Creamy Sausage & Kale Soup

Why Make This Recipe

Creamy Sausage & Kale Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for chilly days. The rich flavors from the Italian sausage combined with the nutritious kale make this soup not just delicious, but also packed with nutrition. Plus, it’s simple to prepare and is a great way to feed a crowd or enjoy leftovers later.

How to Make Creamy Sausage & Kale Soup

Ingredients

• 1½ lbs Italian sausage (mild or a mix of mild & hot)
• 1 large onion, chopped
• ¼ to ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 3 cups whole milk
• 2 lbs russet potatoes, sliced into ¼-inch thick coins
• 1 large bunch kale (about 5 cups), stems removed, leaves chopped
• 2 cups heavy cream
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Extra Parmesan cheese, for garnish

Directions

1. In a large soup pot, cook the sausage over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon.
2. Add onions, salt, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 7-10 minutes until the sausage is browned.
3. Stir in the garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Turn off the heat and drain excess grease from the pot.
5. Return the pot to heat, stir in flour, and cook for 1 minute.
6. Slowly add chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
7. Gradually pour in the whole milk, keeping the mixture smooth.
8. Add sliced potatoes and bring the soup to a low boil over medium heat.
9. Simmer for 20 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
10. Stir in chopped kale and mix gently.
11. Pour in heavy cream, stirring lightly to avoid breaking the potatoes.
12. Reduce heat to low and cook for 15 minutes, until the kale is wilted.
13. Stir in Parmesan cheese and season with additional salt and black pepper to taste.
14. Ladle into bowls and garnish with extra shredded Parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper. Enjoy!

How to Serve Creamy Sausage & Kale Soup

Serve this soup hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of black pepper. It goes well with crusty bread or a fresh salad on the side. This soup is also great for lunch or as a light dinner.

How to Store Creamy Sausage & Kale Soup

To store any leftovers, let the soup cool completely. Pour it into an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay good for about 3 to 4 days. You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Just remember to allow it to thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Tips to Make Creamy Sausage & Kale Soup

• For a spicy kick, use hot Italian sausage.
• Make sure to chop the kale into small pieces for better texture in the soup.
• If you prefer a thicker soup, add an extra tablespoon of flour.
• Remember to taste the soup before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed.

Variation

You can customize this soup by adding other vegetables like carrots or celery for extra flavor and nutrition. You could also substitute the kale with spinach or swiss chard if you prefer.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes, you can use any type of sausage you like. Turkey sausage is a lighter option.

How can I make this soup dairy-free?
Use coconut milk instead of whole milk and heavy cream, and substitute nutritional yeast for Parmesan.

Can I use frozen kale?
Yes, frozen kale can be added directly to the soup. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time since it might take less time to cook through.