Hearty Smoked Turkey Sausage and Kale Soup
Warm up with this Hearty Smoked Turkey Sausage and Kale Soup, brimming with robust flavors and wholesome ingredients. This soup offers a delightful blend of smoked turkey sausage, seasonal vegetables, and nutritious kale, creating a satisfying dish perfect for any occasion. It’s a versatile recipe that can be customized—add your favorite seasonal veggies or skip the sausage altogether for a delightful vegetable medley. Whether enjoyed as a cozy dinner or a hearty lunch, this soup is sure to please the entire family.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
2 tablespoons (for sautéing)
smoked turkey sausage
1 lb (diced)
onion
1 medium (diced)
boiling potato
1 large (diced)
mushrooms
1 cup (diced)
celery ribs
3 (diced)
garbanzo beans
1 (8 ounce) can (drained and rinsed)
garlic
1 clove (crushed)
chicken broth
32 ounces (low-sodium recommended)
red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons
thyme
1 teaspoon (dried)
parsley
2 tablespoons (or 1/2 cup fresh chopped)
kale
1/2 head (shredded (or substitute spinach))
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced smoked turkey sausage and onion. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes or until the onion becomes translucent and the sausage is lightly browned.
2
Stir in the diced potato, mushroom, celery, garbanzo beans, and crushed garlic. Pour in the chicken broth and add the red wine vinegar, thyme, and parsley. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
3
Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
4
Add the shredded kale and continue to simmer for an additional 5 minutes or until the kale is wilted and tender.
5
Season your soup with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Smoked Turkey Sausage and Kale Soup?
It is a robust and wholesome soup featuring smoked turkey sausage, kale, and seasonal vegetables perfect for a satisfying meal.
What kind of sausage should I use for this recipe?
The recipe calls for one pound of diced smoked turkey sausage.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can skip the sausage altogether to create a delightful vegetable medley version of this soup.
How do I prepare the kale for the soup?
The kale should be shredded before adding it to the pot.
What is a good substitute for kale?
Spinach is an excellent substitute for kale in this recipe.
How long do I sauté the sausage and onions?
Sauté the diced sausage and onion for about 5 to 7 minutes or until the onion is translucent and the sausage is lightly browned.
What type of potato is recommended?
One large boiling potato, diced, is recommended for this soup.
Are garbanzo beans required?
The recipe uses one 8-ounce can of garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed, for added texture and protein.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried thyme?
Yes, you can substitute fresh thyme, though the recipe specifies one teaspoon of dried thyme.
What is the purpose of red wine vinegar in this soup?
Red wine vinegar adds a touch of acidity that helps balance the savory flavors of the broth and sausage.
How much chicken broth do I need?
You will need 32 ounces of chicken broth; low-sodium is recommended.
Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
Yes, vegetable broth can be used as a direct substitute for chicken broth.
Is this recipe low-sodium?
The recipe is tagged as low-sodium, especially if you use low-sodium chicken broth as suggested.
How long should the soup simmer?
The soup should simmer for about 15 minutes for the vegetables to soften, plus an additional 5 minutes after adding the kale.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, this soup can be frozen in airtight containers, though the texture of the kale may soften upon reheating.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Yes, this is a versatile recipe that allows you to add your favorite seasonal vegetables.
Is this soup gluten-free?
The main ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check the labels on your sausage and broth to be certain.
When do I add the kale to the pot?
Add the shredded kale during the last 5 minutes of cooking until it is wilted and tender.
How do I prepare the mushrooms?
The mushrooms should be diced and added at the same time as the potatoes and celery.
Can I use more garlic?
Yes, while the recipe calls for one crushed clove, you can add more according to your personal preference.
How is this soup garnished?
You can garnish the hot soup with additional fresh parsley if desired.
Can I use a different type of bean?
Yes, cannellini beans or navy beans make great substitutes for garbanzo beans.
Is this soup good for meal prep?
Yes, it is tagged for meal prep as the flavors often deepen and improve the next day.
What if I do not have red wine vinegar?
You can substitute it with apple cider vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice.
Can this be made in a slow cooker?
Yes, sauté the meat and onions first, then combine everything except the kale in a slow cooker on low for 6 hours, adding kale at the end.
Is this recipe easy for beginners?
Yes, it is considered an easy recipe with straightforward sautéing and simmering steps.
How do I make the soup spicier?
You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use a spicy variety of smoked sausage.
What kind of oil is best for sautéing the sausage?
The recipe recommends using 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
Is this considered a comfort food?
Yes, it is specifically tagged as a comfort food, ideal for cozy lunches or dinners.