Hearty Sausage, Kale, And White Bean Soup Recipe For Cozy Nights

Chilly evenings call for a comforting bowl of hearty sausage and kale white bean soup that warms you from the inside out.

Packed with robust flavors and nutrient-rich ingredients, this soup delivers a satisfying meal in one pot.

Tender white beans mingle with savory sausage and vibrant kale, creating a delightful symphony of textures and tastes.

Each spoonful promises a hearty blend of protein and greens that nourishes and delights.

The recipe transforms simple ingredients into a soul-soothing dish that’s both rustic and elegant.

Crusty bread on the side makes this soup a complete and memorable meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Get Ingredients For Sausage, Kale, And White Bean Soup

• Sausage: Brings robust, spicy depth and hearty texture to the soup, choose Italian-style or spicy variety for extra kick.
• White Beans: Adds creamy protein and earthy undertones, select canned cannellini or great northern beans for convenience.

• Onion: Provides sweet foundational flavor and aromatic base, opt for yellow onions for deeper taste.
• Garlic: Delivers intense, pungent notes that enhance overall complexity, fresh cloves preferred over pre-minced.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces subtle heat and vibrant color, adjust quantity based on spice preference.
• Kale: Contributes nutrient-dense greenery and slight bitterness, choose curly or lacinato varieties for best texture.

• Chicken Broth: Creates smooth, savory liquid foundation, low-sodium versions recommended for better control.
• Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious richness and velvety finish, can substitute with half-and-half for lighter version.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens flavors with tangy freshness, fresh citrus recommended over bottled.
• Olive Oil: Enables initial sautéing and helps develop initial flavor layers, extra virgin preferred.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for final seasoning, freshly ground black pepper offers superior taste.
• Potatoes: Provides hearty substance and thickening element, waxy varieties like Yukon Gold work best.

Tools You’ll Need For Sausage, Kale, And White Bean Soup

• Large Pot or Dutch Oven: Essential for browning sausage, sautéing vegetables, and simmering the entire soup.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for breaking up sausage and stirring ingredients while cooking.
• Chef's Knife: Crucial for chopping onions, garlic, potatoes, and kale into uniform pieces.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for preparing all ingredients.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Helps ensure accurate ingredient quantities.
• Ladle: Convenient for serving the hot soup into bowls.

How To Make Sausage, Kale, And White Bean Soup

• Sizzle the Sausage

Heat up a large pot and cook sausage until it turns golden brown, breaking it into delicious crumbles. Transfer the meat to a plate and set aside.

• Dance the Aromatics

In the same pot, sweat the onions until they’re soft and translucent. Toss in garlic and red pepper flakes, letting them release their incredible fragrance.

• Build the Liquid Base

Pour chicken broth into the pot and drop in the potatoes. Let everything bubble and simmer until the potatoes become tender and dreamy.

• Welcome the Greens and Beans

Introduce chopped kale and white beans to the party. Slide the sausage back into the pot and let everything mingle and get acquainted for a few minutes.

• Final Flavor Boost

Swirl in a touch of cream and a squeeze of bright lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to make the flavors pop and dance.

• Serve with Love

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls and pair with a crusty slice of bread for a comforting, soul-warming meal that hugs you from the inside out.

Tips To Switch Up Sausage, Kale, And White Bean Soup

• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the soup base a day ahead and refrigerate. The flavors will intensify overnight, creating an even more delicious meal when reheated gently.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Store cooled soup in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat slowly to maintain texture.
• Low-Carb Swap: Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets for a lower-carbohydrate version that keeps all the hearty soup goodness.
• Vegetarian Twist: Substitute sausage with plant-based sausage or smoked tofu crumbles. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to create a completely meat-free soup.
• Spice It Up: Experiment with different herbs like fresh thyme or rosemary to add extra depth. A dash of smoked paprika can also boost the overall flavor profile of the soup.

Serving Suggestions For Sausage, Kale, And White Bean Soup

• Rustic Bread Companion: Slice up a warm, crusty baguette or sourdough to soak up the rich, flavorful broth, adding a delightful textural contrast to the hearty soup.
• Garnish Galore: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese or chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and an extra layer of savory goodness.
• Cozy Comfort Bowl: Serve in deep, wide ceramic bowls that showcase the soup's vibrant ingredients and keep the meal warm during chilly evenings.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the soup's robust flavors with a glass of medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or a crisp white such as Pinot Grigio to enhance the overall dining experience.

Keep Sausage, Kale, And White Bean Soup Fresh

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover soup in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 35 days.
• Freezing Magic: Carefully transfer soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving slight space for expansion. Freeze up to 3 months for future quick meals. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Smart Reheating Technique: Warm soup slowly in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add splash of extra broth if needed to restore original consistency. Avoid microwave to maintain soup's rich texture and prevent separating ingredients.
• Ingredient Separation Tip: Keep kale and cream separate when meal prepping. Add fresh kale and cream during final reheating to maintain crisp texture and prevent wilting or curdling. This method ensures maximum flavor and quality when enjoying leftovers.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 7

Hearty Sausage, Kale, And White Bean Soup Recipe

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4.7 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty sausage, kale, and white bean soup blends Italian countryside flavors with comforting warmth. Mediterranean ingredients mingle in a nourishing bowl that satisfies hunger and soothes souls, inviting you to savor each spoonful.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (454 g) Italian sausage (mild or hot), casings removed
• 5 cups (1.2 L) chicken broth
• 4 medium Yukon gold potatoes, diced
• 3 packed cups chopped kale, stems removed
• 2 (15 oz/425 g) cans cannellini or great northern beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• ¾ cup (180 ml) heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Juice of ½ lemon (optional, for brightness)

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Instructions

1. Sear and Set Aside: In a large pot, brown ground sausage over medium-high heat, crumbling thoroughly for 6 minutes. Remove sausage, retaining the flavorful fond in the pot.
2. Aromatic Foundation: Sauté onions until translucent, then add garlic and red pepper flakes, developing deep flavor nuances for one minute.
3. Potato Infusion: Stream chicken broth into the pot, add potato cubes, bring to a boil, then simmer for 12-15 minutes until potatoes become fork-tender.
4. Layered Incorporation: Introduce white beans and kale into the simmering base, returning browned sausage to the pot. Allow ingredients to integrate and kale to soften for 5-7 minutes.
5. Final Flourish: Stir in cream and lemon juice, adjusting seasoning with salt and black pepper to create a balanced, vibrant flavor profile.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the robust soup into warm bowls, pairing with crusty bread for a complete, comforting dining experience.

Notes

• Sausage Selection Matters: Choose high-quality Italian sausage with robust flavor; spicy varieties add extra depth to the soup’s taste profile.
• Kale Preparation Technique: Remove tough stems before chopping to ensure tender, melt-in-your-mouth greens without bitter undertones.
• Potato Cooking Precision: Cut potatoes into uniform cubes for even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
• Cream Alternative Options: Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for lighter versions suitable for dietary restrictions while maintaining creamy consistency.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg