Sweet Potato Sausage Soup

$- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced - 1 pound Italian chicken sausage or plant-based sausage, casings removed - 1 onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 4 cups vegetable broth - 2 cups kale, chopped - 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with juices - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish Sweet potatoes are the star here. They add sweetness and warmth. You can choose Italian chicken sausage for a savory kick or a plant-based sausage if you prefer. Both work great! Onions and garlic build a strong base. They add depth and flavor to the soup. Kale brings in nutrients and a lovely green color. We use vegetable broth for a rich base. Diced tomatoes add a hint of acidity. Smoked paprika and dried thyme give it a nice aroma. Don’t forget salt and pepper! They balance all the flavors. For a fun touch, add fresh parsley or red pepper flakes on top. This soup is all about comfort and joy in every bite. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Peel and Dice Sweet Potatoes: Start by peeling your sweet potatoes. Use a sharp knife to chop them into small cubes. Aim for uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. About two medium sweet potatoes should be enough for this soup. 2. Remove Sausage Casings: If you use sausage links, remove the casings. Simply slice the casing down one side and squeeze the meat out. Plant-based sausage also works well in this recipe. 3. Chop Vegetables: Dice your onion and mince the garlic. The onion adds sweetness, while the garlic brings flavor. Set them aside until you are ready to cook. 1. Sauté Onions and Garlic: In a large pot, heat two tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes. Stir often until the onion softens. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. 2. Cook Sausage Until Browned: Crumble the sausage into the pot. Cook it for about 6-8 minutes, stirring frequently. The sausage should be browned and fully cooked. 3. Add Sweet Potatoes and Seasonings: Stir in the sweet potatoes, one teaspoon of smoked paprika, and one teaspoon of dried thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This mix will add depth to your soup. 4. Incorporate Broth and Tomatoes: Pour in four cups of vegetable broth and one can of diced tomatoes with their juices. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and cover the pot. 5. Simmer the Soup: Let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes. Check for tenderness by poking the sweet potatoes with a fork. They should be soft. 6. Add Kale and Adjust Seasoning: Finally, stir in two cups of chopped kale. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until the kale wilts. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. This soup is a warm hug in a bowl. It’s packed with flavor and nutrients, perfect for any cozy night. - Best Techniques for Sautéing: Start with a hot pan to get a nice sear. Use olive oil to coat the bottom. Add onions first and let them soften before adding garlic. This order builds deep flavors. Stir often to avoid burning. - Tips for Cooking Sausage Perfectly: Crumble the sausage into small pieces. This helps it cook evenly. Stir it occasionally to brown all sides. Cook until no pink remains, about 6-8 minutes. This ensures it’s safe to eat and adds great flavor. - Gluten-Free Options: Use gluten-free sausage. Many brands offer tasty options. Always check the label for hidden gluten. Ensure your broth is gluten-free too. - Vegan Alternatives: Replace the sausage with plant-based options. There are many flavors to choose from. You can also use mushrooms for a meaty texture. Ensure your broth is vegetable-based to keep it vegan. - Ideal Pairings with the Soup: This soup goes well with crusty bread or a fresh salad. A light green salad adds crunch and freshness. You can also serve it with a side of cornbread for extra comfort. - Best Bowls and Garnishing Tips: Use deep bowls to hold the soup well. Garnish with fresh parsley for color. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick. Serve hot, and enjoy the warmth! Pro Tips Perfectly Cooked Sausage: Ensure the sausage is well-browned for added flavor, and consider using a mix of chicken and pork sausage for a richer taste. Sweet Potato Texture: Cut the sweet potatoes into even pieces to ensure they cook evenly and achieve the right tenderness. Seasoning Balance: Taste the soup before serving and adjust the seasoning; a dash of lemon juice can enhance the flavors further. Kale Alternatives: If you prefer, you can substitute kale with spinach or Swiss chard for a different texture and flavor profile. {{image_2}} To make Sweet Potato Sausage Soup your own, try using different sausage flavors. You can use spicy Italian sausage for heat. If you like a milder taste, go for turkey or pork sausage. Plant-based sausages also work well. They add a nice texture without meat. You can also add more veggies to the soup. Carrots and celery can bring extra crunch. Peppers lend a sweet flavor, while