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If you’re craving a hearty, flavorful soup that wraps you in cozy goodness with every spoonful, then the Turkey Sausage, Kale, and Sweet Potato Soup Recipe is exactly what your kitchen needs. This recipe perfectly balances savory turkey sausage with the earthiness of kale and the natural sweetness of tender sweet potatoes, all simmered in a spiced, comforting broth. It’s not only a vibrant display of colors but also a nutritious, satisfying meal that’s surprisingly easy to make and sure to become a favorite in your weekly rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making this soup truly sing. Each element plays an important role—adding layers of taste, textures, and that perfect pop of color that makes this dish as beautiful as it is delicious.
- Olive oil: Adds a smooth base for sautéing and infuses gentle richness.
- Chopped yellow onion: Brings a sweet, aromatic foundation to the soup.
- Large sweet potato: Provides natural sweetness and soft texture to balance savory flavors.
- Fully cooked turkey sausage: Offers lean protein and smoky, meaty depth.
- Minced garlic: Elevates flavor with its fragrant warmth and subtle bite.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Creates a flavorful liquid base without overwhelming saltiness.
- Paprika: Adds vibrant color and a gentle smoky sweetness.
- Ground cumin: Contributes earthy, nutty undertones that deepen the flavor profile.
- Ground coriander: Brings a fresh, lemony touch that brightens the soup.
- Chipotle chili powder: Delivers subtle smoky heat, adjustable to your taste.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing every ingredient.
- Chopped fresh kale: Adds a healthy, slightly bitter crunch and gorgeous color contrast.
- Dark red kidney beans: Boosts heartiness and provides a creamy texture when cooked through.
How to Make Turkey Sausage, Kale, and Sweet Potato Soup Recipe
Step 1: Heat the Olive Oil
Start by warming the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. This step is essential as it creates the perfect heat foundation for softening the onions and releasing their sweet aroma into the dish.
Step 2: Sauté Onions, Sweet Potatoes, and Sausage
Add the chopped yellow onion to the oil and sauté for about 5 minutes until they turn translucent and fragrant. Then toss in the diced sweet potatoes and sliced turkey sausage, cooking for another 3 minutes while stirring occasionally. This allows the sweet potatoes to begin softening and the sausage to warm through, developing a wonderful depth of flavor.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Spices
Stir in the minced garlic and continue cooking for 2 to 3 minutes, making sure the garlic doesn’t brown but infuses the dish with its unmistakable warmth. Next, pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle in the paprika, cumin, coriander, and chipotle chili powder. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking, stirring everything together to blend the spices harmoniously into the broth.
Step 4: Simmer the Soup
Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the pot and let it simmer, stirring occasionally. This phase allows the sweet potatoes to become tender while the flavors meld beautifully, taking about 5 to 10 minutes.
Step 5: Add Kale and Kidney Beans
The final touch is adding the chopped kale and rinsed kidney beans. These ingredients cook quickly—just 5 minutes more—to preserve the kale’s vibrant color and slight crunch while warming the beans through, resulting in a soup that’s both rich and fresh.
How to Serve Turkey Sausage, Kale, and Sweet Potato Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your bowl by sprinkling some freshly chopped parsley or a pinch of grated Parmesan cheese on top. A drizzle of good olive oil or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can add an extra layer of brightness and texture, making each bite even more inviting.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with a warm slice of crusty artisan bread or a soft dinner roll to soak up every last drop. For a lighter option, a crisp, simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the hearty flavors wonderfully, balancing the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this soup in rustic bowls lined with a bread bowl for a charming presentation perfect for entertaining. Alternatively, ladle it into mason jars or small crockpots for an impressive meal on the go. Adding a swirl of Greek yogurt or sour cream before serving can also elevate the look and taste.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Turkey Sausage, Kale, and Sweet Potato Soup Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy days.
Freezing
For longer storage, this soup freezes beautifully. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion. It can be frozen for up to three months without losing its wonderful texture or flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally to maintain the soup’s creamy consistency. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator first, or warm slowly over low heat to avoid curdling or overcooking the kale.
FAQs
Can I substitute turkey sausage with another type of sausage?
Absolutely! While turkey sausage gives a leaner taste and texture, feel free to swap it with chicken sausage, pork sausage, or even a plant-based sausage if you prefer. Keep in mind that different sausages may affect the soup’s overall flavor and fat content.
Is this soup spicy?
The chipotle chili powder adds a mild smoky heat, but it’s very subtle and adjustable. If you want it milder, reduce or omit the chipotle, or add more for a heartier kick. The spices are balanced well to keep the soup warm and inviting rather than fiery.
Can I use kale stems or other greens?
For the best texture, use tender kale leaves and discard tough stems. However, you can substitute kale with other greens like spinach, Swiss chard, or collard greens—they’ll change the flavor profile slightly but remain delicious.
What can I use instead of kidney beans?
If you’re not a fan of kidney beans, chickpeas or cannellini beans are great alternatives. They offer similar texture and protein content and meld well with the soup’s spices and ingredients.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Simply follow the initial sauté steps on the stove, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. Add the kale and beans during the last 30 minutes to keep the kale fresh and vibrant.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Turkey Sausage, Kale, and Sweet Potato Soup Recipe enough for those chilly days when you want something comforting, nourishing, and full of character. It’s an effortless way to bring bold flavors and wholesome ingredients together, making soup night a true delight. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite go-to recipe!
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Turkey Sausage, Kale, and Sweet Potato Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A hearty and flavorful Turkey Sausage, Kale, and Sweet Potato Soup featuring tender sweet potatoes, savory turkey sausage, nutrient-rich kale, and warming spices. This comforting soup is perfect for a wholesome meal and can be enjoyed any time of year.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 1/2 cups chopped yellow onion (1 medium)
- 1 large sweet potato (about 1 lb), peeled and diced into small cubes (3 cups)
- 13 oz fully cooked turkey sausage, cut into 1/2-inch thick slices
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (4 tsp)
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Spices
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 3/4 tsp ground coriander
- 1/4 tsp chipotle chili powder (more or less to taste)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Vegetables & Beans
- 4 cups chopped fresh kale
- 1 (14.5 oz) can dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
Instructions
- Heat the oil: In a large pot over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil until shimmering to prepare for sautéing the vegetables.
- Sauté onions, sweet potato, and sausage: Add the chopped onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened. Then add the sweet potato cubes and sliced turkey sausage, cooking while tossing occasionally for about 3 minutes to combine flavors.
- Add garlic and spices: Stir in the minced garlic and cook, tossing occasionally, for another 2 to 3 minutes to release its aroma. Pour in the chicken broth, then add paprika, cumin, coriander, chipotle chili powder, and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Simmer the soup: Bring the mixture to a light boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover the pot and simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes are nearly tender, about 5 to 10 minutes.
- Finish with kale and beans: Add the chopped kale and kidney beans into the soup. Cook uncovered for an additional 5 minutes until the kale is wilted and beans are heated through. Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- Adjust the chipotle chili powder to control the spice level according to your preference.
- Using fully cooked turkey sausage saves cooking time; if using raw sausage, cook thoroughly before adding the broth.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute turkey sausage with plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth.
- Leftover soup can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at serving can brighten the flavors.
