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Instructions
1. Brown the Sausage
To start, heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Once browned, drain any excess fat and set the sausage aside.
- Tip: For extra flavor, you can use a spicy sausage to add some heat to the soup, or use a milder sausage for a more subtle taste.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
- If you prefer to skip this step and save time, you can skip the sautéing and simply add the raw onion and garlic directly to the slow cooker.
3. Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Transfer the cooked sausage, sautéed onion, and garlic into the slow cooker. Add the chopped carrots, diced potatoes, and chopped kale (you can remove the tough stems of the kale for a more tender texture). Then, pour in the chicken broth and add the white beans.
- Tip: You can add a little extra broth if you prefer a more soupy consistency, or reduce the liquid for a thicker, stew-like texture.
4. Add Seasonings
Stir in the dried thyme, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Give everything a good stir to combine.
5. Slow Cook the Soup
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes and carrots are tender and the flavors have melded together. The kale will be soft and flavorful by the time it’s done.
- Tip: If you’re short on time, you can cook it on high for a faster result, but slow cooking on low allows the flavors to really develop.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Once the soup is ready, taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve the soup hot, and if desired, garnish each bowl with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a side salad, making it the perfect meal for a cozy dinner or a casual get-together.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Kale and Sausage Soup
- Use Quality Sausage: The sausage is the star of this soup, so choose a flavorful variety. Spicy Italian sausage adds a nice kick, while smoked sausage gives a rich, deep flavor. For a lighter option, you can use turkey or chicken sausage.
- Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to swap in other vegetables like celery, parsnips, or zucchini to suit your preferences. You can also add diced tomatoes for an extra layer of flavor.
- Kale Substitutes: If kale isn’t your thing, you can substitute it with spinach, Swiss chard, or even collard greens. Just be sure to add leafy greens toward the end of the cooking time, as they cook faster than sturdier greens like kale.
- Make It Ahead: This soup can easily be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. In fact, it tastes even better the next day once the flavors have had time to meld. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.
- Adjust the Broth: If you prefer a richer broth, you can use beef broth or add a splash of cream toward the end of cooking for a creamy twist. You can also add a bit of white wine for extra depth of flavor.
- Add a Kick: For extra heat, add more red pepper flakes, or if you’re feeling adventurous, toss in some jalapeño or cayenne pepper for a spicy punch.
Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Kale and Sausage Soup
- Hearty and Filling: This soup is packed with nutritious ingredients like kale, beans, and potatoes, making it a complete meal in a bowl. The sausage adds richness and flavor, while the vegetables provide balance and texture.
- One-Pot Meal: With everything coming together in the slow cooker, there’s minimal cleanup—just one pot to wash!
- Customizable: You can adjust the ingredients based on what you have in your fridge or your personal tastes. Want more beans? Add them. Prefer a different green? Use spinach instead of kale. This recipe is highly flexible!
- Make Ahead: It’s the perfect soup to make ahead for busy days or to feed a crowd. Simply let the slow cooker do all the work, and you’ll have a hot, satisfying meal ready when you need it.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with vitamins, minerals, and protein, this soup is a nutritious choice for anyone looking to eat a little healthier without sacrificing flavor.
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Kale and Sausage Soup is the perfect meal for anyone looking for something hearty, healthy, and comforting. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s simple to prepare and even easier to enjoy, with rich, savory flavors and a satisfying combination of ingredients. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, prepping for the week ahead, or hosting a gathering, this soup will surely warm your heart and your belly.
So grab your slow cooker and get ready to enjoy a bowl of deliciousness this season. It’s the ultimate comfort food, made easy!
Enjoy! 🍲🌿🌭
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