Description
Heartwarming Creamy Sausage & Kale Soup brings Italian countryside comfort to your kitchen. Packed with rich flavors and nourishing ingredients, this soul-satisfying dish delivers a perfect balance of savory sausage and tender greens you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1.5 pounds (680 grams) Italian sausage (mild or a mix of mild & hot)
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 pounds (907 grams) russet potatoes, sliced into ¼-inch thick coins
- 1 large bunch kale (about 5 cups), stems removed, leaves chopped
- ¼ to ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Liquids and Thickeners:
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 3 cups whole milk
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Extra Parmesan cheese, for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the sausage in a large pot over medium-high heat, using a wooden spoon to crumble the meat into small pieces.
- Incorporate diced onions, salt, and red pepper flakes, cooking until the sausage develops a rich, golden color and the onions become translucent.
- Introduce minced garlic and sauté briefly, allowing the aromatics to release their fragrant essence.
- Eliminate excess grease by carefully draining the meat mixture.
- Sprinkle flour over the meat and vegetables, stirring to create a light coating that will help thicken the soup.
- Gradually pour in chicken broth, whisking continuously to prevent any flour clumps from forming.
- Slowly add whole milk, maintaining a smooth and consistent texture while stirring.
- Introduce sliced potatoes and adjust the heat to create a gentle simmer, allowing the soup to bubble softly.
- Let the potatoes cook until they become tender, easily pierced by a fork but not falling apart.
- Fold in fresh kale, ensuring the leaves are evenly distributed throughout the soup.
- Stream in heavy cream, gently folding to preserve the potato’s structural integrity.
- Reduce heat and allow the soup to marry flavors, with the kale wilting and becoming tender.
- Finish by stirring in grated Parmesan cheese, which will add a luxurious depth and slight saltiness.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
- Serve in warm bowls, garnishing with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of black pepper for visual appeal and added flavor.
Notes
- Choose lean sausage varieties like turkey or chicken for a lighter version that reduces overall fat content without compromising flavor intensity.
- Rinse kale thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit, ensuring a clean and crisp vegetable addition to the soup’s texture.
- Consider using gluten-free flour or cornstarch as a substitute for traditional flour to make the recipe accessible for gluten-sensitive individuals.
- Swap whole milk with unsweetened almon
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 680
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 1200 mg
- Fat: 45 g
- Saturated Fat: 24 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 41 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg