Hate Leftovers? Try this Delicious Kale Sausage Soup

Okay, friends, let me tell you about my *absolute FAVORITE* soup for a chilly evening: kale sausage soup! Seriously, this isn’t just any soup; it’s a bowl of pure comfort, packed with flavor and goodness. I’ve been making this recipe for years, tweaking it here and there until it’s become the *perfect* balance of hearty and healthy. What’s my secret? It’s all about the sausage and the kale…trust me!

I first threw this together on a whim, you know, one of those nights where you’re staring into the fridge thinking, “Ugh, what am I gonna make?” I had some Italian sausage, a bunch of kale that was about to turn, and a serious craving for something warm and satisfying. The result? Magic! My family went absolutely bonkers for it, and it’s been a staple ever since. And honestly, even *I* get surprised at how easy it is to whip up a big ol’ pot of this kale sausage soup!

Why You’ll Love This Kale Sausage Soup

A Quick and Easy Kale Sausage Soup Recipe

Perfect for Weeknight Dinners

Look, I get it. Weeknights are *crazy*. That’s why I adore this kale sausage soup. It’s honestly ready faster than you can order takeout! I’m talking minimal chopping, one pot, and BAM! Dinner is served! You’ll be amazed at how quickly this comes together. Seriously, *anyone* can make this, even if you’re like me and sometimes burn water, ha!

Flavorful and Hearty Kale Sausage Soup

Forget bland, boring soup! This kale sausage soup is bursting with flavor. The Italian sausage gives it a savory kick, the kale adds a touch of earthy bitterness, and the beans make it super satisfying. My favorite part is that it’s so hearty, it’ll fill you right up. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, ya know?

A Healthy and Nutritious Kale Sausage Soup Option

Okay, so it tastes amazing, but it’s also good *for* you! Kale is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with vitamins and antioxidants. Plus, the beans add fiber and protein to keep you going. So, you can feel good about serving this kale sausage soup to your family…and sneaking in an extra bowl for yourself! Don’t worry, I won’t tell!

Ingredients for the Best Kale Sausage Soup

The Foundation: Vegetables and Aromatics

Alright, let’s talk ingredients! First up, the veggies and aromatics – these are *key* to building that delicious flavor base. You’ll want one medium onion, finely diced (about 1/4-inch pieces, don’t stress too much!), and six *big* cloves of garlic, pressed or minced. Trust me, don’t skimp on the garlic! We’re also gonna need a good pinch of salt and pepper, plus about 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning. I usually just eyeball it, but that’s a good starting point.

The Protein: Italian Sausage

Now for the star of the show: Italian sausage! I usually use about a pound of Italian sausage links – the kind you find in the refrigerated section. Make sure you remove the casings! You can use mild or hot, depending on how much of a kick you want. Personally, I’m a *huge* fan of the hot, but my kids are wimps, lol! Just break it up into crumbles as it cooks – easy peasy!

The Heart of the Soup: Potatoes, Tomatoes, and Beans

Next up, we need to add some heartiness! Grab one medium russet potato, peeled and diced into about 1/2-inch pieces. Don’t worry about being perfect, rustic is good! Then, you’ll need one can (14.5 ounces) of diced tomatoes – I usually just grab the regular kind, but fire-roasted would be amazing too! Don’t drain them, we want that juice! And finally, two cans (15.5 ounces each) of navy beans, drained and rinsed. I always rinse them *really* well to get rid of any extra starch.

The Greens and Broth: Kale, Parsley, and Chicken Stock

Okay, almost there! For the greens, you’ll need one bunch of kale, chopped. That’s usually about 7 cups, but again, don’t stress about being exact. I like to use curly kale, but Tuscan (lacinato) kale works great too. Just make sure you remove the tough stems! A tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley adds a nice little pop of freshness. And for the broth, six cups of chicken stock – I usually go for low-sodium so I can control the salt myself.

Finishing Touches

Almost forgot the finishing touches! A small squeeze of lemon juice at the end (optional, but *highly* recommended!) really brightens up the whole soup. And of course, shaved or grated Parmigiano-Reggiano for garnish. Because, let’s be honest, everything’s better with cheese! Seriously, don’t skip the parm!

