There’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm bowl of soup on a chilly day. This Sausage, Sweet Potato, and Kale Soup has become a family favorite, a recipe passed down and tweaked over the years. It’s hearty, flavorful, and packed with nutritious ingredients, making it a perfect weeknight meal.
It’s also surprisingly quick and easy to whip up, ready in under an hour. The Italian sausage adds a savory depth, balanced by the sweetness of the sweet potato and the slight bitterness of the kale. A sprinkle of parmesan on top adds a final touch of deliciousness.
Why You’ll Love It
- Flavorful and Hearty: The combination of Italian sausage, sweet potato, and kale creates a deeply satisfying and flavorful soup.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is quick and simple, ready in under an hour.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, it’s a wholesome and nourishing meal.
- Versatile: Adapt it to your preferences with different greens, beans, or spices.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week or freeze it for future meals.
Sausage Sweet Potato & Kale Soup
- Total Time: 50 mins
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This hearty and flavorful Sausage, Sweet Potato, and Kale Soup is a comforting meal perfect for chilly days. Ready in under an hour, it’s packed with nutritious ingredients like sweet potato, kale, and Italian sausage, making it a healthy and satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- Olive Oil
- Garlic
- Onion
- Shallot
- Sweet Potato
- Salt
- Pepper
- Ground Italian Sausage
- Beef Bone Broth
- Vegetable Stock
- Bay Leaves
- Baby Kale
- Grated Parmesan Cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-low heat. Add garlic, onion, and shallot; cook until softened.
- Cook the Sweet Potato: Add sweet potato, salt, and pepper to the pot; cook until slightly softened.
- Brown the Sausage: Brown Italian sausage in a separate skillet.
- Combine and Simmer: Add cooked sausage, broth, stock, and bay leaves to the pot. Bring to a boil, then simmer until sweet potatoes are tender.
- Wilt the Kale: Add kale during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
- Serve: Remove bay leaves and serve with parmesan cheese, if desired.
Notes
For a richer flavor, consider roasting the sweet potatoes before adding them to the soup. If you want a thicker soup, you can puree a portion of it before adding the kale. Feel free to experiment with other greens like spinach or chard, or add a can of beans for extra protein.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Soups
- Method: stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredient Lowdown
This soup is packed with good-for-you ingredients! Here’s what you’ll need:
- Olive Oil: For sautéing the aromatic vegetables.
- Garlic, Onion, and Shallot: The flavor base of our soup, creating a savory foundation.
- Sweet Potato: Provides sweetness, creaminess, and vibrant color.
- Salt and Pepper: Enhances the flavors of the ingredients.
- Ground Italian Sausage: Adds heartiness and a delicious savory element.
- Beef Bone Broth: Contributes richness and depth of flavor.
- Vegetable Stock: Adds another layer of savory flavor and helps create a perfect soup consistency.
- Bay Leaves: Infuse a subtle herbal note during simmering.
- Baby Kale: A nutritional powerhouse that wilts beautifully into the soup, adding a vibrant green touch.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: A delicious topping that adds a salty, cheesy finish (optional).
This list may seem long, but it comes together so fast. Many of these are pantry staples, too.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic, diced onion, and sliced shallots. Cook for 7–8 minutes, or until softened and translucent, stirring occasionally.
Step 2: Cook the Sweet Potato
Add the diced sweet potato, salt, and pepper to the pot. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potato starts to soften.
Step 3: Brown the Sausage
While the sweet potatoes are cooking, brown the Italian sausage in a separate skillet over medium heat. Break the sausage into small pieces as it cooks. Cook until browned through and no longer pink.
Step 4: Combine and Simmer
Add the cooked sausage to the pot with the vegetables. Pour in the beef bone broth, vegetable stock, and bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender.
Step 5: Wilt the Kale
Add the baby kale to the soup during the last 2 minutes of cooking time. Stir until the kale wilts.
Step 6: Serve
Remove the bay leaves before serving. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with freshly grated parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve with crusty bread or a side salad.
Smart Tips & Tricks
- For a smoother soup, you can blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender before adding the kale. This creates a creamier texture. For make-ahead meals, check out these breakfast recipes.
- Don’t overcook the kale! Add it towards the end of the cooking time so it retains its bright green color and some of its texture.
- Roasting the sweet potatoes before adding them to the soup intensifies their sweetness and adds a smoky depth of flavor.
- If you have leftover cooked chicken or turkey, feel free to add it to the soup for extra protein.
Flavor Twists
- Spicy Sausage: Use spicy Italian sausage for a kick.
- Other Greens: Spinach, chard, or collard greens are great substitutes for kale.
- Beans: A can of white beans adds protein and heartiness. Try our desserts page for something sweet after!
- Apple: Diced apple adds a touch of sweetness and complements the other flavors beautifully.
- Curry Powder: A teaspoon of curry powder gives the soup a warm, exotic flair.
- Coconut Milk: A splash of coconut milk at the end adds richness and creaminess.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
This soup is wonderfully adaptable! For a vegetarian version, swap the Italian sausage for plant-based sausage or add a can of drained and rinsed white beans for protein. If you’re not a kale fan, spinach or chard would be delicious substitutes.
What other types of broth can I use?
Beef bone broth provides a rich and savory flavor, but you can certainly use chicken broth or vegetable broth if you prefer. For a heartier soup, try adding a can of diced tomatoes or some cooked lentils.
Can I freeze this soup?
Absolutely! This soup freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool completely before storing in airtight containers for up to 3 months. When reheating, be sure to thaw it completely before gently warming it on the stovetop or in the microwave.
How can I add some heat to this soup?
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup while it simmers. You can also use spicy Italian sausage instead of mild for added heat.
How to Serve
A steaming bowl of this Sausage, Sweet Potato, and Kale Soup is delicious on its own. But for a complete meal, consider serving it with some crusty bread for dipping. Our Lunch options offer some fantastic combinations. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette also makes a nice, refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup. And don’t forget a sprinkle of fresh parmesan cheese on top!
That’s a Wrap
This Sausage, Sweet Potato, and Kale Soup is pure comfort in a bowl. It’s hearty, healthy, and so easy to make. Perfect for a chilly evening or a quick weeknight meal. You can easily double or triple this recipe for meal prepping or larger gatherings. Make a big batch and freeze leftovers for a fast and healthy meal anytime!
Craving more cozy recipes? Explore our Dinner category for more inspiration. Connect with us on Pinterest for visual feasts, share your soup creations on Instagram, and tweet your thoughts on X/Twitter!
