Sausage Soup

This savory sausage soup is the perfect comfort food for chilly evenings. Packed with flavorful beef smoked sausage, tender potatoes, and nutrient-rich kale, it’s a dish that warms both body and soul. Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a quiet night in, this soup is versatile enough for any occasion. With its hearty ingredients and simple preparation, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe arsenal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This soup can be prepared in just over an hour, making it great for busy weeknights.
• Hearty Ingredients: With beef smoked sausage, potatoes, and hearty greens, this dish is filling and nutritious.
• Flavorful Profile: The mix of Italian seasoning and fresh garlic gives the soup a robust flavor that satisfies.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as a standalone meal or pair it with crusty bread for a complete dining experience.
• Freezable Leftovers: Make a big batch and freeze leftovers for easy meals later on.

Tools and Preparation

To make this delicious sausage soup, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment will help ensure your cooking experience is smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large soup pot
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Garlic press
• Ladle

Importance of Each Tool

• Large soup pot: Ideal for simmering soups evenly without spillovers.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping ingredients precisely.
• Sharp knife: Helps slice through vegetables and sausage easily, saving time in prep.
• Garlic press: Ensures you get maximum flavor from fresh garlic cloves without hassle.

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 Additions

• 3 small russet potatoes, peeled and diced (about 1/2” cubes)
• 6 cups chicken stock or broth
• 2 (15 ounce) cans organic navy beans, drained and rinsed well

For the Finishing Touches

• 2 cups roughly chopped kale
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
• Tiny squeeze of lemon (about 1/2 teaspoon)

How to Make Sausage Soup

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

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

Step 2: Sear the Sausage

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 since the sausage will release its own fat. Sear the slices for a few minutes until they are browned. Flip them as needed.

Step 3: Cook the Aromatics

Add the diced onion to the pot along with Italian seasoning, black pepper, and white pepper. Sauté with the sausage until softened and golden. Next, stir in the garlic and sauté just until fragrant.

Step 4: Add Potatoes & Broth

Stir in the diced potatoes followed by the chicken stock (or broth). Cover the pot with the lid askew. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 12 minutes.

Step 5: Incorporate Navy Beans

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

Step 6: Finish with Greens

Turn off the heat and stir in roughly chopped kale. Allow it to wilt into the hot soup. Add parsley as well as a tiny squeeze of lemon to brighten up flavors.

Step 7: Serve & Enjoy

Ladle your warm sausage soup into bowls. Serve with bread if desired for a wholesome meal!

How to Serve Sausage Soup

Sausage soup is a comforting dish that warms the soul, making it perfect for chilly days. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your meal experience.

Pair with Fresh Bread

• Crusty baguette: Serve slices of a freshly baked baguette for dipping into the rich broth.
• Garlic bread: Try warm garlic bread to complement the flavors and add an extra layer of taste.

Add a Side Salad

• Mixed greens: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a simple vinaigrette adds freshness.
• Caesar salad: The creamy dressing and crunchy croutons provide a nice contrast to the soup’s textures.

Top with Cheese

• Grated Parmesan: Sprinkle fresh grated Parmesan cheese on top for a savory touch.
• Cheddar cheese: Melting cheddar in the soup can create a creamy texture and rich flavor.

Use Toppings

• Chopped parsley: Fresh parsley adds color and a bit of brightness when sprinkled on top.
• Red pepper flakes: For those who enjoy spice, adding red pepper flakes gives a nice kick.

How to Perfect Sausage Soup

Creating the perfect sausage soup is all about balance and technique. Here are some tips to elevate your dish.

• Choose quality sausage: Opt for high-quality beef smoked sausage for better flavor and texture.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust the spices as you cook to ensure the soup has balanced flavors.
• Don’t rush potatoes: Allow diced potatoes to cook until tender for the best texture in your soup.
• Add kale last: Stir in the kale just before serving to keep its vibrant color and nutrients intact.
• Experiment with broths: Different chicken stocks or homemade broth can significantly change the flavor profile.
• Serve hot: Always serve sausage soup hot for the best experience; reheat gently if needed.

Best Side Dishes for Sausage Soup

Pairing side dishes with sausage soup can enhance your dining experience. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Crusty Rolls: Soft rolls are perfect for soaking up every drop of delicious broth.
2. Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal roasted vegetables adds depth and nutrition to your meal.
3. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with herbs can provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty soup.
4. Stuffed Peppers: Baked stuffed peppers filled with rice or grains make for a filling accompaniment.
5. Cornbread: Sweet cornbread pairs well with savory soups, providing a delightful contrast in flavors.
6. Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges offer an enjoyable crunch alongside the soft textures of the soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Avoiding overcooking the vegetables. Make sure to keep an eye on your potatoes and kale. Overcooking can lead to mushy textures.
• Ignoring seasoning adjustments. Tasting as you go allows you to adjust flavors, ensuring the soup is well-balanced.
• Using low-quality sausage. Choose a good quality beef smoked sausage for a richer flavor in your sausage soup.
• Skipping ingredient prep. Preparing all your ingredients beforehand will streamline the cooking process and ensure everything cooks evenly.
• Forgetting about leftover storage. Properly store any leftovers to maintain freshness and flavor for future meals.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Allow the soup to cool completely before sealing the container to prevent condensation.

Freezing Sausage Soup

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 2-3 months.
• Leave some space at the top of the container, as liquids expand when frozen.

Reheating Sausage Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered oven-safe dish for about 20-30 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated thoroughly.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot; add a splash of broth if needed to loosen the soup.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sausage Soup?
Sausage Soup is a hearty dish made with flavorful beef smoked sausage, vegetables, and broth, perfect for warming up on cold days.

Can I customize my Sausage Soup?
Absolutely! You can add other vegetables like carrots or celery or even switch up the greens based on your preference.

How long does it take to make Sausage Soup?
The total time for this recipe is about 1 hour and includes 30 minutes of cooking time after prep.

Can I use turkey sausage instead?
Yes! Turkey sausage is a great alternative that will still provide delicious flavor while being leaner.

Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
You can use plant-based sausage alternatives and vegetable broth instead of chicken stock for a vegetarian version.

Final Thoughts

This Sausage Soup recipe is comforting and versatile, making it ideal for family dinners or meal prep. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients or seasonal vegetables. Enjoy this warm bowl of goodness!