Savory Chorizo and Kale Soup
This Savory Chorizo and Kale Soup is a cherished family recipe passed down through generations, known for its rich flavors and comforting warmth. Combining the hearty taste of fresh chorizo sausage with tender potatoes and vibrant kale, this dish is perfect for chilly nights. The broth, infused with the spices from the chorizo, creates a delectable base that accommodates additional ingredients, allowing you to make extra servings easily. Pair this soup with crusty bread for a soul-soothing meal, and enjoy the amazing leftovers—it only gets better the next day! Moreover, this soup freezes beautifully, making it a fantastic option for meal prep.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
1 tablespoon (none)
chorizo sausage
1 lb (fresh, casing removed, cut into bite-sized pieces)
chicken broth
1 quart (none)
onion
1 large (roughly diced)
potatoes
4 large (cubed)
kale
1 bunch (stemmed, washed, and chopped (about 1 lb))
ditalini pasta
1 1/2 cups (none)
dark red kidney beans
1 (15 ounce) can (drained and rinsed)
fresh ground black pepper
to taste (none)
salt
optional (to taste)
Instructions
1
Remove the casing from the chorizo and cut the sausage into bite-sized pieces.
2
In a heavy soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chorizo and diced onions, sautéing until the sausage is browned and the fat has rendered, about 3 to 5 minutes.
3
Remove the chorizo and onion mixture from the pot and drain on paper towels to remove excess grease.
4
In the same pot, add the chicken broth and cubed potatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes until the potatoes start to soften.
5
Return the chorizo and onion mixture back to the pot. Add the chopped kale and ditalini pasta, simmering for an additional 8 minutes or until the kale is tender and the pasta is al dente.
6
Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as needed, adding fresh ground black pepper and salt to taste, based on the spiciness of the chorizo.
7
Serve the soup hot, garnished with extra kale if desired, alongside warm crusty bread.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Chorizo and Kale Soup?
It is a hearty, comforting family recipe that combines fresh chorizo sausage, tender potatoes, and vibrant kale in a flavorful broth.
Should I remove the casing from the chorizo?
Yes, you should remove the casing from the chorizo and cut the sausage into bite-sized pieces before cooking.
How long do I sauté the chorizo and onions?
Sauté the chorizo and diced onions over medium heat for about 3 to 5 minutes until the sausage is browned and the fat has rendered.
Should I drain the grease from the chorizo?
Yes, after sautéing, you should remove the chorizo and onion mixture and drain it on paper towels to remove excess grease.
What type of broth is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 quart of chicken broth.
How should I prepare the potatoes?
You should use 4 large potatoes and cut them into cubes.
How long do the potatoes need to simmer?
Simmer the potatoes in the chicken broth for 10 minutes until they start to soften.
When do I add the kale and pasta?
Add the chopped kale and ditalini pasta back into the pot after the potatoes have simmered for 10 minutes.
How long does the kale and pasta need to cook?
Simmer for an additional 8 minutes or until the kale is tender and the pasta is al dente.
What kind of pasta is best for this soup?
The recipe specifically calls for 1 1/2 cups of ditalini pasta.
Are beans included in this soup?
Yes, the recipe includes one 15-ounce can of dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed.
How much kale is needed?
You will need 1 bunch of kale, which is approximately 1 lb, stemmed, washed, and chopped.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, this Savory Chorizo and Kale Soup freezes beautifully, making it an excellent option for meal prep.
Is this recipe good for leftovers?
Absolutely, the soup is known to taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
How should I season the soup?
Taste the soup at the end and adjust with fresh ground black pepper and salt based on the spiciness of your chorizo.
What is the recommended serving suggestion?
Serve the soup hot with a garnish of extra kale and a side of warm crusty bread.
Can I make extra servings easily?
Yes, the flavorful broth accommodates additional ingredients easily if you need to scale up the recipe.
What type of chorizo should I buy?
The recipe specifies using 1 lb of fresh chorizo sausage.
How many potatoes are required?
The recipe calls for 4 large potatoes.
What kind of onion is used?
One large onion, roughly diced, is used for the base.
Is this a spicy soup?
The spiciness depends on the type of chorizo used; you should adjust your salt and pepper seasonings accordingly.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, because it freezes well and tastes great as leftovers, it is a fantastic meal prep option.
What oil is used for sautéing?
Use 1 tablespoon of olive oil to sauté the chorizo and onions.
Do I need to wash the kale?
Yes, the kale should be stemmed, washed, and chopped before being added to the pot.
How much ditalini pasta is used?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 cups of ditalini pasta.
What size is the can of kidney beans?
The recipe uses a standard 15-ounce can of dark red kidney beans.
Is the salt mandatory?
Salt is listed as optional and should be added to taste.
Can I add extra kale as a garnish?
Yes, the instructions suggest garnishing with extra kale if desired when serving.
Is this a traditional recipe?
Yes, it is described as a cherished family recipe passed down through generations.
What heat setting should I use for the broth?
Bring the chicken broth and potatoes to a boil first, then reduce to a simmer.