I’ve always been a big fan of hearty soups that warm the belly and bring people together. Sausage, kale, and potato soup is one of those recipes that never fails to impress.
It’s a dish that’s deeply rooted in European cuisine, particularly in the German and Polish traditions. The combination of flavors and textures is simply delightful – the savory sausage, the slightly bitter kale, and the comforting potatoes all come together to create a truly satisfying experience.
When I first made this recipe, I was struck by how easy it was to prepare. The key to success lies in browning the sausage in a hot pan until it’s nice and crispy, then adding in the aromatics – onions, garlic, and celery – to create a rich and flavorful base for the soup.
From there, it’s just a matter of adding in the potatoes, kale, and broth, and letting everything simmer together until the flavors have melded together beautifully. One of the things I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is.
Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a hearty meal to serve a crowd, sausage, kale, and potato soup is always a good idea. And with its rich flavor profile and comforting texture, it’s sure to become a family favorite in no time.
Sausage, Kale, and Potato Soup
4.9 from 558 votes
A hearty and comforting soup featuring savory sausage, tender potatoes, and nutrient-rich kale in a flavorful broth. This one-pot meal is perfect for chilly days and comes together quickly for a satisfying dinner.
1 pound Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
4 cups chopped kale, stems removed
1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
👨🍳Directions
1Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat until shimmering.
2Add the sausage and cook, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes.
3Use a slotted spoon to transfer the sausage to a plate and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
4Reduce the heat to medium and add the diced onion to the pot.
5Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 4 to 5 minutes.
6Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
7Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced potatoes, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes if using.
8Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, partially covered, until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork, about 12 to 15 minutes.
9Return the cooked sausage to the pot and stir in the chopped kale.
10Continue to simmer for 3 to 5 minutes until the kale has wilted and turned bright green.
11If using heavy cream, stir it in now and heat gently for 1 minute without boiling.
12Season with salt and black pepper to taste, then remove from heat and serve hot.
For a lighter version, omit the heavy cream and use turkey or chicken sausage. The soup thickens upon standing, so add extra broth when reheating if desired.
Watch Video Of How Sausage, Kale, and Potato Soup Works
This sausage kale and potato soup is always a good idea for family gatherings or casual dinners. It is simple to make, packed with flavor, and everyone leaves the table happy.
To store leftovers, let the soup cool completely and keep it in a sealed container in the fridge for up to four days. When reheating, warm it slowly on the stove over medium low heat, stirring occasionally.
If the soup has thickened, add a little chicken broth or water to thin it out. For serving, I like to pair it with crusty bread for dipping or a simple side salad to round out the meal.
You can also top each bowl with grated Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of olive oil for extra richness.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Sausage, Kale, and Potato Soup
What type of sausage should I use in this recipe?
For this recipe, you’ll want to use a high-quality sausage that’s got some real flavor behind it. I like to use a smoked pork sausage or a kielbasa for its rich, meaty flavor.
Can I use frozen kale instead of fresh?
Frozen kale will work just fine in this recipe – simply thaw it out before adding it to the pot. However, keep in mind that frozen kale can be a bit more bitter than fresh kale, so you may want to adjust the amount of broth you add accordingly.
How long does this soup keep in the fridge?
This soup will keep for up to 3 days in the fridge – simply store it in an airtight container and refrigerate at 40°F or below.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Sausage, kale, and potato soup is one of those recipes that actually benefits from being made ahead of time. Simply prepare the ingredients through step 3 (the browning step), then refrigerate or freeze until you’re ready to finish cooking it.
What’s the best way to reheat this soup?
To reheat this soup, I like to use my slow cooker – simply pour in the cold soup and cook on low for 2-3 hours until it’s hot and bubbly.
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