The Coziest Sausage Kale Soup Recipe for Chilly Evenings

Cold winter nights call for a comforting bowl of hearty sausage kale soup that warms you from the inside out.

Packed with robust flavors and nutritious ingredients, this soup brings rustic Italian countryside charm to your dinner table.

Tender kale leaves dance with spicy Italian sausage in a rich, velvety broth that promises pure satisfaction.

Potatoes and aromatic herbs add depth and complexity to every spoonful.

Each ingredient is carefully selected to create a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

This one-pot wonder comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

Grab a crusty bread and prepare to savor every delicious bite of this soul-satisfying soup.

Sausage and Kale Soup: Comforting Qualities

• Quick and Hearty Meal: Whip up a satisfying soup packed with protein, greens, and bold flavors that comes together in less than an hour.
• Nutritious One-Pot Wonder: Combine lean sausage, nutrient-rich kale, and protein-packed beans for a wholesome dish that delivers balanced nutrition in every spoonful.
• Minimal Cleanup Champion: Prepare this delicious soup using just one pot, reducing kitchen mess and making cleanup a breeze for busy home cooks.
• Versatile Comfort Food: Perfect for chilly evenings, meal prep, or feeding a hungry family with its adaptable ingredients and warming qualities.

Everything Needed for Savory Sausage Kale Soup

• Italian Sausage: A flavorful meat that adds richness and depth to the soup.

• Kale: A nutrient-packed leafy green that provides texture and earthy flavor.
• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic ingredients that build a robust flavor foundation for the soup.

• Chicken Broth: Creates the soup's liquid base and enhances overall taste.
• Canned Tomatoes: Adds acidity and helps create a thick, hearty soup texture.
• Canned White Beans: Provides extra protein and creates a creamy element.

• Thyme, Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that bring balanced and traditional herb notes to the dish.

• Olive Oil: Helps sauté ingredients and prevents sticking to the pot.

Easy Instructions for Sausage and Kale Soup

Step 1: Brown Sausage

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Crumble sausage into the pot and cook until it’s nicely browned and broken into small pieces, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the browned sausage.

Sauté the ingredients together until the onions become translucent and fragrant, which typically takes about 3-4 minutes.

Step 3: Combine Soup Ingredients

• Chicken or vegetable broth
• Diced tomatoes
• Chopped kale
• Cannellini or white beans
• Fresh thyme
• Salt
• Black pepper

Pour the broth into the pot and add all the remaining ingredients.

Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.

Step 4: Slow Simmer

Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer gently.

Allow the soup to cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the kale becomes tender and the flavors have melded together beautifully.

Step 5: Warm and Serve

Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve immediately.

The soup is perfect for a cozy meal that warms you from the inside out.

Tips for Rich, Flavorful Kale Soup

• Choose spicy Italian sausage for extra flavor or swap with chicken sausage for a leaner option.
• Remove tough stems before chopping to ensure tender, easy-to-eat greens in the soup.
• Rinse canned beans thoroughly to reduce sodium and improve overall taste and texture.
• Add more broth if soup is too thick or mash some beans to create a creamier consistency.
• This soup tastes even better the next day as flavors continue to develop and meld together.

Tasty Soup Variations for Every Season

• Vegetarian Kale Soup: Replace sausage with plant-based crumbles or chopped mushrooms for a meat-free version that maintains rich, hearty flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free sausage and verify broth is certified gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Swap beans for cauliflower florets and reduce tomato quantity to lower carbohydrate content while keeping soup's nutritional profile.
• Spicy Mediterranean Variation: Add red pepper flakes, swap thyme for oregano, and include diced roasted red peppers for a zesty Mediterranean-inspired rendition.

Serving Suggestions for Sausage Kale Soup

• Rustic Bread Companion: Slice crusty sourdough or Italian bread, toasted and rubbed with garlic, perfect for dipping into the rich soup broth.
• Cheese Sprinkle Magic: Top each bowl with freshly grated parmesan or pecorino romano cheese for an extra layer of savory depth and creamy texture.
• Winter Warmth Bowl: Pair with a small side salad of mixed greens dressed in light vinaigrette to balance the hearty soup's robust flavors and add freshness to the meal.
• Protein Power Boost: Consider adding a soft-boiled egg on top for additional protein and a luxurious creamy element that complements the sausage and kale.

How to Store Leftover Soup the Smart Way

• – Refrigerate Quickly cool the soup to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. Properly stored, it will keep fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• – Freeze Wisely Portion the soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring best flavor and texture when sealed tightly.
• – Reheat Gently Warm the soup slowly over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of broth if the soup seems too thick when reheating.
• – Prevent Soggy Ingredients Store kale and beans separately from the broth if possible to maintain their texture when reheating. Add fresh herbs just before serving for a bright, fresh flavor.

FAQs

• What type of sausage works best for this soup?

Italian sausage is ideal, with its herbs and spices adding deep flavor. Remove casings for better integration into the soup.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, substitute sausage with plant-based sausage or extra beans. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for full vegetarian version.

• Is this soup nutritious?

Absolutely! Kale provides high vitamins A, K, and C. Beans offer protein and fiber. Sausage adds protein, and the combination creates a nutrient-dense meal.

• How can I make the soup spicier?

Add red pepper flakes while cooking sausage or include a diced jalapeño with onions. Hot Italian sausage also increases heat level.

Sausage Kale Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Sausage Kale Soup delivers comfort in a bowl, blending Italian sausage’s rich flavors with earthy kale and creamy potatoes. Warm spices and rustic ingredients create a satisfying meal that will transport diners to a cozy kitchen in Tuscany.

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Ingredients

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Base Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
• 1 pound (454 grams) Italian sausage, removed from casing
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Vegetables & Beans:

• 2 cups chopped kale
• 1 can (14 ounces / 400 grams) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (14 ounces / 400 grams) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

Liquid & Seasonings:

• 4 cups (950 ml) chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) dried thyme
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a spacious pot over medium heat, browning italian sausage thoroughly while crumbling with a wooden spoon, approximately 5-7 minutes until meat develops rich caramelization.
2. Incorporate diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and fragrant, roughly 3-4 minutes.
3. Pour chicken broth into the pot, adding fire-roasted tomatoes, chopped kale, cannellini beans, dried thyme, kosher salt, and fresh cracked pepper. Stir ingredients to blend evenly.
4. Elevate heat momentarily, allowing mixture to reach a robust boil, then immediately reduce temperature to low-medium simmer.
5. Cover pot and let soup gently simmer for 20-25 minutes, allowing kale to tenderize and flavors to harmonize.
6. Once kale becomes soft and ingredients are thoroughly heated, remove from stove and ladle into warm serving bowls.
7. Optionally garnish with fresh parsley or grated parmesan cheese before presenting to create additional depth and visual appeal.

Notes

• Swap hot Italian sausage for mild version if you prefer less spice or want a kid-friendly meal.
• Remove casing from sausage for smoother texture and easier cooking, allowing meat to blend seamlessly with other ingredients.
• Use gluten-free broth and check bean labels to make recipe completely gluten-free for sensitive diets.
• Chop kale into smaller pieces to ensure faster cooking and more even distribution throughout soup, creating balanced bites with every spoonful.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 16 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg