Hearty Italian Sausage Soup

Bring the warmth of a rustic Italian kitchen to your table with this hearty Italian Sausage Soup. This comforting dish combines savory Italian sausage, crispy bacon, and tender potatoes in a rich, creamy broth, creating a restaurant-quality experience right at home.

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Whether you're looking for a cozy weeknight dinner or a satisfying lunch, this soup delivers. The combination of fresh kale and sliced russet potatoes provides a wonderful texture that balances perfectly with the creamy base and flavorful meats.

Ingredients

• 450 g (1 lb) Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 medium russet potatoes, scrubbed and sliced into 0.5 cm (1/4 inch) rounds
• 120 g (4 cups) kale, stems removed and chopped
• 1.2 liters (5 cups) low-sodium chicken broth
• 240 ml (1 cup) heavy cream
• 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Crisp the Bacon

In a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crisp. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pot.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

Add Italian sausage to the pot and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Simmer Potatoes

Add sliced potatoes, chicken broth, Italian herbs, and red pepper flakes if using. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.

Step 5: Wilt the Kale

Stir in chopped kale and simmer for 3–4 minutes, until wilted.

Step 6: Add Cream

Lower heat and pour in the heavy cream. Heat gently until warmed through; do not boil.

Step 7: Season and Garnish

Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Ladle into bowls and garnish with reserved bacon.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To ensure the best results, slice your potatoes into uniform 0.5 cm rounds so they cook at the same rate. It is important to lower the heat before adding the heavy cream and avoid boiling the soup thereafter to prevent the dairy from separating.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a lighter version of this soup, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream. Feel free to add extra vegetables such as carrots or celery for more variety, and adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your personal spice preference.

Serviervorschläge

This hearty soup pairs beautifully with a side of warm, crusty bread or a fresh garden salad. For an extra touch of flavor, serve each bowl with a light sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

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Enjoy this comforting Italian Sausage Soup as a satisfying main dish. Its rich, savory flavors and creamy texture make it an enduring classic that is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use turkey sausage instead of pork?

Yes, turkey Italian sausage works well as a lighter alternative. The flavor will be slightly milder, but the dish remains delicious and satisfying.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store cooled soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed to adjust consistency.

→ Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, but cream-based soups can separate when frozen. For best results, freeze before adding cream, then stir in fresh cream when reheating.

→ What can I substitute for kale?

Spinach, Swiss chard, or escarole make excellent substitutes. Add leafy greens toward the end of cooking to prevent overcooking.

→ How can I make this dairy-free?

Replace heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. The soup will still be rich and flavorful.

→ Can I use a different type of potato?

Yes, Yukon Gold or red potatoes work beautifully. They hold their shape well and add a creamy texture to the soup.