White Bean Smoked Sausage and Kale Soup: A Hearty Comfort Meal

Welcome to my West Virginia Kitchen!  Are you craving a cosy, one-pot meal that's packed with flavor and nutrition?  Whis White Bean Smoked Sausage and Kale Soup is the perfect dish to warm up your day!  Bursting with savory smoked sausage, tender white beans, and nutrient-rich kale, this soup is a great option for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.  Best of all, it's super simple to make and requires only a handful of ingredients.

Whether you're new to cooking or a seasoned home chef, this soup is sure to become a household favorite.  With just the right balance of flavors and textures, it delivers that comforting feeling we all love in a homemade soup.   I can't wait to share it with you so...

Let's get started!

WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS RECIPE:

• Easy to Make:  This soup comes together in just one pot, making cleanup a breeze!  
• Nutritious:  With lean protein from the sausage, fiber from the beans, and a boost of vitamins from the kale, it's both hearty and healthy.  
• Affordable Ingredients:  All the ingredients are budget friendly and easy to find in your local grocery store.  
• Customizable:  Add extra vegetables or switch up the beans or sausage to make it your own.  
• Perfect for Meal Prep:  Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers for days. 

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 Tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 lb Smoked Sausage
• 1 Onion, diced
• 1 Tbsp Garlic, minced
• 4 cup Chicken Broth
• 2 (15 oz) cans of White Beans (Cannellini or Great Northern), drained and rinsed 
• 4 cups Chopped Kale, remove stems
• 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
• 1 tsp Dried Thyme
• Salt and Pepper, to taste
• 1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (optional for a kick)
• Parmesan Cheese for topping

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Cook the Sausage:  Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.  Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook until browned on both sides, about 5-7 minutes.  Remove the sausage and set aside.  
2. Sauté the Vegetables:  In the same pot, add diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.  Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.  
3. Build the Soup Base:  Return the cooked sausage to the pot.  Add the smoked paprika and thyme, cook for 1 minute.  Pour in the chicken broth and the drained and rinsed white beans.  Stir well.  
4. Cook:  Bring the soup to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes. 
5. Add the Kale:  Stem, chop, and massage the kale.  massaging keeps the kale from tasting bitter.  Add to the soup and simmer for another 10 minutes.  
6. Adjust the Seasoning:  Taste the soup and add red pepper flakes for heat or more salt and pepper as needed.  
7. Serve:  Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy with crusty bread or a side salad.  

STEP BY STEP PHOTOGRAPHS:

TIPS AND TRICKS:

• Make it Vegetarian:  Swap the smoked sausage for a plant-based sausage or omit the meat all together and add extra beans for more protein.  
• Kale Alternative:  If kale isn't your favorite, try using spinach or swiss chard.  Just adjust the cooking time, as spinach will wilt much faster.  
• Bean Variety:  Feel free to substitute with navy beans, pinto beans, or even chickpeas for a twist on the traditional recipe. 
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.  This soup also freezes well for up to 3 months.  Thaw overnight and reheat over medium heat.  

FAQs:

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?  

Absolutely!  Simply brown the sausage and sauté the onions and garlic before transferring them to your crockpot.  Add the broth, beans, and kales, then cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours. 

What can I serve with this soup?  

A warm, crusty bread is the perfect companion to this hearty soup.  A side salad or garlic bread would also pair wonderfully.  

Is there a way to make this soup creamier?

Yes!  For a creamier texture, you can blend a portion of the soup using an immersion blender or mash some of the beans before adding the kale.   

How can I add more flavor?

You can boost the flavor by adding a splash of white wine or apple cider vinegar when sautéing the onions, or farnish with freshly grated parmesan cheese before serving.  

There's nothing like a bowl of hearty soup to make you feel warm and comforted, and this White Bean Smoked Sausage and Kale Soup hits all the right notes.  Whether you're looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a make-ahead meal, this flavorful soup is packed with wholesome ingredients and irresistible taste.  

And as always...

Happy Eatin' Y'all!
~The Kitchen Wife~