Hearty Italian Sausage and Kale Soup
Indulge in a comforting bowl of Hearty Italian Sausage and Kale Soup, where spicy hot Italian sausage meatballs mingle with tender, cubed red potatoes and vibrant kale in a rich, seasoned chicken broth. The combination of aromatic garlic, shallots, and a medley of herbs create a flavorful base, while a splash of half-and-half adds a creamy finish. Perfect for chilly evenings, this nourishing soup is not only filling but also showcases the cherished flavors of Italian cuisine, making it an ideal choice for family gatherings or cozy nights in.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground hot Italian sausage
1 lb (Shaped into 1 inch balls)
Seasoned chicken broth
32 ounces (Heated)
Garlic cloves
2 large (Chopped)
Shallot
1 large (Diced)
White onion
1 small (Diced)
Rosemary
1 teaspoon (Ground or crushed)
Cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon (Ground)
Black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (Ground)
Oregano
1/2 teaspoon (Ground)
Celery seed
1 tablespoon (Ground)
Basil
1 tablespoon (Ground)
Red potatoes
2 1/2 lbs (Peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes)
Half-and-half cream
1/2 cup (Added to soup)
Flat leaf baby kale
5-6 ounces (Washed and drained)
Instructions
1
Begin by shaping the ground hot Italian sausage into 1-inch meatballs. In a large soup pot, place the meatballs and cover. Cook on medium-low heat until the internal temperature reaches 170°F, ensuring they are cooked through.
2
While the meatballs are cooking, prepare the garlic, diced shallot, and white onion. In a separate saucepan, heat the seasoned chicken broth. I prefer using lower sodium chicken broth for a more balanced flavor.
3
Once the sausage meatballs are fully cooked, carefully drain all but 1/8 inch of the rendered fat from the pot. Add the warmed chicken broth, along with the chopped onions, garlic, and shallots to the pot.
4
Next, combine the rosemary, cayenne pepper, black pepper, oregano, celery seed, and basil. To enhance their flavors, use a mortar and pestle to grind the herbs, or rub them between your palms as you add them to the soup, being cautious of the heat.
5
Cover the pot and increase the heat to medium. While the broth heats up, prepare the red potatoes by peeling them, removing any eyes, and cutting them into generous 1-inch cubes. Once prepared, add the cubed potatoes to the pot.
6
Cover again and let the soup simmer for about 60 to 90 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the aroma of the spices fills your kitchen.
7
After the cooking time, carefully remove the pot from the heat and stir in the half-and-half. Allow it to heat gently for about 10 minutes. Meanwhile, wash and thoroughly rinse the flat-leaf baby kale.
8
Finally, add the kale to the soup and stir for about one minute, allowing it to wilt and incorporate into the broth. Serve the soup immediately, ladling it into bowls and savoring the rich flavors.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Italian Sausage and Kale Soup?
It is a comforting and nourishing soup made with spicy Italian sausage meatballs, cubed red potatoes, and flat-leaf baby kale in a seasoned chicken broth with a splash of half-and-half.
What type of sausage should be used?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of ground hot Italian sausage shaped into 1-inch meatballs.
How large should the sausage meatballs be?
The ground sausage should be shaped into 1-inch meatballs.
What is the safe internal temperature for the cooked sausage?
The meatballs should be cooked until they reach an internal temperature of 170°F.
What type of broth is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe uses 32 ounces of seasoned chicken broth, with a preference for lower sodium broth to maintain a balanced flavor.
What aromatics are used in the soup base?
The base uses chopped garlic cloves, a diced large shallot, and a diced small white onion.
What specific herbs are included in the seasoning?
The seasoning includes rosemary, oregano, celery seed, and basil.
Is there any spice added to the broth?
Yes, ground cayenne pepper and black pepper are added for a bit of heat.
How should I prepare the herbs before adding them?
You should use a mortar and pestle to grind the herbs or rub them between your palms to enhance their flavor before adding them to the soup.
What type of potatoes are best for this soup?
Red potatoes are used in this recipe for their texture and flavor.
How should the potatoes be prepared?
The potatoes should be peeled, have the eyes removed, and then be cut into 1-inch cubes.
How long should the soup simmer?
The soup should simmer for approximately 60 to 90 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender.
How much fat should be left in the pot after cooking the sausage?
You should drain all but about 1/8 inch of the rendered fat from the pot.
What kind of cream is added at the end?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of half-and-half cream to give the soup a creamy finish.
How long should the soup heat after adding the cream?
After stirring in the half-and-half, allow the soup to heat gently for about 10 minutes.
What type of kale is used in this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for 5-6 ounces of flat-leaf baby kale.
When do I add the kale to the soup?
The kale is added at the very end, after the cream has been heated.
How long does the kale need to cook?
The kale only needs to be stirred in for about one minute until it wilts.
Can I use regular onions instead of shallots?
The recipe uses both a small white onion and a large shallot for a complex aromatic profile.
What is the serving suggestion for this soup?
The soup should be served immediately once the kale has wilted into the broth.
Is this soup considered spicy?
Yes, it uses hot Italian sausage and 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, giving it a spicy kick.
How many garlic cloves are required?
The recipe requires 2 large garlic cloves, chopped.
How many potatoes are needed?
The recipe calls for 2 1/2 lbs of red potatoes.
What size should the white onion be?
The recipe uses one small white onion.
How much celery seed is added?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of ground celery seed.
How much basil is used?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of ground basil.
What is the amount of black pepper used?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper.
Do I need to wash the kale?
Yes, the kale should be washed and thoroughly rinsed before being added to the pot.
What heat level should the meatballs be cooked at?
The meatballs should be cooked on medium-low heat.
How much rosemary is included?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of ground or crushed rosemary.