Sausage, Kale, and Potato Soup

Sausage, Kale, and Potato Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or hot, depending on your preference), sliced or crumbled
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3-4 medium potatoes, diced (Yukon Gold or Russet work well)
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 bunch kale, stems removed and leaves roughly chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra depth of flavor)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Optional: crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions:

1. Cook the Sausage:

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the sliced or crumbled sausage and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. If using crumbled sausage, break it up into bite-sized pieces as it cooks.
3. Remove the sausage from the pot with a slotted spoon and set it aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.

2. Sauté the Vegetables:

1. In the same pot, add the diced onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

3. Add the Potatoes and Broth:

1. Add the diced potatoes to the pot and stir to coat them with the onion and garlic mixture.
2. Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced tomatoes with their juices.
3. Stir in the dried thyme, smoked paprika (if using), and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

4. Add the Kale and Sausage:

1. Stir in the chopped kale and the browned sausage.
2. Simmer the soup for another 5-7 minutes, until the kale is wilted and tender.

5. Final Seasoning:

1. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or crushed red pepper flakes if desired.

6. Serve:

1. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot.
2. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

7. Enjoy:

1. Serve the soup with crusty bread on the side for dipping.

Tips:

• Sausage Choice: You can use Italian sausage, chorizo, or even a smoked sausage like kielbasa, depending on your preference.
• Broth: If you prefer a creamier soup, you can stir in a splash of heavy cream or milk at the end of cooking.
• Kale Substitutes: If you’re not a fan of kale, you can substitute it with spinach or Swiss chard.

This Sausage, Kale, and Potato Soup is hearty, nutritious, and perfect for a satisfying meal. Enjoy it with family and friends for a comforting dinner!