There’s something about a steaming bowl of soup that wraps you up like a cozy blanket on a chilly day. And this creamy sausage kale soup? It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, with rich flavors and just the right amount of spice. It’s my go-to comfort dish, especially when the leaves start turning and pumpkin spice everything floods the stores.
Steps
- Begin by assembling all the necessary ingredients for the soup. Ensure everything is measured and ready to use.
- In a large pot over medium-high heat, break up the sausage into small pieces and cook until it is browned, taking about 10 minutes. Once done, drain the excess grease and discard it.
- Add the half-and-half, cubed potatoes, chicken broth, milk, chopped onion, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes to the pot with the cooked sausage. Stir the mixture well and bring it to a boil.
- Lower the heat and allow the soup to simmer for roughly 30 minutes, or until the potatoes have become tender.
- Season the soup with ground black pepper, and then add the kale. Let it simmer for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the kale is tender.
- Serve the soup hot and enjoy the flavorful combination of ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 pound of bulk Italian sausage
- 4 cups of half-and-half
- 3 cups of potatoes, cubed
- 2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups of whole milk
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- ½ teaspoon of dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon of ground black pepper
- 2 cups of kale, torn into bite-sized pieces
Nutritional Values
Total Calories: 3,192 | Total Fat: 216g | Total Carbohydrates: 192g | Total Protein: 132g | Saturated Fat: 108g | Cholesterol: 600mg | Sodium: 4,692mg | Dietary Fiber: 24g | Total Sugars: 36g | Vitamin C: 276mg | Calcium: 1,944mg | Iron: 12mg | Potassium: 5,856mg
FAQ
- Can I substitute the Italian sausage in the recipe?
- Yes, you can replace the Italian sausage with ground turkey or pork sausage. Some cooks have also experimented with using different types of sausage to suit their taste preferences.
- How can I make this soup creamier?
- To achieve a creamier texture, consider using whipping cream instead of half-and-half. Additionally, you could adjust the ratio of milk and chicken broth or add a little more cream according to your preference.
- What can I do if the soup tastes bland?
- If the soup lacks flavor, try adding salt gradually as you cook. Incorporating additional spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, or fresh herbs like rosemary can also enhance the taste.
- Is it possible to make the soup without dairy?
- Yes, you can make a dairy-free version by substituting the half-and-half and milk with non-dairy alternatives like almond milk or coconut milk. Ensure to adjust the seasoning to complement these flavors.
- Can I prepare this soup using an Instant Pot?
- Absolutely! While the recipe is designed for stovetop cooking, you can adapt it for an Instant Pot. Simply follow the same steps but adjust the cooking time. You may need to sauté the sausage and onions before using the pressure cooking setting to tenderize the potatoes.
Tips
- Enhance Flavor: Brown the onions in some of the sausage fat before adding other ingredients to deepen the flavor. Add the spices to the onions while browning to release and enhance their flavors.
- Adjust Creaminess: If you prefer a less creamy soup, replace some of the dairy with chicken broth. You can also adjust the creaminess by adding half-and-half to individual servings instead of the entire pot.
- Season to Taste: Don’t forget to season with salt throughout the cooking process to avoid a bland soup. Taste and adjust spices to your preference, possibly adding garlic or garlic powder for added depth.
- Experiment with Ingredients: Feel free to customize the soup by using different types of sausage, like ground turkey or pork, and consider adding fresh herbs such as rosemary for additional flavor.
Equipment
- Large Soup Pot: A large pot is essential for cooking the soup and ensuring there’s enough space for all the ingredients.
- Ladle: Useful for serving the soup once it’s ready.
