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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- 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.
- Aromatic Foundation: Sauté onions until translucent, then add garlic and red pepper flakes, developing deep flavor nuances for one minute.
- 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.
- 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.
- Final Flourish: Stir in cream and lemon juice, adjusting seasoning with salt and black pepper to create a balanced, vibrant flavor profile.
- 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