This Sweet Potato Kale Soup is a warm hug in a bowl! With creamy sweet potatoes and fresh, vibrant kale, it’s both tasty and healthy.
You won’t believe how easy it is to whip up! Just simmer everything together, and you’ll have a cozy meal ready in no time. Perfect for chilly days!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These are the star of the soup, giving it a creamy texture and a natural sweetness. You can substitute with butternut squash or regular potatoes if needed, but sweet potatoes really enhance the flavor!
Kale: Kale adds nutrients and a bright color. If you’re not a fan, spinach or Swiss chard work well too. Both are softer and will cook down nicely!
Sausage: Using sausage adds a meaty depth to the soup. You can skip it for a vegetarian version or swap it with turkey or chicken sausage. Plant-based sausages are also a great option!
Broth: I usually go for vegetable broth, but chicken broth is a hearty alternative. Homemade broth can take this soup to the next level if you have it!
How Do I Get the Right Texture in My Soup?
Achieving a smooth and creamy soup can be tricky, but it’s about how you blend your ingredients. Here’s how to do it:
- After simmering the sweet potatoes, use an immersion blender to puree the soup right in the pot. If you lack one, a regular blender works too—just let the soup cool slightly before blending.
- If the soup seems too thick, gradually add water until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Make sure to blend enough so there are no chunks left, but a few small pieces of sweet potato can add some character!
With these tips, you’ll have a deliciously smooth soup ready to warm you up!
Sweet Potato Kale Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 small sweet potato or yam sausage link (optional), sliced into rounds
- 1 bunch kale, stems removed and roughly chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup water (optional, to adjust consistency)
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage or plant-based sausage, crumbled (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)
- Fresh bread slices, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Sweet Potato Kale Soup takes about 10 minutes of prep time and another 30 minutes of cooking time, making it a fantastic option for a healthy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Onions and Garlic:
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 4-5 minutes. This adds a lovely flavor base to your soup!
2. Add Garlic and Sweet Potatoes:
Stir in the minced garlic, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant. Then add the cubed sweet potatoes and stir for a couple of minutes to coat them with the onion and garlic flavors.
3. Simmer the Soup:
Pour in the broth and bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, until the sweet potatoes are very soft and tender.
4. Blend the Soup:
Once the sweet potatoes are soft, use an immersion blender to puree the soup until it’s smooth and creamy. If you like a thinner soup, now’s the time to add the water until you reach your desired consistency.
5. Cook the Sausage:
While the soup simmers or blending, heat the remaining olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add in the crumbled sausage and the sliced sausage rounds, cooking until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Once done, set aside for later.
6. Add Kale and Combine:
Stir the chopped kale into the pureed soup and let it simmer for another 5-7 minutes, until the kale is wilted and tender. This adds vibrant color and nutrients!
7. Final Touches:
Return the cooked sausage to the soup and give it a good stir to combine. Season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes to taste.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the soup hot with fresh bread slices on the side for dipping. Enjoy this hearty, nutritious, and comforting Sweet Potato Kale Soup!
Can I Use Other Types of Greens Instead of Kale?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of kale, feel free to substitute it with spinach or Swiss chard. Both varieties will wilt nicely into the soup and add a similar nutritional boost.
How Can I Make This Soup Creamier?
To add extra creaminess, you can include a splash of coconut milk or heavy cream after blending the soup. Start with a small amount and add more to taste, ensuring the flavor balance stays intact!
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Yes! This soup keeps well in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Just reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving. If you plan to freeze it, I recommend leaving out the kale until you’re ready to reheat, as it holds up better this way.
How to Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer a milder soup, you can completely omit the red pepper flakes or replace them with a pinch of black pepper. For those who like it spicy, consider adding a bit of cayenne pepper or a drizzle of hot sauce before serving.
