White bean, kale & sausage soup
Cozy Up with Colorado-Inspired Sausage and Kale Soup
As the weather cools down, there’s nothing quite like a hearty, flavorful soup to warm you from the inside out. This Colorado-Inspired Sausage and Kale Soup is a delightful blend of rustic flavors, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. Inspired by the fresh, wholesome ingredients found in Colorado cuisine, this soup is packed with savory sausage, tender kale, and a comforting broth. It’s a one-pot wonder that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying.
This isn’t your average kale soup. The combination of sweet carrots, celery, and savory sausage creates a depth of flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds. The fresh thyme and rosemary add an aromatic touch, transporting you to the crisp mountain air of Colorado with every spoonful. We love how quickly this soup comes together – perfect for busy weeknights!
What makes this soup special?
- Flavorful Base: Sautéing the onions, carrots, and celery creates a rich and aromatic foundation for the soup.
- Hearty & Filling: The sausage and beans provide protein and substance, making this a complete meal.
- Nutrient-Packed: Kale is a superfood, and this soup is a delicious way to get your greens.
- Easy to Customize: Feel free to add other vegetables like potatoes or zucchini.
Tips for the Best Soup:
- Sausage Selection: Use a high-quality pre-cooked sausage for the best flavor. Andouille, Italian, or even a spicy chorizo would all work well.
- Kale Prep: Be sure to remove the tough stems from the kale before chopping. This will ensure a tender texture.
- Herb Freshness: Fresh herbs make a huge difference in flavor. If you don’t have fresh, you can substitute dried, but use about 1 teaspoon of each.
- Simmer Time: Don’t rush the simmering process. Allowing the soup to simmer for the recommended time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this Colorado-Inspired Sausage and Kale Soup with a crusty loaf of bread for dipping. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a final touch of flavor and richness. A simple side salad complements the soup perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! This soup actually tastes even better the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Q: Can I use a different type of bean?
A: Yes, you can! Cannellini beans or Great Northern beans would also work well in this soup.
Q: Is this soup gluten-free?
A: Yes, this soup is naturally gluten-free. However, be sure to check the ingredients of your sausage to ensure it doesn’t contain any gluten.
Q: Can I freeze this soup?
A: Yes, you can freeze it. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 3 months.
Q: What kind of sausage is best?
A: We recommend using a pre-cooked Italian or Andouille sausage for the best flavor. You can also use a spicy chorizo if you like a little heat!
Colorado-Inspired Sausage and Kale Soup
Ingredients
- 2 T. olive oil
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 carrots chopped
- 2 celery chopped
- 2 cloves garlic chopped
- 1 quart chicken stock
- 3 springs fresh thyme
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary
- 1 15 oz can white beans drained & rinsed
- 1/2 pound pre-cooked sausage halved lengthwise & sliced
- 1 bunch kale tough stems removed & roughly chopped
- to taste grated parmesan
Instructions
- Sauté onion, carrots & celery in oil over medium high heat in soup pot until onions are transparent and veggies are starting to brown – 5-7 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Add chicken stock and whole herbs to pot and bring to boil. Turn down heat and simmer 10 minutes.
- Add beans, sausage & kale and bring to boil again. Simmer 5 more minutes.
- Remove rosemary & thyme stems.
- Season with kosher salt & fresh ground pepper to taste and serve topped with freshly grated parmesan cheese.
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