Sausage Soup

This Sausage Soup is the perfect dish to warm you up on a chilly day. Packed with delicious flavors and hearty ingredients like beef smoked sausage, potatoes, white beans, and kale, it’s ideal for family dinners or cozy gatherings. The comforting aroma will fill your kitchen, making it an inviting choice for any occasion. Enjoy the balance of savory and fresh notes that this soup brings to the table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy Prep: With just a bit of chopping and sautéing, you can have this soup simmering in no time.
• Hearty and Filling: The combination of sausage, potatoes, and beans makes it a satisfying meal that keeps you full.
• Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables or beans for a personal twist.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup stores well in the refrigerator or freezer, making it great for quick meals later.
• Family-Friendly Flavor: The rich taste appeals to both kids and adults alike, ensuring everyone will enjoy it.

Tools and Preparation

To ensure your cooking experience is smooth, gather the following tools before starting. Having the right equipment on hand helps streamline the process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large soup pot
• Garlic press
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Ladle

Importance of Each Tool

• Large soup pot: This allows you to cook all ingredients evenly while providing enough space for stirring.
• Garlic press: Easily crushes garlic cloves, enhancing flavor without the need for chopping.
• Chef’s knife: A versatile kitchen tool that helps with precise cutting of vegetables and meats.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Ingredients

This sausage soup is rich and cozy, brimming with hearty ingredients such as beef smoked sausage, diced potatoes, white beans, and kale!

For the Soup Base

• 1 (14 ounce) package of beef smoked sausage, sliced into bite-size circles
• 1 large onion, diced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Pinch or two black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper
• 4 cloves garlic, pressed through garlic press

For the Hearty Addition

• 3 small russet potatoes, peeled and diced (about 1/2” cubes)
• 6 cups chicken stock or broth

For Nutritional Boost

• 2 (15 ounce) cans organic navy beans, drained and rinsed well
• 2 cups roughly chopped kale
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
• Tiny squeeze of lemon (about 1/2 teaspoon)

How to Make Sausage Soup

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Begin by gathering and prepping all of your ingredients according to the ingredients list above to have organized and ready for use.

Step 2: Sear the Sausage

To prepare the soup, place a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Once hot, add in the slices of beef smoked sausage (you won’t need added oil, as the sausage will release its own fat). Sear the slices for a few minutes until fairly browned, flipping them as needed.

Step 3: Sauté Vegetables

Next, add the diced onion to the pot along with Italian seasoning. Sprinkle in a couple of good pinches of black pepper and ground white pepper. Sauté with the sausage until softened and golden; then stir in garlic just until fragrant.

Step 4: Add Potatoes

Add in the diced potatoes and stir to combine. Pour in the chicken stock (or broth). Cover the pot with a lid askew and allow it to simmer gently for about 12 minutes.

Step 5: Incorporate Beans

After 12 minutes, add in navy beans. Stir to combine and allow the soup to simmer for about 10 minutes more or just until diced potatoes are tender.

Step 6: Add Kale

Turn off heat and stir in roughly chopped kale, allowing it to wilt into the hot soup. Add parsley as well plus a tiny squeeze of lemon for an ever-so-slight bright note.

Step 7: Serve

Ladle the sausage soup into bowls. Serve with bread if desired. Enjoy your hearty bowl of comfort!

How to Serve Sausage Soup

Sausage soup is a hearty meal perfect for any occasion. Serving it with the right accompaniments can enhance its flavors and make it even more satisfying.

With Crusty Bread

• Enjoy slices of warm, crusty bread alongside the soup. The bread is perfect for dipping and soaking up the delicious broth.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives on top before serving. This adds both color and a burst of flavor that complements the soup.

With a Side Salad

• A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs well. The crispness of the salad balances the warmth of the soup.

Accompanied by Cheese

• Offer a selection of cheeses, like cheddar or gouda. These can be enjoyed in small slices or melted on top of the soup for added richness.

Served in Bread Bowls

• For a fun twist, serve sausage soup in hollowed-out bread bowls. This makes for an attractive presentation and adds extra flavor from the bread.

Paired with Pickles

• A side of pickles provides a tangy contrast to the savory soup. Choose dill pickles or pickled vegetables for a refreshing crunch.

How to Perfect Sausage Soup

Making sausage soup is simple, but there are ways to elevate its flavor and texture. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance flavor significantly compared to dried alternatives.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you go! Adjust seasonings according to your preference for a personalized touch.
• Simmer Slowly: Allowing the soup to simmer gently helps meld the flavors together beautifully.
• Experiment with Greens: While kale works wonderfully, try other greens like spinach or Swiss chard for variety.
• Add Heat: If you like spice, consider adding red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for an extra kick.
• Make It Ahead: Sausage soup often tastes even better the next day as flavors continue to develop.

Best Side Dishes for Sausage Soup

Pairing side dishes with sausage soup can create a complete meal experience. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Garlic Bread
   Perfectly toasted garlic bread enhances any soup meal with its buttery and garlicky goodness.
2. Roasted Vegetables
   Seasonal roasted vegetables add color and nutrition; simply toss them in olive oil and your favorite spices before roasting.
3. Stuffed Peppers
   Colorful stuffed peppers filled with rice and veggies complement the hearty nature of sausage soup beautifully.
4. Quinoa Salad
   A light quinoa salad mixed with fresh herbs and lemon juice provides a refreshing contrast to the rich soup.
5. Cornbread
   Sweet cornbread offers a delightful balance to savory dishes like sausage soup; serve warm for best results.
6. Potato Wedges
   Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs make for an easy finger food option alongside your comforting bowl of soup.
7. Cheese Quesadillas
   Quick and easy cheese quesadillas provide a cheesy indulgence that pairs well with sausage soup’s flavors.
8. Coleslaw
   A tangy coleslaw made with crunchy cabbage adds texture and freshness, making it an ideal side dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making sausage soup, it’s easy to make a few common errors. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping ingredient prep: Not prepping your ingredients beforehand can lead to confusion while cooking. Always gather and chop everything first.
• Overcooking the potatoes: If you let the potatoes simmer too long, they may become mushy. Check for tenderness around the 10-minute mark.
• Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Tasting your soup before serving is crucial. Adjust seasonings like salt, pepper, or Italian herbs as needed.
• Forgetting to wilt the kale: Adding kale at the end ensures it retains its vibrant color and nutrients. Stir it in just before serving for the best texture.
• Using low-quality broth: The flavor of your soup heavily relies on the broth. Choose a good-quality chicken stock for richer taste.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover sausage soup in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Sausage Soup

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags for storage.
• The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Sausage Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake soup in an oven-safe dish until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in microwave-safe bowls in short increments, stirring occasionally, until hot.
• Stovetop: Warm on low heat in a pot, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about sausage soup that may help you get started:

Can I use different types of sausage in this sausage soup?

Yes! You can experiment with various smoked sausages like turkey or beef for different flavors.

How can I make this sausage soup spicier?

Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for extra heat. Start with a small amount and adjust according to your taste.

Is sausage soup healthy?

This sausage soup is relatively healthy, packed with nutrients from vegetables and beans. Opting for leaner sausage varieties can enhance its health benefits.

Can I substitute kale with another green?

Absolutely! Spinach or Swiss chard are excellent alternatives that also work well in this recipe.

Final Thoughts

This hearty sausage soup is perfect for cozy evenings or chilly days. Its rich flavors and nutritious ingredients make it a versatile dish that you can customize based on what you have at home. Feel free to add more vegetables, change up the beans, or adjust spices to suit your palate!