Hey fellow food lovers! Nyla here, and let me tell you about a weeknight winner that’s about to become your new obsession: sausage sweet potato kale soup! Picture this: sweet, savory, smoky flavors all dancing together in a bowl of pure comfort. This isn’t just a soup; it’s a flavor adventure that turns any meal into something special.
I’m so excited to share this recipe because it’s one of those dishes that came about from needing a quick dinner fix that didn’t sacrifice on taste. You know those nights, right? When you want something delicious but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? Well, that’s how my sausage sweet potato kale soup was born!
It’s a happy medium between healthy and hearty. It’s packed with nutrients, super satisfying, and tastes absolutely amazing. Seriously, the first time I made this, I knew I had struck gold. Ready to experience this delicious magic? Let’s get cooking!
INGREDIENTS You Need
This sausage sweet potato kale soup ingredient list is all about bold flavors that actually work together! Don’t be intimidated by the combination; trust me, it’s a flavor explosion in every spoonful. Cooking should be fun, so feel free to adjust things to your taste.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound Italian sausage: You can use sweet or hot sausage, depending on your spice preference.
- 1 large sweet potato: Peeled and diced into bite-sized pieces.
- 1 bunch kale: Washed, stemmed, and chopped. Spinach works great too in this sausage sweet potato kale soup!
- 1 yellow onion: Diced.
- 2 cloves garlic: Minced. This sausage sweet potato kale soup gets its amazing taste from the garlic!
- 4 cups chicken broth: Low sodium is best, so you can control the saltiness.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: This is my sausage sweet potato kale soup secret that takes it from good to incredible.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes: For a little kick (optional).
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Because every good soup needs a little seasoning love!
Ingredient swaps? Absolutely! If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika will work. And like I mentioned before, spinach is a great substitute for kale. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make this sweet potato sausage soup your own.
Storage tips? Store any leftover sausage sweet potato kale soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It tastes even better the next day because the flavors have had time to meld together!
Let’s Make Some!
This is my favorite part of making sausage sweet potato kale soup – watch the delicious magic happen! Don’t worry if you’re a kitchen newbie; this recipe is super straightforward and easy to follow. I’ve got your back!
- First, heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. This is where the magic starts happening! It takes about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Your sausage sweet potato kale soup should smell absolutely incredible right now!
- Stir in the diced sweet potato, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps to coat the sweet potatoes in all that flavorful goodness.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender. In my kitchen, this sausage sweet potato kale soup usually takes about 18 minutes to get the sweet potatoes just right.
- Add the chopped kale and cook until wilted, about 3-5 minutes. Don’t worry if your sausage sweet potato kale soup looks a little too green at first; the kale will shrink down as it cooks.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember, taste as you go and adjust the seasonings to your preference.
- Serve hot and enjoy! Maybe with some crusty bread for dipping? While your sausage sweet potato kale soup is doing its thing, get ready for some amazing aromas!
Cooking discoveries? I once accidentally added a splash of apple cider vinegar to my sweet potato sausage soup, and it was AMAZING! The acidity balanced out the sweetness perfectly. Happy accidents are the best!
How to Serve Up This!
People literally do happy dances when this sausage sweet potato kale soup hits the table with a side of crusty bread and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese! I love to enjoy this soup as a hearty lunch or a satisfying dinner.
Bold flavor pairings? This sausage sweet potato kale soup pairs perfectly with a simple side salad with a bright vinaigrette. I also love serving it with grilled cheese sandwiches for the ultimate comfort food experience. This sweet potato sausage soup is perfect for those weeknight dinners that need to be special!
Perfect occasions? This soup is ideal for cozy nights in, potlucks with friends, or even a game day gathering. It’s also a great way to use up any leftover sausage or sweet potatoes you have in the fridge.
Presentation ideas? Serve this sausage sweet potato kale soup in a rustic bowl and garnish with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives also adds a pop of color.
