Italian Sausage Soup (Print version)

A hearty bowl of savory sausage, bacon, and potatoes in a rich, creamy broth with fresh kale.

# What You'll Need:

→ Meats

01 - 1 lb Italian sausage, mild or spicy, casings removed
02 - 4 slices bacon, chopped

→ Vegetables

03 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 4 medium russet potatoes, scrubbed and sliced into 1/4 inch rounds
06 - 4 cups fresh kale, stems removed and chopped

→ Liquids

07 - 5 cups low-sodium chicken broth
08 - 1 cup heavy cream

→ Seasonings

09 - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
10 - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional
11 - Salt and black pepper to taste

# Directions:

01 - In a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, reserving drippings. Add Italian sausage to pot, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
02 - Add diced onion to pot and cook until softened, approximately 4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - 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 to 20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
04 - Stir in chopped kale and simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until wilted.
05 - Lower heat and pour in heavy cream. Heat gently until warmed through without boiling.
06 - Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Ladle into bowls and garnish with reserved bacon.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It's restaurant-quality soup you can make on a random Tuesday without any fuss or fancy techniques.
  • The combination of crispy bacon, tender potatoes, and creamy broth feels indulgent without being heavy.
  • Kale wilts right into the pot, so you're sneaking in vegetables without anyone noticing.
02 -
  • The sausage and bacon do most of the seasoning work, so go easy on the salt initially or your soup will taste oversalted by the time it's done.
  • Don't add the cream to a rolling boil or it can separate and curdle; always finish the soup on low heat with gentle stirring.
03 -
  • Save a handful of bacon for garnish after you've rendered it; the crispy texture on top of a creamy bowl is what makes people close their eyes and smile.
  • If your potatoes are cooked but still a little firm, cover the pot and let it sit off heat for 5 minutes—carryover cooking will finish them gently without turning them to mush.
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