When cold weather hits, nothing brings comfort quite like a warm bowl of Hearty Sausage Soup with Potatoes, Beans, and Kale. This dish is a celebration of flavors and textures, combining seared beef smoked sausage, tender diced potatoes, and the earthy taste of kale. Each spoonful is a warm embrace, making this soup a go-to recipe for chilly evenings. Not only is it rich and satisfying, but it also represents a complete meal in a bowl, providing a balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fiber—all essential for a cozy night in.
The beauty of this Hearty Sausage Soup lies in its simplicity. With minimal prep and cooking time, you can have a nutritious meal on the table in under an hour. Plus, it’s easily customizable; you can swap out ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Whether it’s the savory depth of the sausage or the lightness added by the kale, every bite is sure to have your taste buds dancing. So, gather your ingredients, and let’s dive into this delightful recipe that will definitely warm you from the inside out.
Why You’ll Love This Hearty Sausage Soup
- Comforting and Satisfying: A complete meal packed with protein, fiber, and flavor.
- Quick preparation: This soup can be ready to serve in less than an hour.
- Versatile ingredients: Easy to adapt based on what you have in your pantry.
- Perfect for meal prep: Store leftovers for a quick lunch or dinner.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before you start cooking, ensuring your kitchen is organized will make the process much smoother. Begin by gathering all your ingredients on the counter: beef smoked sausage, potatoes, navy beans, kale, onion, garlic, and spices. Prepare your vegetables first—dice the potatoes, chop the kale, and mince the garlic. Set these aside in separate bowls for easy access during cooking.
For the tools, you will need a large soup pot to hold all the ingredients, a sharp knife for chopping, and a cutting board. Additionally, having measuring spoons handy will help ensure you add the right amount of spices. Don’t forget a ladle for serving and some bowls to enjoy this delicious soup!
Ingredients
- 1 (14 oz) package beef smoked sausage, sliced into bite-size rounds
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½–1 tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp ground white pepper
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 small russet potatoes, peeled and diced (~½” cubes)
- 6 cups chicken stock or broth (or beef/vegetable stock)
- 2 (15 oz) cans navy beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups roughly chopped kale
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ tsp lemon juice
Instructions
Step 1: Prep Ingredients
Start by preparing all your ingredients to ensure a smooth cooking process. Begin with dicing the potatoes into bite-sized pieces – about half an inch cubes work well. This size will allow the potatoes to cook evenly and blend perfectly with the other ingredients. Next, chop the kale into manageable pieces and mince the garlic. Don’t forget to slice your beef smoked sausage into rounds, making it easier to brown in the pot.
Step 2: Sear Sausage
Heat a large soup pot over medium-high heat—there’s no need to add oil since the sausage will release its own fat. Once the pot is hot, place the sausage slices in a single layer. Allow them to sear for a few minutes without stirring, which helps to develop a nice brown crust. Flip them occasionally until they are browned all over; this step adds depth to the soup’s flavor.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
Once the sausage is perfectly browned, add the diced onion to the pot along with the Italian seasoning, black pepper, and white pepper. Cook this mixture, stirring occasionally, until the onions turn translucent and soft. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Add the minced garlic towards the end of this cooking period, sautéing for an additional minute to release its aromatic qualities without burning it.
Step 4: Add Potatoes & Broth
Now it’s time to bring the heart of the soup into play. Stir in the diced potatoes, ensuring they are coated with all the flavorful goodness from the pot. Next, pour in the chicken stock or broth, bringing everything to a simmer. Allow the soup to cook gently for about 12 minutes, partially covered, which helps to retain moisture while preventing splatter.
Step 5: Add Beans
After the initial simmer, it’s time to incorporate the navy beans. Carefully stir them into the pot, allowing the soup to continue simmering for an additional 10 minutes. This will let the flavors meld together beautifully while the potatoes become tender and inviting.
Step 6: Finish with Greens & Herbs
With your soup simmering away, it’s time to add the last touches. Remove the pot from heat and gently stir in the chopped kale, fresh parsley, and a splash of lemon juice. The heat will wilt the kale while preserving its bright color and nutritional benefits. Give it a final stir and let the mixture sit for a few minutes before serving; this allows all the flavors to come together harmoniously.
