Name: Sausage Kale Sweet Potato Soup: A Delicious & Healthy Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 6-8 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or hot, casings removed); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes; 1 large onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 6 cups chicken broth; 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained; 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 6 cups chopped kale (stems removed); Salt and pepper to taste; Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Sausage kale sweet potato soup: just the name conjures up images of cozy evenings, doesn't it? Imagine a bowl brimming with vibrant colors and savory aromas, a comforting hug in a bowl that warms you from the inside out. This isn't just any soup; it's a symphony of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.

While its exact origins are debated, hearty soups like this one have been a staple in many cultures for centuries. Root vegetables like sweet potatoes and leafy greens like kale have long been prized for their nutritional value and ability to sustain communities through colder months. The addition of sausage elevates the dish, adding a rich, savory depth that transforms simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece.

What makes sausage kale sweet potato soup so irresistible? It's the perfect balance of sweet and savory, the satisfying chew of the sausage against the tender sweet potato, and the slightly bitter bite of the kale. It's also incredibly convenient! This one-pot wonder is easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Plus, it's packed with nutrients, making it a healthy and delicious choice for the whole family. I find that the versatility of this soup is also a huge draw; you can easily adapt it to your liking by adding different vegetables, spices, or even a touch of cream for extra richness. Get ready to discover your new favorite soup!

Ingredients:

1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or hot, casings removed)
1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
6 cups chicken broth
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
6 cups chopped kale (stems removed)
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Preparing the Sausage and Vegetables

First, let's get started by browning our sausage. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it's browned and cooked through. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to crumble it well so you don't have big chunks in your soup.
Once the sausage is browned, remove it from the pot with a slotted spoon and set it aside. Leave any rendered fat in the pot – this will add tons of flavor to our soup!
Now, add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until it's softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent it from burning. We want it to be nice and soft so it blends well into the soup.
Next, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. The aroma should be amazing at this point!
Add the diced sweet potato to the pot and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it starts to soften slightly. This will give the sweet potato a head start on cooking and ensure it's tender in the final soup.

Building the Soup

Now it's time to build the base of our soup. Pour in the chicken broth and add the can of diced tomatoes (undrained). Stir to combine all the ingredients.
Add the dried Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes (if using) to the pot. These spices will add a wonderful depth of flavor to the soup. The red pepper flakes will give it a little kick, so adjust the amount to your preference.
Return the browned sausage to the pot. Stir everything together well.
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender. This simmering time allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Adding the Kale and Finishing Touches

After the sweet potatoes are tender, add the chopped kale to the pot. Stir it in and cook until the kale is wilted, about 5 minutes. Don't overcook the kale, as it can become bitter. We want it to be tender but still have a little bit of texture.
Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Be sure to taste it and adjust the seasoning as needed. Remember that the sausage and broth already contain some salt, so start with a small amount and add more as needed.
And that's it! Your Sausage, Kale, and Sweet Potato Soup is ready to serve.

Serving Suggestions

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dollop of Greek yogurt would also be delicious additions. This soup is hearty and satisfying on its own, but you can also serve it with a side of crusty bread for dipping.

Tips and Variations

Spice it up: If you like a spicier soup, use hot Italian sausage or add more red pepper flakes. You could even add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Add beans: For extra protein and fiber, add a can of drained and rinsed cannellini beans or kidney beans to the soup along with the kale.
Use different greens: If you don't have kale, you can substitute spinach, collard greens, or Swiss chard. Just be aware that spinach will wilt much faster than kale, so add it at the very end of the cooking process.
Make it vegetarian: To make this soup vegetarian, omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add a can of chickpeas or lentils for protein.
Slow cooker option: This soup can easily be made in a slow cooker. Simply combine all the ingredients (except the kale) in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Add the kale during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Freezing instructions: This soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Adjusting the thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the sweet potatoes with a fork or use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup. Be careful not to over-blend it, as you still want it to have some texture.
Adding other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the soup, such as carrots, celery, or zucchini. Just add them along with the sweet potatoes.
Using different types of sausage: While Italian sausage is a classic choice for this soup, you can also use other types of sausage, such as chorizo or kielbasa. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving):

Note: Nutritional information can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Calories: 350-450
Protein: 20-25g
Fat: 20-25g
Carbohydrates: 25-35g
Fiber: 5-7g

Enjoy your delicious and healthy Sausage, Kale, and Sweet Potato Soup! I hope you love it as much as I do!

Conclusion:

This Sausage, Kale, and Sweet Potato Soup isn't just another recipe; it's a warm hug in a bowl, a vibrant explosion of flavors, and a nutritional powerhouse all rolled into one. I truly believe this is a must-try recipe for anyone looking for a comforting, healthy, and satisfying meal. The sweetness of the potatoes perfectly complements the savory sausage, while the kale adds a delightful earthy note and a boost of vitamins. It's a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you feeling nourished and content. But the best part? It's incredibly versatile! Feel free to experiment with different types of sausage. Spicy Italian sausage will add a kick, while chicken or turkey sausage will keep things lighter. If you're not a fan of kale, spinach or collard greens work beautifully as substitutes. For a vegetarian option, simply omit the sausage and add a can of drained and rinsed chickpeas or white beans for added protein and texture. You could even throw in some diced carrots or celery for extra veggies. Serving suggestions are endless! A dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream adds a creamy tang. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes provides a touch of heat. And a crusty piece of bread, perfect for soaking up all that delicious broth, is an absolute must. For a more substantial meal, serve it alongside a grilled cheese sandwich or a simple salad. This soup also freezes incredibly well, making it perfect for meal prepping or those busy weeknights when you need a quick and easy dinner. Just let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. I've poured my heart into perfecting this recipe, and I'm confident that you'll love it as much as I do. It's a simple, straightforward process that yields incredible results. The aroma that fills your kitchen as it simmers is simply divine, and the first spoonful will transport you to a place of pure comfort and satisfaction. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get cooking! I promise you won't regret it. This Sausage, Kale, and Sweet Potato Soup is destined to become a staple in your household, a go-to recipe for chilly evenings, potlucks, or any time you're craving a hearty and wholesome meal. I'm so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the magic for yourself. Once you've had a chance to whip it up, please, please, please come back and share your experience! Let me know what variations you tried, what you loved most about it, and any tips or tricks you discovered along the way. Your feedback is invaluable, and I can't wait to hear all about your culinary adventures. Happy cooking! I am sure that this Sausage, Kale, and Sweet Potato Soup will become a family favorite.