Description
Prepare to indulge in the warm, comforting embrace of the Zesty Italian Sausage and Kale Soup. Perfect for chilly evenings, this soup blends the bold flavors of Italian sausage with the hearty, nutritious goodness of kale. With a creamy base and a touch of spice, this dish promises both simplicity in preparation and complexity in taste, making it an ideal meal for both weeknights and special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 3 cups water
- 4 large russet potatoes, sliced thin
- 2 cups kale, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-step Directions
1. Cook the Sausage
Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Once browned and fully cooked, remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside.
2. Sauté Onion and Garlic
In the same pot, add olive oil, followed by the diced onion. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Prepare Soup Base
Pour in the chicken broth and water. Add the sliced potatoes and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
4. Add Sausage and Kale
Return the cooked sausage to the pot and add the chopped kale. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the kale softens.
5. Final Seasoning and Serve
Stir in the heavy cream and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the soup to heat through for another 2 minutes. Serve hot, optionally garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese or additional red pepper flakes.
Servings & Preparation Time
This recipe serves approximately 4-6 people. The preparation time is about 15 minutes, and the cooking time is around 30 minutes.
Tips for Storage & Reheating
- Storage: Cool the soup completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat the soup gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until hot. If the soup appears too thick, add a little broth or water to adjust consistency.
Conclusion
The Zesty Italian Sausage and Kale Soup is an epitome of comfort food with a gourmet twist. It’s a fulfilling dish that brings together the richness of Italian sausage, the heartiness of potatoes, and the robustness of kale in a creamy and spicy broth. Simple yet sophisticated, this soup will satisfy your cravings and warm your soul on any given day.
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Zesty Italian Sausage and Kale Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
Description
Prepare to indulge in the warm, comforting embrace of the Zesty Italian Sausage and Kale Soup. Perfect for chilly evenings, this soup blends the bold flavors of Italian sausage with the hearty, nutritious goodness of kale. With a creamy base and a touch of spice, this dish promises both simplicity in preparation and complexity in taste, making it an ideal meal for both weeknights and special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 3 cups water
- 4 large russet potatoes, sliced thin
- 2 cups kale, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Once browned and fully cooked, remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: In the same pot, add olive oil, followed by the diced onion. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Prepare Soup Base: Pour in the chicken broth and water. Add the sliced potatoes and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Add Sausage and Kale: Return the cooked sausage to the pot and add the chopped kale. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the kale softens.
- Final Seasoning and Serve: Stir in the heavy cream and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the soup to heat through for another 2 minutes. Serve hot, optionally garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese or additional red pepper flakes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes