Creamy Kale Soup (Recipe)

Welcome to our delicious and nutritious Creamy Kale Soup recipe! If you’re looking for a homemade kale soup that is both healthy and comforting, you’re in the right place. This easy-to-make soup features tender green kale, creamy potatoes, and flavorful ingredients like Italian sausage and bacon. It’s the perfect dish for a cozy meal on a cold winter day. Let’s dive into the details of this creamy kale soup recipe.

Key Takeaways:

• Creamy Kale Soup is a delicious and nutritious dish that is easy to make at home.
• This recipe combines tender kale, creamy potatoes, and flavorful ingredients like Italian sausage and bacon.
• It can be cooked in just one pot, making it a convenient option for busy days.
• Serve this creamy kale soup with herbed garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
• Whether you follow the classic recipe or make a dairy-free variation, this soup is sure to warm and nourish you.

Ingredients for Creamy Kale Soup

To make Creamy Kale Soup, you will need the following ingredients:

• 4 slices bacon, diced
• 19 oz uncooked mild or spicy Italian sausage links, casings removed
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• 3 heaping cups diced yellow potatoes (unpeeled)
• 6 cups chicken stock
• 3 cups roughly chopped curly kale leaves (stems removed)
• 1.5 cups half and half

This delicious Creamy Kale Soup is packed with flavor and nutritious ingredients. The combination of bacon, Italian sausage, and kale creates a mouthwatering dish that will satisfy your taste buds. Let’s take a closer look at how to prepare this easy kale soup.

Instructions for Creamy Kale Soup

Here’s how to make Creamy Kale Soup:

1. Start by cooking diced bacon in a large enameled cast iron dutch oven until crispy. Remove bacon and set it aside.
2. In the same pot, cook Italian sausage until browned and broken up into small pieces. Remove sausage and set it aside.
3. Cook diced onion in the leftover fat until softened and lightly golden. Add minced garlic, salt, pepper, and oregano, and cook until fragrant.
4. Add diced potatoes to the pot and toss them with the onions and spices. Pour chicken broth into the pot and bring it to a boil. Reduce heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
5. Stir in the chopped kale and reserved sausage, and cook for a few minutes until the kale is tender.
6. Add half and half to the pot and bring it to a simmer. Turn off the heat.
7. Ladle the soup into serving bowls and sprinkle with crispy bacon bits. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve and enjoy!

Enjoy the delicious and comforting taste of Creamy Kale Soup with this easy-to-follow recipe. The combination of crispy bacon, savory Italian sausage, and tender kale creates a flavorful and satisfying soup. Serve it as an appetizer or a main dish, and savor each spoonful of this creamy goodness.

Variation: Dairy-Free Creamy Kale Soup

If you prefer a dairy-free version of Creamy Kale Soup, you can substitute the half and half with full-fat coconut milk. Simply follow the same instructions as for the regular recipe and use coconut milk instead of half and half. This variation is perfect for vegans or those who are lactose-intolerant.

Tips for Creamy Kale Soup

Make your Creamy Kale Soup even better with these helpful tips:

1. Use high-quality ingredients

For the best flavor, use fresh kale and opt for good-quality sausage and bacon. These ingredients will elevate the taste of the soup, making it even more delicious and nutritious.

2. Adjust the seasonings

Feel free to adjust the seasonings according to your taste preferences. Add more salt, pepper, or herbs if desired. This customization allows you to tailor the soup to your specific flavor preferences.

3. Add some spice

If you prefer a spicier soup, use spicy Italian sausage or add crushed red pepper flakes to the recipe. The added heat will give your Creamy Kale Soup an extra kick and add a flavorful twist.

4. Serve with crusty bread

Enhance the overall meal experience by serving the soup with some crusty bread or garlic bread on the side. The bread will complement the flavors of the soup and provide a satisfying crunch.

5. Storage and reheating

You can store the Creamy Kale Soup in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, heat it on the stove or in the microwave until it reaches your desired temperature. This makes it easy to enjoy the soup for multiple meals and ensures its flavors remain intact.

Implementing these tips will help you create a bowl of Creamy Kale Soup that is bursting with flavor and satisfies your cravings for nutritious kale dishes and comforting winter soups.

Frequently Asked Questions about Creamy Kale Soup

Q1: Can I freeze Creamy Kale Soup?

A1: Yes, you can freeze Creamy Kale Soup. Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Why freeze Creamy Kale Soup?

Freezing Creamy Kale Soup is a convenient option for those who want to prepare it in advance or have leftovers. By freezing the soup, you can preserve its flavors and nutrients for future meals. It’s a great way to save time and enjoy a hearty bowl of homemade kale soup whenever you desire.

How should I thaw and reheat frozen Creamy Kale Soup?

1. Thaw: To thaw the frozen soup, simply transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. This gradual thawing process ensures that the soup defrosts evenly and maintains its flavors.
2. Reheat: Once the soup is thawed, you can gently reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave. Heat it until it reaches your desired temperature, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. Remember to taste and adjust the seasonings if necessary before serving.

Can I add additional ingredients to the Creamy Kale Soup before freezing?

Yes, you can customize your Creamy Kale Soup by adding extra ingredients before freezing. However, it’s important to consider the texture and taste of the added ingredients. Certain ingredients, such as potatoes or dairy-based products, may change in texture after freezing and thawing. To maintain the best quality, you can choose to add these ingredients when reheating the soup instead.

How long can I store Creamy Kale Soup in the refrigerator?

You can store Creamy Kale Soup in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to transfer the soup to an airtight container before storing it in the fridge. When reheating, heat the soup thoroughly to ensure food safety.

Can I use this recipe to make a vegetarian version of Creamy Kale Soup?

Yes, you can easily make a vegetarian version of Creamy Kale Soup by omitting the Italian sausage and bacon. Instead, you can add extra vegetables like carrots, celery, or mushrooms for added flavor and texture. Consider using vegetable broth as a substitute for chicken stock.

Now that you have all the information you need, you can confidently enjoy your homemade Creamy Kale Soup or experiment with different variations to suit your preferences.

Conclusion

Creamy Kale Soup is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a cozy meal. This homemade kale soup recipe combines the goodness of fresh kale, tender potatoes, and flavorful Italian sausage or bacon. With its creamy texture and rich flavors, this soup is sure to warm your soul during the cold winter months.

Whether you stick to the classic recipe or opt for a dairy-free variation using coconut milk, this creamy kale soup is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed by everyone. Its simplicity and ease of preparation make it an ideal choice for any home cook.

By incorporating the vibrant and nutrient-rich kale into your diet, you’re also enhancing your overall health and well-being. This leafy green vegetable is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that promote good digestion, boost immune function, and support heart health.

So, why not treat yourself to a bowl of homemade Creamy Kale Soup today? It’s a wholesome and flavorsome option that will not only satisfy your taste buds but also provide you with a nutritious meal. Give this recipe a try and discover the joy of a warm and comforting bowl of creamy kale soup!