Description
Sausage, Potato, and Kale Soup
This hearty soup is perfect for cold winter nights! Packed with savory sausage, tender potatoes, and nutritious kale, it’s a comforting meal that warms you up while keeping things balanced. The flavors blend beautifully, creating a rich and nourishing broth that has made this a beloved dish for generations.
1 lb smoked beef sausage (kielbasa or andouille)
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
4-6 garlic cloves, minced
1-2 tsp smoked paprika
4 medium potatoes, cubed
32 oz chicken bone broth
2 tbsp heavy cream or half & half
4 cups kale, chopped
Black pepper to taste
Directions:
1. Sauté sausage, onion, and garlic. Add paprika, potatoes, and broth.
2. Simmer for 20 min. Add kale, cream, and cook for 2-3 min.
3. Season and enjoy!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Kcal: 350
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for the best results.
- In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, brown the sliced sausage over medium-high heat until it develops a nice sear. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
- Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté in the sausage fat until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and smoked paprika, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the cubed potatoes and the browned sausage back to the pot. Pour in the chicken bone broth, ensuring the potatoes are mostly covered. Bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Stir in the heavy cream or half & half. Add the chopped kale and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, just until the kale is wilted and vibrant green. Season with black pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions
This soup is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or garlic toast for dipping. For a lighter option, serve it alongside a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the soup’s richness. Garnish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese or red pepper flakes for an extra flavor boost.
How-to Summary
Brown sausage, then sauté onion and garlic in the fat. Add paprika, potatoes, and broth, then simmer until potatoes are tender. Finish by stirring in cream and kale, cooking just until the kale wilts. Season and serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of sausage? Absolutely. Italian sausage, chorizo, or even turkey sausage are excellent substitutes. Adjust cooking time as needed and note that flavor profiles will change.
How can I make this soup dairy-free? Omit the heavy cream entirely or substitute it with full-fat coconut milk for a similar creamy texture without dairy.
What’s the best way to store and reheat leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to prevent the cream from separating.
Can I freeze this soup? It’s possible, but with caution. The texture of the potatoes and cream may change slightly upon thawing. For best results, freeze before adding the cream and kale, then add them when reheating.
My soup is too thin. How can I thicken it? Use a potato masher to gently mash some of the potatoes directly in the pot. This will release their starch and naturally thicken the broth.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Kale: Add the kale last and cook only until wilted. Overcooking turns it mushy and dulls its color and nutrients.
- Using Waxy Potatoes: Opt for starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds. They break down slightly and help thicken the soup, unlike waxy varieties that remain firm.
- Skipping the Sausage Browning: Taking the time to properly brown the sausage adds a deep, caramelized flavor to the entire dish. Don’t rush this step.
- Boiling After Adding Cream: Once cream is added, only simmer gently. Boiling can cause the cream to curdle or separate.
Conclusion
This Sausage, Potato, and Kale Soup is the epitome of hearty, comforting cooking. With its simple technique, flexible ingredients, and deeply satisfying flavor, it’s a recipe you’ll return to all season long. It proves that with a few quality ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a nourishing meal that feels like a warm embrace. Enjoy the process and the delicious results.