organization: Keep your kitchen tidy and organized to easily locate ingredients and utensils while cooking.
Efficient multitasking: Plan your cooking process to maximize efficiency, such as chopping vegetables while the soup simmers.
Substitute Ingredients For Sweet Potato, Sausage & Kale Soup Recipe
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar mild flavor and high smoke point, making it a suitable substitute for olive oil in this recipe.
spicy italian chicken sausage - Substitute with vegetarian sausage: For a vegetarian option, you can use vegetarian sausage to add a similar savory and spicy flavor to the soup.
white onion - Substitute with yellow onion: Yellow onions can be used as a substitute for white onions, providing a slightly stronger flavor but still complementing the other ingredients well.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: If fresh garlic is not available, garlic powder can be used as a substitute, although the flavor may be slightly milder.
chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used as a substitute for chicken broth, providing a flavorful base for the soup while catering to vegetarian preferences.
sweet potato - Substitute with butternut squash: Butternut squash can be used as a substitute for sweet potato, offering a similar sweet and nutty flavor to the soup.
diced tomatoes - Substitute with crushed tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes can be used as a substitute for diced tomatoes, providing a thicker base for the soup.
dried pasta - Substitute with quinoa: Quinoa can be used as a gluten-free substitute for dried pasta, adding a nutritious and hearty element to the soup.
kale - Substitute with spinach: Spinach can be used as a substitute for kale, offering a milder flavor and tender texture to the soup.
parmesan cheese - Substitute with nutritional yeast: Nutritional yeast can be used as a dairy-free substitute for parmesan cheese, providing a savory, cheesy flavor to the soup.
Presentation Tips for a Delightful Soup Experience
Elevate the plating: When presenting this dish, focus on creating a visually stunning plate. Use colorful and vibrant ingredients to add visual appeal. Consider the contrast of the sweet potatoes, sausage, and kale to create an eye-catching presentation.
Garnish with precision: Pay attention to the details when garnishing the soup. Sprinkle freshly-grated parmesan cheese with precision, ensuring it is evenly distributed across the dish. This adds a touch of elegance to the presentation.
Incorporate texture: Create a multi-dimensional experience by incorporating different textures. Consider adding a crispy element, such as a delicate crouton or a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds, to provide a delightful crunch.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate to allow the vibrant colors of the soup to stand out. This will draw attention to the rich hues of the sweet potatoes and kale, enhancing the overall visual impact.
Focus on symmetry: Arrange the components of the dish with precision and symmetry. This attention to detail will showcase the chef's expertise and dedication to presenting a visually balanced and appealing dish.
Consider the vessel: Select a sophisticated and complementary vessel for serving the soup. A carefully chosen bowl or dish can enhance the overall presentation and elevate the dining experience for the discerning palate of Michelin-starred professionals.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Soup
- Oven: A kitchen appliance used for baking, roasting, and heating food.
- Stovetop: The top part of a stove, where pots and pans are placed for cooking.
- Cutting board: A durable board on which to place material for cutting.
- Chef's knife: A multi-purpose knife used for slicing, chopping, and dicing.
- Saucepan: A deep cooking pan with a long handle, used for cooking on the stovetop.
- Wooden spoon: A spoon made of wood, often used in cooking to mix ingredients.
- Measuring cups: Utensils used to measure the volume of liquid or dry ingredients.
- Mixing bowl: A bowl used for mixing ingredients.
- Whisk: A kitchen utensil used for whipping and mixing ingredients.
- Spatula: A flat, flexible utensil used for lifting, flipping, or spreading food.
- Baking sheet: A flat, rectangular metal pan used for baking.
- Blender: A kitchen appliance used to blend, mix, or puree food and other substances.
- Skillet: A frying pan with a long handle, used for frying or sautéing food.
- Tongs: A utensil with two arms that are joined at one end, used for picking up and holding things.
- Grater: A kitchen utensil with sharp-edged holes used to shred food into fine pieces.
- Colander: A bowl-shaped kitchen utensil with perforated holes used to drain liquids from food.
- Rolling pin: A cylindrical tool used in baking to flatten and shape dough.
- Peeler: A kitchen tool used to remove the outer skin or peel of fruits and vegetables.
Storing and Freezing Homemade Soup
Let the sweet potato, sausage and kale soup cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming and potentially spoiling the soup.
To store in the refrigerator, transfer the cooled soup to an airtight container. It will keep well for up to 4-5 days in the fridge.
For longer storage, freeze the soup in individual portions:
- Ladle the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, leaving about an inch of space at the top for expansion.
- Label the containers or bags with the date and contents.
