Introduction
This hearty and flavorful soup is a delightful blend of spicy Italian sausage, fresh vegetables, and creamy richness. Perfect for a cozy dinner or as a warming dish on a chilly day, this recipe incorporates wholesome ingredients and can be easily adjusted according to your taste preferences. Let’s dive into the details of this delicious dish!
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced
1 teaspoon salt
2 celery stalks, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound spicy Italian sausage, casings removed
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
6 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
3 medium yellow potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch pieces
1 (15-ounce) can white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
4 cups fresh kale leaves, stems removed and torn into bite-sized pieces
1 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours 50 minutes
Yield: Serves 6-8 people
Enjoy this wonderful soup, ideal for serving alongside some crusty bread to soak up every flavorful drop!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Sauté Onions
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and salt; cook until softened and golden, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 2: Brown Sausage Mixture
Add diced celery, minced garlic, and spicy Italian sausage (casings removed) to the skillet. Break the sausage into bite-sized pieces as it cooks and brown lightly for about 5-6 minutes.
Step 3: Add Flour
Sprinkle flour over the sausage mixture; cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Incorporate Chicken Broth
Slowly pour in 2 cups of chicken broth while stirring to create a smooth sauce without lumps.
Step 5: Transfer to Slow Cooker
Transfer the sausage mixture to a slow cooker. Add the remaining chicken broth, dried thyme, black pepper, sun-dried tomatoes, sliced carrots, and diced potatoes.
Step 6: Cook in Slow Cooker
Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 4 hours, or until the potatoes are tender.
Step 7: Add Final Ingredients
Stir in the drained and rinsed white beans, fresh kale leaves, heavy cream, and lemon juice.
Step 8: Final Cooking
Cover again and cook for an additional 30 minutes, allowing the kale to soften.
Step 9: Taste and Adjust Seasoning
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed.
Step 10: Serve
Serve the soup hot, optionally with crusty bread on the side.
Notes
Ingredient Substitutions
You can use turkey sausage or vegan sausage for a lighter or vegetarian option.
Storage
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Instructions
This soup can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with grated Parmesan cheese for an added flavor boost.
Cook Techniques
Sautéing
Sautéing is a cooking method that involves cooking food quickly in a small amount of oil or fat over relatively high heat. In this recipe, onions, celery, and garlic are sautéed until softened, which helps to develop their flavors before adding other ingredients.
Browning
Browning is a technique that adds flavor and color to meats by cooking them until they form a brown crust. Spicy Italian sausage is browned in the skillet, enhancing its taste and texture.
Thickening
Thickening is the process of adding ingredients to create a richer and creamier texture. In this recipe, flour is sprinkled over the sautéed mixture before adding broth to help develop a smooth sauce.
Slow Cooking
Slow cooking involves cooking food at low temperatures for extended periods. This technique allows flavors to meld together while ensuring ingredients, like potatoes and carrots, become tender without overcooking.
Incorporating
Incorporating involves mixing in ingredients evenly into a dish. In this recipe, white beans, kale, heavy cream, and lemon juice are incorporated to enhance the soup’s flavor and add creaminess before serving.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes, you can substitute the spicy Italian sausage with sweet Italian sausage or even turkey sausage for a lighter option.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed thoroughly.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes, you can replace the sausage with a plant-based sausage or omit it entirely and add more vegetables or legumes for protein.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for additional flavor and nutrition.
What can I serve with this dish?
This dish pairs well with crusty bread, a side salad, or garlic bread to soak up the delicious broth.
Conclusion
This hearty and flavorful dish blends the warmth of spicy Italian sausage with the freshness of kale and vibrant vegetables, creating a comforting and nourishing meal. Perfect for chilly days, it’s not only satisfying but also easy to prepare using a slow cooker. Enjoy it with crusty bread or on its own for a delightful dining experience.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Try substituting the spicy Italian sausage with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Add some diced bell peppers for an extra layer of flavor and color, making this dish even more vibrant.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Incorporate a can of diced tomatoes along with the chicken broth for a tangy twist that enhances the soup’s depth.
More recipes suggestions and combination
For a vegetarian version, replace the sausage with lentils or mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Mix in some cooked quinoa or barley to add a hearty grain element, making your dish even more filling.
