Kale sausage soup is the recipe I reach for again and again. Packed with hearty sausage, tender potatoes, and vibrant kale, this warming soup comes together quickly and deliciously.
Contents
Kale Sausage Soup Recipe
Kale sausage soup is a nourishing, flavorful main dish. It combines Italian sausage, fresh kale, and a blend of vegetables simmered in a savory broth. The rich, slightly spicy sausage balances beautifully with earthy, nutrient-rich kale.
Whether I want a cozy dinner on a chilly night or need a protein-packed meal after a busy day, this recipe always delivers. This soup adapts to any season and any appetite. It’s a crowd-pleaser for friends or family gatherings.
The soup is filling enough to stand alone. However, you can enjoy it with crusty garlic bread that’s perfect for dipping, or a warm slice of sourdough for a classic pairing. For a lighter contrast, a fresh green salad or harvest apple salad, cheddar biscuits, or plain crostini.
The soup also pairs well with a simple panini sandwich, especially those filled with roasted vegetables or cheese. On a chilly evening, a side of roasted root vegetables or parmesan-topped rice makes the soup even more satisfying.
A bowl alongside baked potatoes, grilled asparagus, or a classic Caesar salad turns this soup into a feast fit for sharing. Looking for a snack? Try Parmesan crisps or crunchy soup toppings for added flavor and texture.
For drinks, this soup goes beautifully with a glass of chilled dry white wine, homemade lemonade, or a sparkling apple cider. If you want something cozy, try pairing it with hot herbal tea or a mug of mulled wine.
Here’s how to make the kale sausage soup:
Kale Sausage Soup
Nutrition
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 3 medium carrots sliced
- 2 celery stalks sliced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 bunch kale stems removed and leaves chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 5–7 minutes). Remove excess grease if necessary.
- Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook 3–4 minutes until slightly softened.
- Stir in thyme, oregano, broth, and diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Stir in chopped kale and cook for another 5 minutes until wilted.
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Serve hot with optional Parmesan.
Notes
- Use any sausage you like: pork, chicken, or turkey.
- Frozen kale can be used if fresh kale is unavailable.
- For a creamier version, add ½ cup milk or cream at the end.
- Store in the fridge for 3–4 days.
SIMILAR RECIPES:
Variations
This kale sausage soup has many versions with different taste and flavors.
- White Bean Addition includes creamy cannellini or lupini beans simmered with sausage and kale for extra protein and heartiness.
- Spicy Soup swaps in hot Italian sausage and adds extra red pepper flakes to turn up the heat.
- Tomato-Based Kale Sausage Soup features fire-roasted diced tomatoes mixed in for a tangy, savory flavor.
- Vegetarian Kale Sausage Soup uses plant-based sausage and vegetable broth to capture the same depth of flavor without any meat.
- Cheesy Kale Sausage Soup melts grated parmesan or cheddar into the broth for a creamy, indulgent twist.
- Smoky Version adds smoked paprika or chipotle pepper for a deeper, smoky undertone.
- Lemon Addition finishes with a splash of fresh lemon juice to brighten up the flavors and give the soup extra zing.