Hearty Sausage, Potato, and Kale Soup: A Comforting One-Pot Meal

There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm bowl of soup, especially when the weather turns chilly. This Sausage, Potato, and Kale Soup is the perfect remedy for those days. It’s hearty, flavorful, packed with nutrients, and surprisingly easy to make. This recipe is a one-pot wonder, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor. The combination of savory sausage, tender potatoes, and earthy kale creates a symphony of tastes and textures that will leave you feeling satisfied and nourished.

## Why You’ll Love This Soup

* **Easy to Make:** This soup requires minimal effort and is perfect for weeknight dinners.
* **One-Pot Wonder:** Less cleanup is always a win!
* **Hearty and Filling:** Sausage, potatoes, and kale combine to create a satisfying meal.
* **Flavorful:** The combination of spices and ingredients creates a complex and delicious flavor profile.
* **Customizable:** Easily adapt the recipe to your preferences and dietary needs.
* **Nutritious:** Packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
* **Great for Meal Prep:** This soup tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prepping.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather our ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

* **Sausage:** 1 pound of Italian sausage (sweet or hot, your preference). You can also use other types of sausage, such as kielbasa or chorizo.
* **Potatoes:** 2 pounds of Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced. Yukon Gold potatoes hold their shape well and have a creamy texture. Red potatoes are also a good option.
* **Kale:** 1 bunch of kale, stemmed and chopped. Curly kale or Tuscan kale (also known as Lacinato or dinosaur kale) both work well.
* **Onion:** 1 large yellow onion, diced.
* **Garlic:** 4 cloves of garlic, minced.
* **Chicken Broth:** 8 cups of chicken broth (low-sodium is preferred).
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
* **Dried Thyme:** 1 teaspoon of dried thyme.
* **Dried Rosemary:** 1/2 teaspoon of dried rosemary.
* **Red Pepper Flakes:** 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat).
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste.
* **Optional Garnishes:** Fresh parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, crusty bread.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your own delicious Sausage, Potato, and Kale Soup:

1. **Prepare the Sausage:** If using Italian sausage in casings, remove the casings. In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the sausage over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until the sausage is no longer pink and slightly browned. Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside.

2. **Sauté the Vegetables:** Add the olive oil to the pot. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

3. **Add Potatoes and Broth:** Add the diced potatoes to the pot and stir to coat them with the onion and garlic mixture. Pour in the chicken broth, making sure the potatoes are submerged. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

4. **Add Sausage and Spices:** Return the cooked sausage to the pot. Add the dried thyme, dried rosemary, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine.

5. **Add Kale:** Add the chopped kale to the pot and stir it in. Simmer for another 5-10 minutes, or until the kale is tender and wilted. Be careful not to overcook the kale, as it can become bitter.

6. **Adjust Seasoning and Serve:** Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes to your liking. Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, and crusty bread, if desired.

## Tips and Variations

* **Spice it Up:** For a spicier soup, use hot Italian sausage or add more red pepper flakes.
* **Add Beans:** Add a can of drained and rinsed cannellini beans or great northern beans for extra protein and fiber.
* **Use Different Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables, such as carrots, celery, or zucchini.
* **Make it Creamy:** For a creamier soup, stir in a dollop of heavy cream or sour cream before serving.
* **Use Different Greens:** If you don’t like kale, you can substitute spinach or Swiss chard.
* **Make it Vegetarian/Vegan:** Omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
* **Slow Cooker Instructions:** Brown the sausage and sauté the vegetables as directed above. Transfer everything to a slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the kale during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
* **Instant Pot Instructions:** Use the sauté function to brown the sausage and sauté the vegetables as directed above. Add the remaining ingredients. Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 10 minutes. Stir in the kale after releasing the pressure.

## Serving Suggestions

This Sausage, Potato, and Kale Soup is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs well with:

* **Crusty Bread:** For dipping into the delicious broth.
* **Side Salad:** A simple green salad adds a refreshing contrast.
* **Grilled Cheese Sandwich:** A classic pairing for soup.

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerator:** Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Freezer:** Freeze leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

**Q: Can I use frozen kale?**
A: Yes, you can use frozen kale. Thaw it slightly and squeeze out any excess water before adding it to the soup.

**Q: Can I use sweet potatoes instead of Yukon Gold potatoes?**
A: Yes, you can use sweet potatoes. They will add a slightly sweeter flavor to the soup.

**Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?**
A: Absolutely! This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors have had time to meld together.

**Q: My soup is too thick. What can I do?**
A: Add more chicken broth to thin it out.

**Q: My soup is not thick enough. What can I do?**
A: You can mash some of the potatoes to thicken the soup, or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to the simmering soup.

## Recipe Card

**Hearty Sausage, Potato, and Kale Soup**

A comforting and flavorful one-pot meal perfect for chilly days.

**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Cook Time:** 35 minutes
**Total Time:** 50 minutes
**Servings:** 6-8

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or hot), casings removed if necessary
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 large yellow onion, diced
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced
* 8 cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
* 1 bunch kale, stemmed and chopped
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional garnishes: fresh parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, crusty bread

**Instructions:**

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the sausage over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon. Remove and set aside.
2. Add olive oil to the pot. Add onion and cook until softened, 5-7 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
3. Add potatoes and stir to coat. Pour in chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
4. Return sausage to the pot. Add thyme, rosemary, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper.
5. Add kale and simmer for 5-10 minutes, or until kale is tender and wilted.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley, Parmesan cheese, and crusty bread, if desired.

**Notes:**

* For a spicier soup, use hot Italian sausage or add more red pepper flakes.
* Add a can of drained and rinsed cannellini beans for extra protein and fiber.
* Can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or frozen for 2-3 months.

Enjoy this delicious and comforting Sausage, Potato, and Kale Soup! It’s a perfect meal to warm you up from the inside out.