CREAMY SAUSAGE, POTATO, AND KALE SOUP: A COMFORTING ONE-POT MEAL

This Creamy Sausage, Potato, and Kale Soup is a hearty and satisfying dish perfect for cozy evenings. With tender golden potatoes, savory Italian sausage, and nutrient-rich kale in a creamy broth, this soup hits all the right notes. It’s an easy one-pot meal that comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Creamy: The addition of heavy cream gives the soup a luxurious texture.
• Hearty and Nutritious: Packed with protein, vegetables, and potatoes for a well-balanced meal.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup makes it an ideal choice for busy days.
• Easy to Customize: Swap ingredients to suit your preferences or what you have on hand.
• Perfect for Any Season: Enjoy it during chilly winter evenings or as a light comfort food year-round.

Ingredients Breakdown

Main Ingredients:

• Italian Sausage (1 lb): Adds bold, savory flavor to the soup. Use mild, sweet, or spicy sausage depending on your taste.
• Golden Potatoes (3 cups, diced): Creamy and tender, they hold their shape well during cooking. Substitute with Yukon Gold or red potatoes for similar results.
• Kale (4 cups, chopped): Adds color, texture, and a boost of nutrients. Spinach or Swiss chard can be used as alternatives.

Broth and Cream Base:

• Chicken Broth (6 cups): Creates a flavorful soup base. Use low-sodium broth to control the salt.
• Heavy Cream (1 cup): Adds richness and a velvety finish.

Aromatics and Seasoning:

• Onion (1 medium, diced): A savory base ingredient for depth of flavor.
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Adds warmth and aromatic notes.
• Paprika (½ teaspoon): Adds subtle smoky sweetness.
• Salt (1 teaspoon) & Black Pepper (½ teaspoon): Enhances and balances the flavors.

Cooking Essentials:

• Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): For sautéing the sausage, onion, and garlic.

How to Make Creamy Sausage, Potato, and Kale Soup

1. Cook the Sausage

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up into crumbles (if not already sliced).
3. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a plate.

2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic

1. In the same pot, add the diced onion and minced garlic.
2. Sauté for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant.
3. If needed, add an extra drizzle of olive oil.

3. Cook the Potatoes

1. Add the diced potatoes and 6 cups of chicken broth to the pot.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low.
3. Simmer for 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

4. Add the Sausage and Kale

1. Return the cooked sausage to the pot.
2. Stir in the chopped kale and ½ teaspoon of paprika.
3. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes, or until the kale is wilted and tender.

5. Stir in the Cream

1. Lower the heat to medium-low and gently stir in the 1 cup of heavy cream.
2. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and black pepper, if needed.

6. Serve and Garnish

1. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot.
2. Garnish with grated Parmesan, a drizzle of olive oil, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for added flavor.
3. Pair with crusty bread or soft dinner rolls for the ultimate comforting meal.

Pro Tips for Perfect Soup

1. Cut Potatoes Evenly: Dice potatoes into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
2. Fresh Kale: Remove the tough stems from the kale for the best texture. Pre-chopped bagged kale can also save time.
3. Don’t Boil the Cream: Once the cream is added, avoid boiling to prevent curdling.
4. Boost Flavor: Add a splash of white wine or a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra depth.
5. Use a Dutch Oven: A heavy-bottomed pot distributes heat evenly, making it perfect for soups.

Recipe Variations

1. Vegetarian Option: Substitute sausage with plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
2. Low-Carb: Replace the potatoes with cauliflower florets for a keto-friendly version.
3. Spicy Kick: Use spicy Italian sausage and add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
4. Extra Veggies: Include diced carrots, celery, or zucchini for added nutrition.
5. Dairy-Free: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a dairy-free version.

Perfect Pairings

1. Crusty Bread: Ideal for dipping into the creamy soup.
2. Salad: Pair with a simple mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Oven-roasted Brussels sprouts or asparagus make excellent sides.
4. Wine: A glass of dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the flavors beautifully.

FAQs

1. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the soup up to the step of adding cream. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently and stir in the cream before serving.

2. Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, but for best results, freeze the soup before adding the cream. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat and stir in the cream.

3. Can I use a different type of sausage?

Absolutely! Turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even smoked sausage work well in this recipe.

4. What can I use instead of kale?

Spinach, Swiss chard, or collard greens are great substitutes. If using spinach, add it at the very end as it wilts quickly.

5. How do I thicken the soup?

For a thicker soup, mash some of the cooked potatoes in the pot or add a slurry of 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water.

6. Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

Yes, but the soup may be less rich. To maintain creaminess, use whole milk or a mix of milk and half-and-half.

7. Can I add cheese to this soup?

Yes! Stir in grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano for extra flavor and creaminess.

Conclusion

This Creamy Sausage, Potato, and Kale Soup is the perfect cozy, satisfying dish that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. The combination of hearty potatoes, savory sausage, and tender kale in a creamy broth makes it an irresistible one-pot meal. Pair it with crusty bread and a fresh salad for a complete and comforting dining experience. Try it today and enjoy the warmth and flavor in every spoonful!

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