Creative leftover transformations? Turn leftover soup into a sausage sweet potato kale recipe casserole! Mix the soup with cooked rice and cheese, then bake until bubbly and golden brown. You can also use it as a filling for stuffed peppers.
Fusion variations? I’ve experimented with adding a can of coconut milk to my sausage sweet potato kale soup for a Thai-inspired twist. The coconut milk adds a creamy sweetness that complements the other flavors beautifully.
FAQs:
Will kitchen newbies succeed with this sausage sweet potato kale soup? Absolutely! This recipe is super forgiving and easy to follow. If you can chop veggies and brown sausage, you can make this soup. I promise!
What if I mess up my sausage sweet potato kale soup? (Spoiler: it’ll still taste incredible!) Honestly, it’s hard to mess this one up. If you accidentally add too much salt, add a squeeze of lemon juice to balance it out. Cooking is all about experimenting and having fun!
How can I prep this sausage sweet potato kale soup for busy weeknights? Chop all the veggies ahead of time and store them in the fridge. You can also brown the sausage in advance and store it separately. Then, when you’re ready to cook, just throw everything in the pot and simmer!
Can I make this healthy sausage soup in a slow cooker or Instant Pot? You bet! For the slow cooker, brown the sausage and then add all the ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. For the Instant Pot, brown the sausage using the sauté function. Then, add all the ingredients and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Quick release the pressure and you’re good to go! For additional inspiration, check out Slow Cooker (or Instant Pot) Sausage, Kale, and Sweet Potato Soup ….
Is this kale and sausage soup gluten-free and dairy-free? Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free. Just make sure to use gluten-free sausage and chicken broth.
Can I freeze this sausage sweet potato kale soup? Absolutely! Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
What other veggies can I add to this sweet potato kale recipe? Feel free to add other veggies like carrots, celery, or bell peppers. You can also add beans like cannellini beans or chickpeas for extra protein and fiber.
CONCLUSION:
This sausage sweet potato kale soup brings me so much joy because it’s a delicious and easy way to nourish my body and soul. It’s a comfort food classic with a healthy twist, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser.
My sausage sweet potato kale soup Flavor Secrets:
- Smoked paprika is key: It adds a smoky depth of flavor that takes this soup to the next level.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with spices: I love adding a pinch of cumin or coriander for a different flavor profile.
- Taste as you go: Adjust the seasonings to your preference and don’t be afraid to add a little extra salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes.
Some delicious sausage sweet potato kale soup variations I’ve tested:
- Spicy sausage sweet potato kale soup: Use hot Italian sausage and add an extra pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Creamy sausage sweet potato kale soup: Stir in a can of coconut milk or a dollop of sour cream at the end.
- Lemon sausage sweet potato kale soup: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a bright and zesty flavor.
Which occasions call for which versions? The spicy version is perfect for a cold winter night, the creamy version is great for a cozy get-together, and the lemon version is ideal for a light and refreshing lunch. This sausage sweet potato kale soup reminds me of another bold flavor favorite, my Italian sausage and potato soup. Check it out for more comforting flavors!
Fellow food lovers, trust your taste buds and get creative in the kitchen! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to create your own unique version of this sausage sweet potato kale soup. I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the delicious magic for yourself! For more weeknight winners that don’t sacrifice on taste, check out my cheddar garlic herb potato soup.
Ready to experience this bold flavor winner? Let me know how your sausage sweet potato kale soup turns out! I’m cheering you on from my kitchen!
sausage sweet potato kale soup
This hearty sausage, sweet potato, and kale soup is a comforting and nutritious meal perfect for a chilly evening. Packed with flavor and wholesome ingredients, it’s a one-pot wonder that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage, removed from casings
- 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced
- 1 bunch kale, stemmed and chopped
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil
Instructions
- Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside.
- Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
- Add the diced sweet potato, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the sweet potato is tender.
- Stir in the cooked sausage and chopped kale. Cook until the kale is wilted, about 5 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.
Notes
Serve with a dollop of plain Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for added flavor and creaminess.