spinach offers a fresh touch. Consider adding corn for sweetness or zucchini for a light flavor. Mix and match to find your favorite combo! Do you want more heat in your soup? You can add red pepper flakes while cooking. Start with a small amount and taste as you go. If you want less heat, skip the red pepper flakes. Instead, use sweet smoked paprika for depth without the spice. You can even add a splash of cream for a creamy texture. This can help balance the heat, making the soup rich and soothing. If you want to make a vegan or vegetarian version, swap out the broth and sausage. Use vegetable broth instead of meat broth. For sausage, try lentils or chickpeas for protein. You can also use mushrooms for a meaty texture. To keep the flavor strong, add more spices. A dash of soy sauce can give depth. If you want to make it creamy, blend some cooked sweet potatoes into the soup. This adds thickness and a nice flavor. To keep your sweet potato sausage soup fresh, follow these steps: - Best Practices for Refrigeration: Allow the soup to cool first. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. This keeps the flavors intact and prevents spoilage. - Proper Freezing Techniques: If you want to save some for later, pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top for expansion. You can freeze it for up to three months. This way, you can enjoy it when you want a warm meal. When you’re ready to eat your leftover soup, use these methods: - Methods for Best Texture and Flavor: Reheat the soup on the stove over low heat. Stir often to avoid sticking. You can also use the microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until warm. This helps keep the texture creamy and the flavors fresh. Knowing how long your soup lasts is key: - How Long It Lasts in the Refrigerator/Freezer: Your soup will stay fresh in the fridge for about three days. In the freezer, it can last up to three months. Just remember to label your containers with the date. Can I use different types of sausage? Yes, you can! Feel free to swap Italian chicken sausage for turkey, pork, or plant-based options. Each sausage brings its own flavor to the soup. How can I make this soup spicier? You can add red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or hot sauce to the pot. Start with a little, then taste and adjust for your heat level. Is it possible to make this soup in a slow cooker? Absolutely! Brown the sausage and onions first, then add all the ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Can I add beans to the soup? Yes! Beans like white beans or black beans work great. They add protein and texture. Just rinse and drain canned beans before adding. What can I serve with Sweet Potato Sausage Soup? This soup pairs well with crusty bread, a fresh salad, or cornbread. These sides balance the meal and add extra flavor. How do I know when the sweet potatoes are done cooking? Sweet potatoes are done when they are tender. You can poke them with a fork. If it goes in easily, they are ready! This blog post dives into making a delicious Sweet Potato Sausage Soup. We covered key ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and tips for enhancing flavor and meeting dietary needs. You can customize this soup with various spices and vegetables. Storing and reheating it properly will keep it tasty. Finally, we answered common questions to help you. Enjoying this easy soup will warm your days and impress your guests. Get creative, and have fun cooking!$

A hearty and flavorful soup made with sweet potatoes, sausage, and kale.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Total Time 40

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
1 pound Italian chicken sausage (or plant-based sausage), casings removed
1 whole onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups vegetable broth
2 cups kale, chopped
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon dried thyme
to taste salt and pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
optional fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it begins to soften.
Add the minced garlic and continue to sauté for another minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
Crumble the sausage into the pot, cooking until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
Stir in the diced sweet potatoes, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and season with salt and pepper.
Pour in the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes (with juices) and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer and cover. Cook for 15-20 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are tender.
Add the chopped kale into the soup and stir to combine. Allow it to cook for an additional 5 minutes until the kale has wilted.
Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary before serving.

Notes

Serve hot in bowls, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. You can also add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra kick!

Keyword healthy, kale, sausage, soup, sweet potato