Tortellini Soup with Sausage and Kale

Tortellini Soup with Sausage and Kale: A Hearty Delight for Cool Evenings

As the days grow shorter and the air chills, there’s nothing quite like a bowl of steaming hot soup to warm the soul. Today, I’m excited to share a recipe that combines robust Italian flavors with the wholesomeness of fresh vegetables: Tortellini Soup with Sausage and Kale. This soup is not only satisfying and delicious but also easy to prepare, making it a perfect meal for busy weeknights or a comforting weekend dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 pound bulk mild Italian sausage
• 1 large carrot, chopped
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 stalk celery, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 6 cups chicken stock
• 1 bunch curly leaf kale (about 6 ounces), large veins removed and torn into large pieces
• 1 10-ounce package fresh or frozen spinach tortellini (not dried)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. Start the Flavor Base: In a large, heavy saucepan or dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned, about 10 to 12 minutes. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: Reduce the heat to medium and in the same saucepan, add the carrot, onion, and celery. Season with salt and pepper. Sauté the vegetables, stirring occasionally, until they are softened and begin to brown, roughly 5 to 7 minutes.
3. Add Aromatics and Broth: Stir in the minced garlic, chopped thyme, and bay leaf, and sauté until fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes. Pour in the chicken stock and bring the mixture to a simmer. Allow it to boil gently for about 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.
4. Combine Remaining Ingredients: Add the kale, cooked sausage, and tortellini to the pot. Continue to simmer until the tortellini is cooked through, adjusting the time based on whether you are using fresh or frozen pasta.
5. Final Seasoning and Serve: Season the soup with additional salt and pepper according to your taste. Serve the soup warm, ensuring a hearty spoonful of sausage and tortellini in each bowl.

Nutritional Information:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Calories: 350 kcal per serving
• Servings: 4

This Tortellini Soup with Sausage and Kale is not just a meal but an experience that brings together the comfort of tortellini and the rustic charm of kale and sausage. It’s perfect for those chilly evenings when you need something warming and substantial. Whether you’re dining alone or with family, this soup promises to satisfy your cravings for something hearty and delicious. Enjoy the process of making it and more so, the joy of eating it!