Harvest Italian Sausage Kale has become my go-to comfort food, especially as the weather cools down. I remember the first time I made this hearty soup; the aroma of savory sausage and earthy kale filling my kitchen instantly made me feel cozy. It’s a wonderfully flavorful Italian sausage and kale recipe that’s surprisingly simple to put together. This dish is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something deeply satisfying and healthy. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Harvest Italian Sausage Kale
This soup is a winner for so many reasons! Here’s why you’ll fall in love with this Italian sausage and kale recipe:
- Incredible Flavor: A rich, savory broth packed with hearty Italian sausage and tender vegetables creates a deeply satisfying taste.
- Quick Prep: With just 15 minutes of prep time, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
- Nutrient-Rich: Packed with protein from the sausage and vitamins from the kale and other veggies, it’s a truly healthy Italian sausage kale meal.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses common, affordable ingredients that don’t break the bank.
- Family Approved: Even picky eaters will enjoy this comforting and flavorful dish.
- Versatile: Easily customizable with different sausage types or greens.
- A true healthy Italian sausage kale meal that warms you from the inside out.
Ingredients for Harvest Italian Sausage Kale
Gathering these simple, savory Italian sausage kale ingredients is the first step to a truly delicious meal. This recipe comes together with pantry staples and fresh produce, making it an easy weeknight wonder.
- 12 ounces pre-cooked mild or hot Italian sausage links – sliced into rounds, choose chicken or pork based on your preference
- 2 teaspoons olive oil – for sautéing the vegetables
- 2 cups yellow onion, diced – about 1 medium onion, this forms the flavor base
- 1 cup carrots, thinly sliced – about 2 large carrots, adding sweetness and color
- ½ cup celery, diced or thinly sliced – about 2 large ribs, for that classic aromatic flavor
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced – stems and caps, they add an earthy, umami depth
- 4 garlic cloves, minced – essential for that pungent aroma and taste
- 12 ounces small red potatoes, quartered or cut into ½-inch pieces – ensure they’re cut evenly for consistent cooking
- 3 cups kale, stems removed and torn into bite-sized pieces – about 1 small head, the star of our healthy dish
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning – a blend that brings classic Italian flavors
- ½ teaspoon fine salt, plus more to taste – to enhance all the flavors
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper – for a touch of warmth
How to Make Harvest Italian Sausage Kale
Let’s get this delicious soup simmering! This recipe for how to cook Italian sausage kale is straightforward and incredibly rewarding. You’ll love the way the aromas fill your kitchen.
- Step 1: Prepare the vegetables. Place a large pot with a lid over medium-high heat. When the pot is hot, spray it with cooking spray, then add the 2 teaspoons olive oil and swirl to coat evenly.
- Step 2: Sauté aromatics and veggies. Add the 2 cups yellow onion, diced, 1 cup carrots, thinly sliced, ½ cup celery, diced or thinly sliced, and 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced to the pot. Cook for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions and mushrooms are soft and translucent.
- Step 3: Add garlic and seasoning. Stir in the 4 garlic cloves, minced, 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Cook for an additional 30 seconds or until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Step 4: Add broth and potatoes. Pour in the 4 cups chicken broth and add the 12 ounces small red potatoes, quartered or cut into ½-inch pieces. Bring the soup just to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to a low simmer. Let it cook for 25-30 minutes until the potatoes and carrots are tender.
- Step 5: Incorporate sausage and kale. Stir in the 12 ounces pre-cooked Italian sausage links, sliced, and the 3 cups kale, stems removed and torn into bite-sized pieces. Continue to simmer uncovered for about 3 minutes until the sausage is heated through and the kale is wilted. This is where the soup really comes alive!
- Step 6: Final seasoning and serve. Taste the soup and add additional ½ teaspoon fine salt and pepper if needed. Remove from heat and serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and/or shaved Parmesan cheese alongside crusty bread if desired. Enjoy your hearty harvest Italian sausage kale dish!
Pro Tips for the Best Harvest Italian Sausage Kale
Want to elevate your soup game? I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve that make this Italian sausage and kale recipe absolutely sing:
- Use pre-cooked sausage for maximum convenience. Chicken or pork, mild or hot – it’s your call!
- Don’t skip sautéing the aromatics; this step builds a deep flavor base for your soup.
- Ensure your potatoes are cut into uniform sizes so they cook evenly.
- Taste and adjust seasoning at the end; this is crucial for bringing out the best flavors.
What’s the secret to perfect Harvest Italian Sausage Kale?
The real secret is building layers of flavor from the start. Sautéing the mirepoix (onion, carrots, celery) until softened and then blooming the garlic and Italian seasoning releases their full potential, creating the foundation for the best Italian sausage and kale recipe. For more on the benefits of these foundational vegetables, see the many benefits of onions and cherry tomatoes.
Can I make Harvest Italian Sausage Kale ahead of time?
Absolutely! This soup is a fantastic candidate for meal prep. You can prepare all the vegetables and store them separately in the fridge for a couple of days. Or, cook the soup entirely and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight!
How do I avoid common mistakes with Harvest Italian Sausage Kale?
A couple of common pitfalls: overcooking the kale, which makes it mushy, and not tasting for seasoning at the end. Simmer the kale only until it’s wilted, about 3 minutes. Always taste and adjust salt and pepper right before serving; it makes a huge difference!