Variations
- Protein: Try using turkey sausage for a leaner option or even vegan sausage for a vegetarian dish.
- Vegetables: Feel free to add carrots and celery for more texture and flavor. Peas also work great for a pop of sweetness.
- Spices: Experiment with adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat or smoked paprika for an extra layer of flavor.
Cooking Notes
- For a creamier soup, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end.
- If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a slice of crusty bread or a warm baguette for dipping.
- A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese can enhance the flavors significantly.
Tips
- Make use of leftovers by storing the soup in airtight containers; it will taste even better the next day!
- When making large batches, consider freezing portions for quick future meals. Just be sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 350 per serving
- Protein: 22 grams
- Sodium: 900 mg
FAQs
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! Hearty Sausage Soup can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors continue to develop and intensify over time, making it even tastier!
Can I use different beans?
Yes! While navy beans are a great choice for this recipe, you could also use black beans or pinto beans if preferred.
Is this soup gluten-free?
The ingredients in this soup are gluten-free, but always check the labels on your broth and sausage to ensure there are no added gluten ingredients.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Of course! Simply swap the sausage for a vegetarian alternative and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious vegetarian soup.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this Hearty Sausage Soup with Potatoes, Beans, and Kale is not just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl that will warm you up on the coldest days. Its blend of savory and hearty ingredients creates a satisfying experience that is sure to please your entire family. Don’t forget to comment below to share your thoughts, or try out different variations to make this recipe your own. Share it with friends or family, and enjoy a delightful experience that’s as cozy as it is delicious!
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Hearty Sausage Soup with Potatoes, Beans, and Kale
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Hearty Sausage Soup with Potatoes, Beans, and Kale is a warm embrace on chilly evenings, combining delightful flavors and essential nutrients.
Ingredients
- 1 (14 oz) package beef smoked sausage, sliced into bite-size rounds
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½–1 tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp ground white pepper
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 small russet potatoes, peeled and diced (~½” cubes)
- 6 cups chicken stock or broth (or beef/vegetable stock)
- 2 (15 oz) cans navy beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups roughly chopped kale
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ tsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Start by preparing all your ingredients to ensure a smooth cooking process. Begin with dicing the potatoes into bite-sized pieces – about half an inch cubes work well. This size will allow the potatoes to cook evenly and blend perfectly with the other ingredients. Next, chop the kale into manageable pieces and mince the garlic. Don’t forget to slice your beef smoked sausage into rounds, making it easier to brown in the pot.
- Heat a large soup pot over medium-high heat—there’s no need to add oil since the sausage will release its own fat. Once the pot is hot, place the sausage slices in a single layer. Allow them to sear for a few minutes without stirring, which helps to develop a nice brown crust. Flip them occasionally until they are browned all over; this step adds depth to the soup’s flavor.
- Once the sausage is perfectly browned, add the diced onion to the pot along with the Italian seasoning, black pepper, and white pepper. Cook this mixture, stirring occasionally, until the onions turn translucent and soft. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Add the minced garlic towards the end of this cooking period, sautéing for an additional minute to release its aromatic qualities without burning it.
- Now it’s time to bring the heart of the soup into play. Stir in the diced potatoes, ensuring they are coated with all the flavorful goodness from the pot. Next, pour in the chicken stock or broth, bringing everything to a simmer. Allow the soup to cook gently for about 12 minutes, partially covered, which helps to retain moisture while preventing splatter.
- After the initial simmer, it’s time to incorporate the navy beans. Carefully stir them into the pot, allowing the soup to continue simmering for an additional 10 minutes. This will let the flavors meld together beautifully while the potatoes become tender and inviting.
- With your soup simmering away, it’s time to add the last touches. Remove the pot from heat and gently stir in the chopped kale, fresh parsley, and a splash of lemon juice. The heat will wilt the kale while preserving its bright color and nutritional benefits. Give it a final stir and let the mixture sit for a few minutes before serving; this allows all the flavors to come together harmoniously.
Notes
For a creamier soup, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end. If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
Nutrition
- Calories: Approximately 350 per serving
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Protein: 22 g