Italian Sausage Kale Soup (Printable Version)

Rich, creamy soup with Italian sausage, bacon, potatoes, and kale in a savory broth.

# What You'll Need:

→ Meats

01 - 1 pound Italian sausage, mild or spicy, casings removed
02 - 4 slices bacon, chopped

→ Vegetables

03 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 4 medium russet potatoes, scrubbed and sliced into 1/4 inch rounds
06 - 4 cups kale, stems removed and chopped

→ Liquids

07 - 5 cups low-sodium chicken broth
08 - 1 cup heavy cream

→ Seasonings

09 - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
10 - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional
11 - Salt and black pepper to taste

# How to Make It:

01 - In a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crisp. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pot.
02 - Add Italian sausage to the pot and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
03 - Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Add sliced potatoes, chicken broth, Italian herbs, and red pepper flakes if using. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
05 - Stir in chopped kale and simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, until wilted.
06 - Lower heat and pour in the heavy cream. Heat gently until warmed through; do not boil.
07 - Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Ladle into bowls and garnish with reserved bacon.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It is incredibly hearty and comforting, ideal for cold weather.
  • The preparation is straightforward and can be completed in just 50 minutes.
  • It uses simple, fresh ingredients to recreate a classic restaurant favorite.
02 -
  • Always verify the labels on your sausage and chicken broth to ensure they are gluten-free if you have dietary sensitivities.
  • Remove the tough stems from the kale and chop the leaves into small, bite-sized pieces for the best eating experience.
  • If you prefer a thicker soup, you can lightly mash a few of the cooked potato slices against the side of the pot before adding the cream.
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