Best Ways to Serve Harvest Italian Sausage Kale
This hearty soup is fantastic on its own, but I love pairing it with a few simple accompaniments to make it a complete meal. For a truly satisfying experience, serve it alongside some crusty bread. It’s perfect for dipping into that flavorful broth. If you’re looking for something a bit more substantial, this soup also makes a wonderful starter before a main course. You could even consider it a base for a dish, perhaps a sausage kale pasta harvest style meal, by adding cooked pasta directly to the bowls. For other pasta ideas, check out spaghetti with mushroom sauce or pappardelle with beef ragu.
Harvest Italian Sausage Kale Nutrition Facts
This hearty soup is packed with flavor and nutrients. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect per serving of this delicious Italian sausage and kale recipe:
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Protein: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 700mg
Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use.
How to Store and Reheat Harvest Italian Sausage Kale
This hearty soup is wonderful for meal prepping, and I find that the flavors actually deepen overnight, making it even more delicious. Once your harvest Italian sausage kale soup has cooled down completely – this is important to prevent condensation – transfer it into airtight containers. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you know you won’t get to it within that time, freezing is a great option. For longer storage, freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, the best way to reheat is on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave. This soup is truly a lifesaver for a quick and nutritious meal!
Frequently Asked Questions About Harvest Italian Sausage Kale
What is harvest Italian sausage kale?
Harvest Italian sausage kale refers to a comforting and flavorful dish, often a soup or stew, that features savory Italian sausage, nutrient-rich kale, and seasonal vegetables. It’s designed to capture the essence of harvest season flavors, making it a hearty and satisfying meal, particularly during cooler months. This particular Italian sausage and kale recipe embodies that cozy, abundant feeling.
Can I use a different type of sausage in this Harvest Italian Sausage Kale?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for pre-cooked Italian sausage links (mild or hot, chicken or pork), feel free to experiment. You could use bulk Italian sausage, or even a different seasoned sausage like chorizo or a spicy Italian sausage for a kick. Just ensure it’s cooked through before adding it to the soup.
What other vegetables work well in this Italian sausage kale recipe?
This recipe is quite forgiving! Besides the core ingredients, feel free to add other vegetables that complement the savory Italian sausage and kale. Some great additions include diced zucchini, bell peppers (any color), parsnips, or even a can of drained cannellini beans for extra heartiness. It’s a wonderful way to use up whatever you have on hand. For more on vegetable gardening, see the joy of vegetable gardening.
How do I make this Harvest Italian Sausage Kale recipe vegetarian?
To make this a vegetarian dish, simply omit the Italian sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add extra mushrooms or beans for added texture and protein. Some people also like to add a plant-based sausage alternative for a similar savory element.
Variations of Harvest Italian Sausage Kale You Can Try
This hearty soup is so versatile, you can easily adapt it to your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are a few ideas to create your own unique and delicious simple sausage kale harvest dinner:
- Spicy Kick: If you love a little heat, swap the mild Italian sausage for hot Italian sausage, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic and seasonings. This turns it into a fiery and flavorful dish.
- Creamy Version: For a richer, creamier soup, stir in about ½ cup of heavy cream or a dollop of mascarpone cheese during the last 5 minutes of simmering. It makes for an incredibly decadent meal.
- Vegetarian Delight: Easily make this a vegetarian dish by omitting the sausage and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add extra beans, like cannellini or chickpeas, or even some diced firm tofu for added protein and texture.
- Pasta Power-Up: Turn this soup into a complete meal by adding cooked pasta – like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or orzo – in the last few minutes of cooking. It transforms into a hearty pasta soup, perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
Harvest Italian Sausage Kale: Comfort in 1 Bowl
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A hearty and comforting Harvest Italian Sausage and Kale Soup, packed with savory Italian sausage, tender vegetables, and kale in a flavorful broth. Perfect for an easy weeknight meal that is both nutritious and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces pre-cooked mild or hot Italian sausage links (chicken or pork), sliced into rounds
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced (1 ½ cups)
- 2 large carrots, peeled and thinly sliced (1 cup)
- 2 large celery ribs, diced or thinly sliced (½ cup)
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, stems and caps sliced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 12 ounces small red potatoes, quartered or cut into ½-inch pieces if large
- 3 cups kale, stems removed and torn into bite-sized pieces (about 1 small head)
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- Cooking spray
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon fine salt, plus more to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups chicken broth (packaged or homemade)
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional for serving)
- Shaved or shredded Parmesan cheese (optional for serving)
- Crusty bread (optional for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Place a large pot with a lid over medium-high heat. When the pot is hot, spray with cooking spray, then add the olive oil and swirl to coat evenly.
- Sauté aromatics and veggies: Add diced onions, sliced carrots, celery, and mushrooms to the pot. Cook for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions and mushrooms are soft and translucent.
- Add garlic and seasoning: Stir in minced garlic, dried Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 30 seconds or until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Add broth and potatoes: Pour in the chicken broth and add the quartered red potatoes. Bring the soup just to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to a low simmer. Let cook for 25-30 minutes until potatoes and carrots are tender.
- Incorporate sausage and kale: Stir in the sliced sausage and torn kale pieces. Continue to simmer uncovered for about 3 minutes until the sausage is heated through and the kale is wilted.
- Final seasoning and serve: Taste the soup and add additional salt and pepper if needed. Remove from heat and serve hot garnished with chopped fresh parsley and/or shaved Parmesan cheese alongside crusty bread if desired.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.
Notes
- Use pre-cooked sausage to save time; substitute mild or hot Italian chicken or pork sausage to suit your taste.
- If you prefer a spicier soup, use hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes.
- Kale can be substituted with other leafy greens such as spinach or Swiss chard if desired.
- Ensure potatoes are cut into evenly sized pieces for even cooking.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Leftovers taste even better after a day, as flavors meld together.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
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