Creamy Sausage, Potato, and Kale Soup

Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

1. Heat the Oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat.
2. Cook the Sausage: Add the Italian sausage to the pot, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the sausage from the pot and set aside, leaving any drippings in the pot.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

1. Add Onion and Garlic: In the same pot, add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Add Potatoes and Broth

1. Incorporate Potatoes: Add the diced potatoes to the pot, stirring to combine with the onion and garlic.
2. Pour in the Broth: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, making sure to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This adds extra flavor to your soup.
3. Season: Add dried thyme, dried oregano, and season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.

Step 4: Add Kale and Cream

1. Stir in Kale: Once the potatoes are tender, add the chopped kale to the pot. Stir well and allow it to wilt, which should take about 3-5 minutes.
2. Add Cream: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, allowing the soup to warm through. If the soup is too thick, you can add more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
3. Return Sausage: Add the browned sausage back to the pot, stirring to combine everything. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes to meld the flavors.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Taste and Adjust: Before serving, taste the soup and adjust seasoning if needed.
2. Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
3. Enjoy Warm: Serve the soup warm with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Tips for Success

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh kale and high-quality sausage will elevate the flavors of your soup.
• Store Leftovers: This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just be mindful that the kale may lose some texture after freezing.
• Make It Vegetarian: Substitute the sausage with a plant-based sausage or mushrooms for a vegetarian version. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Add More Veggies: Feel free to toss in other vegetables like carrots or celery for added nutrition and flavor.

Conclusion

Creamy Sausage, Potato, and Kale Soup is the perfect antidote to a cold day. Its hearty ingredients, creamy texture, and comforting flavors make it a dish that warms the heart and satisfies the belly. Easy to prepare and highly customizable, this soup is sure to become a family favorite in your kitchen. So grab your pot, gather your ingredients, and enjoy a bowl of comfort today!