How to Prepare Delicious Kale Sausage Soup: Step-by-Step Instructions

Sautéing the Aromatics and Sausage

Alright, let’s get cooking! First, grab your largest soup pot (the bigger, the better!) and heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, toss in your diced onion, along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté that until the onion softens up and starts to turn translucent – about 5 minutes or so. You don’t want it to brown too much!

Next, add in your Italian sausage (remember, casings removed!). Break it up with a spoon and cook until it’s cooked through and nicely browned. This usually takes about 7-10 minutes. Then, add your pressed or minced garlic, along with the Italian seasoning, another pinch of salt, and a little more pepper. Stir it all around until it smells *amazing* – the garlic should be aromatic, but careful, don’t let it burn! That’s usually about 30 seconds to a minute.

Building the Soup Base

Now comes the easy part! Add in your diced potato, diced tomatoes (with the juice!), and navy beans. Give it all a good stir to get everything mixed together. Then, pour in your chicken stock and stir it one more time. That’s it for now!

Simmering for Flavor

Bring the soup to a simmer or a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low or medium-low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 20-22 minutes, or until the potatoes are nice and tender. This is *crucial* for developing all those delicious flavors, so don’t rush it! Plus, covering the pot helps keep the moisture in.

Adding the Kale and Finishing Touches

Turn off the heat. Now, add in your chopped kale, parsley, and a squeeze of lemon juice (if you’re using it). Stir it all together until the kale wilts down – this only takes a minute or two. The heat from the soup will do the trick!

Give it a taste and check the seasoning. Add more salt and pepper if needed – don’t be shy! I also like to add an additional drizzle of olive oil at the end for extra richness. It just makes it *that* much better, trust me!

Serving Your Kale Sausage Soup

Finally, the best part: serving! Ladle that glorious kale sausage soup into bowls and top with a generous sprinkle of shaved or grated Parmigiano-Reggiano. And don’t forget a side of warm, crusty bread for dipping! Seriously, you *need* the bread. It’s the perfect way to soak up all that delicious broth. Enjoy!

Tips for the Perfect Kale Sausage Soup Every Time

Choosing the Right Sausage

Okay, so the type of sausage you use can *totally* change the flavor profile of your kale sausage soup. Like I said before, I usually go for Italian sausage, but there are so many options! Sweet Italian sausage will give you a milder flavor, while hot Italian sausage will add a nice kick. You could even use a different kind of sausage altogether! Chorizo would be *amazing*, or even a smoked sausage for a totally different vibe. Just experiment and see what you like best! It’s all about making it *your* own!

Don’t Overcook the Kale

This is a big one! Overcooked kale can get bitter and kinda slimy, and nobody wants that! The *key* is to add the kale at the very end, after you’ve turned off the heat. The residual heat from the soup will wilt it perfectly in just a minute or two. You want it to be tender, but still have a little bit of bite. Trust me on this one, it makes all the difference!

Adjusting the Soup’s Consistency

Sometimes you want a thick and hearty soup, and sometimes you want something a little lighter. The great thing about this kale sausage soup is that you can easily adjust the consistency to your liking. If you want to thicken it up, you can mash some of the potatoes with a fork or spoon right in the pot. Or, you could stir in a tablespoon or two of flour or cornstarch mixed with a little cold water. If you want to thin it out, just add a little more chicken stock until it reaches your desired consistency. Easy peasy!

Kale Sausage Soup Variations to Try

Spicy Kale Sausage Soup

Okay, so you want to kick things up a notch? I *totally* get it! If you’re a spice lover like me, try adding a pinch (or a hefty dash!) of red pepper flakes to your kale sausage soup while it’s simmering. You can also add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce right before serving. My personal fave? A little bit of sriracha always does the trick! Just be careful not to add *too* much, unless you want your mouth to be on fire, haha!

Creamy Kale Sausage Soup

Want a richer, more decadent kale sausage soup? I’ve got you covered! Stir in about a half cup of heavy cream or half-and-half at the very end, after you’ve turned off the heat. This will give it a super creamy and luxurious texture. If you’re dairy-free, you can use coconut milk instead! It adds a subtle sweetness that’s *amazing* with the sausage and kale. Just make sure you use full-fat coconut milk for the best results.

Serving Suggestions for Your Kale Sausage Soup

Bread Options

Okay, listen, you *cannot* eat this kale sausage soup without some kind of bread on the side. It’s just not right! My go-to is always a crusty loaf of Italian bread, perfect for dipping and soaking up all that delicious broth. You could also do garlic bread for an extra garlicky kick (because, why not?!). Or, if you’re feeling fancy, try some grilled crostini drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with herbs. Seriously, any kind of bread will work, as long as it’s good for dunking!

Salad Pairing

If you want to make it a *complete* meal, a simple salad on the side is always a good idea. A basic green salad with a light vinaigrette is perfect, or you could go for a Caesar salad for something a little richer. My personal favorite? A simple arugula salad with lemon juice, olive oil, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. It’s light, refreshing, and it complements the kale sausage soup perfectly! Plus, it adds a little extra green to your plate, which is always a good thing, right?

Storing and Reheating Your Kale Sausage Soup

Storing Leftovers

Okay, so you’ve made a big batch of this amazing kale sausage soup (good for you!), and now you’ve got leftovers. No problem! Just let the soup cool down completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. I usually use a big Tupperware container, but a glass jar works too! Just make sure it’s sealed tight to keep it fresh.

Pop it in the fridge, and it’ll keep for about 3-4 days. Honestly, it tastes even *better* the next day, after all the flavors have had a chance to meld together. It’s like magic, I swear!

Reheating Instructions

When you’re ready to enjoy your leftover kale sausage soup, you’ve got a couple of options. If you’re not in a hurry, the best way is to reheat it on the stovetop. Just pour the soup into a pot and heat it over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s nice and hot. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes.

If you’re short on time (we’ve all been there!), you can also reheat it in the microwave. Just pour a serving into a microwave-safe bowl and heat it on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Be careful, it can get *really* hot! And sometimes it splatters, so watch out!

Frequently Asked Questions About Kale Sausage Soup

Can I use a different type of sausage in this kale sausage soup?

Absolutely! Like I mentioned earlier, the sausage is where you can really customize this kale sausage soup to your liking. If you’re not a fan of Italian sausage, or you just want to try something different, go for it! Chicken sausage is a great option – it’s lighter and leaner, but still packed with flavor. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, try chorizo or even a smoked sausage. Just remember that different sausages will have different flavor profiles, so adjust your seasonings accordingly. Have fun with it!

Can I freeze this kale sausage soup?

You betcha! This kale sausage soup freezes beautifully, which is awesome for meal prepping or just having a quick and easy dinner on hand. Just let the soup cool down completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. Make sure you leave a little bit of space at the top, because the soup will expand as it freezes. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, just thaw it in the fridge overnight, or pop it straight into a pot and heat it over low heat until it’s warmed through. Easy peasy!

How can I make this kale sausage soup vegetarian?

Good question! It’s totally doable to make this kale sausage soup vegetarian (or even vegan!). Just skip the sausage, obviously! To replace the savory flavor and heartiness that the sausage provides, try adding some smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke. You can also add some extra veggies, like mushrooms or zucchini, and/or some more beans, like cannellini beans or great northern beans. Also, make sure you’re using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Trust me, it’ll be just as delicious!

Nutritional Information for Kale Sausage Soup

Okay, so everyone always asks about the nutrition, right? So, here’s the deal: I’m not a nutritionist, so this is just a *rough* estimate, okay? Based on the ingredients I use, one serving (about 1.5 cups) of this kale sausage soup clocks in at around:

• Calories: 350
• Fat: 20g
• Protein: 20g
• Carbs: 25g

But remember, this can totally vary depending on the type of sausage you use, how much olive oil you drizzle in, and whether or not you load it up with Parmigiano-Reggiano (and let’s be real, you probably do!). So, take it with a grain of salt (or, you know, a sprinkle of Parmesan!).

Enjoyed This Kale Sausage Soup?

So, did you try this kale sausage soup? I *really* hope you loved it as much as my family does! If you did, I’d be *so* grateful if you could leave a comment below and let me know what you thought. Did you make any fun tweaks? What kind of sausage did you use? I’m always looking for new ideas!

And hey, if you’re feeling extra generous, a five-star rating would make my day! It helps other people find this recipe, and it lets me know that I’m on the right track. Plus, it just makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside, haha!

Oh, and one more thing! If you’re on social media, I’d *love* it if you shared a picture of your kale sausage soup creation! Tag me so I can see it. Seriously, nothing makes me happier than seeing people enjoying my recipes!

Print