Sausage Soup with Potatoes and Kale: A Flavor-Packed Comfort Bowl for Cold Days

There’s nothing quite like a bowl of hearty soup on a chilly day, and this Sausage Soup with Potatoes and Kale brings warmth and satisfaction with every bite. Combining smoked beef sausage, tender potatoes, and nutrient-packed kale, this soup is rich with flavor and texture. The addition of navy beans gives it extra heartiness, while the subtle kick of Italian seasoning and the brightness from a squeeze of lemon balances everything beautifully.

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This is the kind of soup that is perfect for a quick, weeknight dinner or for meal prepping to enjoy throughout the week. The smoky, savory sausage complements the creamy potatoes and earthy kale, making each spoonful a delight. A crusty piece of bread served alongside will make this meal even more irresistible!

The Secret to a Delicious Sausage Soup

The key to this soup's deep and layered flavor comes from searing the sausage first. The fat rendered from the sausage enhances the entire dish, adding an extra dimension of savoriness. Allowing the onions to caramelize with the spices ensures that every bite of soup is infused with warmth and richness. The final touch, a small squeeze of lemon juice, may seem like an unusual addition, but it adds just the right amount of brightness to elevate the flavors.

The Tradition of Sausage in Soups Across the Globe

From hearty European stews to spicy Southern gumbos, sausages have long been a favorite ingredient in soups across various cuisines. Their rich, flavorful profile makes them the perfect protein to use when you want to add depth to a dish without much effort. This sausage soup combines the familiar flavors of smoked sausage with wholesome ingredients like beans, potatoes, and kale for a modern, nutritious take on a classic.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 6 Servings):

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Protein: 15g
• Fat: 16g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 800mg

Cooking Tips

When searing the sausage, don’t rush the process. Allow it to brown evenly to enhance the flavor of the entire soup. If you prefer a heartier soup, you can add an additional can of beans or use a different type, such as cannellini beans. For a more substantial broth, you can also mash a few of the potatoes directly in the pot after they’ve cooked, thickening the soup naturally.

If you're not a fan of kale, feel free to substitute spinach or Swiss chard. Just be sure to stir it in at the end so it wilts properly without overcooking.

Storage and Reheating Tips

This sausage soup stores wonderfully, making it ideal for meal prep. Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to reheat, simply warm it in a pot over medium heat until hot. You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months. If freezing, wait to add the kale until you’re ready to serve to keep the greens fresh and vibrant.

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Sausage Soup Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 (14 ounce) package of beef smoked sausage, sliced into bite-size circles
• 1 large onion, diced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Pinch or two black pepper
• ½ teaspoon ground white pepper
• 4 cloves garlic, pressed through garlic press
• 3 small russet potatoes, peeled and diced (about ½” cubes)
• 6 cups chicken stock or broth
• 2 (15 ounce) cans organic navy beans, drained and rinsed well
• 2 cups roughly chopped kale
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
• Tiny squeeze of lemon (about ½ teaspoon)

Instructions:

1. Begin by heating a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the sausage slices and sear them for a few minutes until browned on both sides. You won’t need extra oil, as the sausage will release its own fat.
2. Add the diced onion to the pot, along with the Italian seasoning, black pepper, and white pepper. Sauté the onions with the sausage until they become softened and golden, about 4-5 minutes.
3. Stir in the garlic and sauté for an additional minute, just until fragrant.
4. Add the diced potatoes and stir to coat them in the seasonings. Pour in the chicken stock or broth, and bring the soup to a simmer. Cover the pot partially with the lid askew, allowing the soup to simmer gently for about 12 minutes.
5. After 12 minutes, stir in the navy beans and let the soup simmer for another 10 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
6. Turn off the heat and stir in the roughly chopped kale, allowing it to wilt in the hot soup. Add in the parsley and a tiny squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
7. Ladle the sausage soup into bowls and serve with crusty bread on the side for dipping.

This Sausage Soup with Potatoes and Kale is sure to become a household favorite, offering the perfect blend of smoky, savory, and fresh flavors. It’s comforting, easy to prepare, and packed with nutritious ingredients that make it as wholesome as it is delicious!