Turkey Sausage Kale Soup (Printable)
A comforting blend of lean turkey sausage, kale, and vegetables simmered in a flavorful broth.
# What You'll Need:
→ Meats
01 - 1 lb turkey sausage, casings removed
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1 large yellow onion, diced
04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
06 - 2 celery stalks, sliced
07 - 5 oz fresh kale, stems removed, leaves chopped
08 - 14 oz canned diced tomatoes, undrained
→ Broth & Grains
09 - 5 cups low-sodium chicken broth
10 - 1 bay leaf
11 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
12 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
13 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
14 - 5 oz small potatoes, diced (optional)
15 - 14 oz cannellini beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
# How-To Steps:
01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add turkey sausage and cook, breaking into pieces, until browned and cooked through, approximately 5 minutes.
02 - Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until vegetables are softened and fragrant.
03 - Stir in diced tomatoes, chicken broth, bay leaf, thyme, oregano, and potatoes if using. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
04 - Add chopped kale and beans if using. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes until kale is tender.
05 - Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove bay leaf before serving. Ladle into bowls and serve hot, optionally with crusty bread.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Its the kind of soup that makes your house feel like home, whether youve lived there two months or twenty years
- Everything simmers in one pot, leaving you with minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction
- The turkey sausage keeps it light without sacrificing any of the rich, hearty flavor you crave in a soup
02 -
- Removing the sausage casings is non-negotiable, they become rubbery and unpleasant in soup texture
- Kale holds up better than spinach, staying tender but not disappearing completely into the broth
03 -
- Use a potato masher to slightly mash some of the beans or potatoes, this naturally thickens the broth without any cream
- Start with less salt than you think you need, the sausage and broth bring plenty of saltiness on their own