- Lay the bags flat in the freezer until the soup is frozen solid, then stack them to save space.
- Frozen sweet potato, sausage and kale soup will maintain its best quality for up to 3 months.
To reheat, thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator, then warm it gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup seems too thick after freezing and thawing, add a little chicken broth or water to achieve the desired consistency.
If you plan to freeze the soup, consider undercooking the pasta slightly, as it will soften further when reheated. Alternatively, cook and store the pasta separately, and add it to the reheated soup to maintain its texture.
How To Reheat Leftover Soup
Reheat the sweet potato, sausage and kale soup in a pot on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it reaches your desired temperature. This method allows you to control the heat and ensure even reheating without overcooking the vegetables or pasta.
If you're short on time, you can reheat individual portions of the soup in the microwave. Transfer the desired amount into a microwave-safe bowl and heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until it's heated through. Be careful not to overheat the soup, as it may cause the sweet potatoes to become mushy.
For a quick and easy reheating method, use a slow cooker or crockpot. Transfer the leftover soup into the slow cooker and heat it on low for 1-2 hours, or until it's heated through. This method is perfect if you want to reheat a large batch of soup without having to monitor it constantly.
If you find that the soup has thickened too much during storage, you can thin it out by adding a little chicken broth or water while reheating. This will help restore the soup's original consistency without compromising its flavor.
To add a fresh twist to your leftover sweet potato, sausage and kale soup, consider garnishing it with some freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped kale just before serving. This will brighten up the flavors and make the soup feel like a brand new meal.
Interesting Trivia About Sweet Potatoes, Sausage, and Kale
Sweet potato, sausage and kale soup is a nutritious and hearty dish that is packed with vitamins and minerals. It is an excellent source of fiber, vitamin A, and vitamin C. This soup is a great way to incorporate leafy greens like kale into your diet, which are rich in antioxidants and nutrients. Additionally, the combination of sweet potatoes and sausage provides a delicious and satisfying flavor profile. Enjoying this soup can be a comforting and nourishing experience, making it a wonderful addition to your meal rotation during colder months.
Is Making This Soup at Home Cost-Effective?
This sweet potato, sausage and kale soup recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as sweet potatoes, chicken sausage, and kale, are generally affordable and readily available. The total cost for a household of 4 people would be approximately $20, making it a budget-friendly meal option. The hearty and nutritious nature of this soup also adds to its value. Overall Verdict: 9/10
Is This Soup Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
This sweet potato, sausage, and kale soup recipe offers a balance of healthy and indulgent ingredients. Let's break it down:
Healthy aspects:
- Sweet potatoes are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals
- Kale is a nutrient-dense leafy green, providing vitamins A, C, and K
- Onion and garlic offer antioxidants and immune-boosting properties
- Tomatoes provide lycopene, a powerful antioxidant
Less healthy aspects:
- Spicy Italian chicken sausage can be high in sodium and saturated fat
- Pasta adds carbohydrates and calories to the dish
- Parmesan cheese contributes to the overall fat and sodium content
To make this recipe even healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Opt for a leaner protein source, such as ground turkey or chicken breast, instead of sausage
- Reduce the amount of pasta or choose a whole-grain variety for added fiber and nutrients
- Increase the proportion of vegetables by adding more kale, carrots, or zucchini
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt content
- Limit the amount of parmesan cheese or choose a lower-fat alternative
- Replace some of the olive oil with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice for added flavor without extra fat
By making these adjustments, you can enhance the nutritional value of the soup while still enjoying its comforting and satisfying flavors. Remember, moderation is key, and this soup can certainly be part of a balanced diet when consumed mindfully.
Editor's Opinion on This Delicious Soup Recipe
This sweet potato, sausage, and kale soup recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The spicy Italian chicken sausage adds a kick of heat, while the sweet potatoes bring a natural sweetness to the dish. The addition of kale provides a nutritious and earthy element, and the use of parmesan cheese as a garnish adds a rich and savory finish. The soup is well-balanced and satisfying, making it a perfect choice for a comforting and hearty meal.
Enhance Your Sweet Potato, Sausage & Kale Soup Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Sweet Potato, Sausage & Kale Soup Recipe:
This recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to enjoy a hearty and flavorful meal. The combination of spicy italian chicken sausage, sweet potatoes, and kale creates a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. The addition of diced tomatoes and garlic further enhances the depth of taste. With the use of chicken broth and a sprinkle of freshly-grated parmesan cheese, this soup promises to be a comforting and satisfying dish. Trust in the quality and balance of ingredients, and you'll be rewarded with a delicious and nourishing meal.
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