This warm and colorful Sweet Potato Kale Soup is a perfect dish to brighten your day! With sweet potatoes and healthy kale, it’s both tasty and nutritious.
The mix of flavors makes it hard to resist! I love serving it with a slice of crusty bread to soak up every last drop. What’s better than a cozy bowl of soup on a chilly day?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: They add natural sweetness and a creamy texture to the soup. If you’re out of sweet potatoes, russet or butternut squash can work as a substitute, though they might alter the flavor a bit.
Kale: This leafy green is packed with nutrients. If you can’t find kale, spinach or Swiss chard can easily replace it. Just be sure to add them towards the end of cooking since they wilt quickly.
Onion and Garlic: They build a flavor foundation. If you’re looking for a milder taste, go for shallots instead. Both add aromatic flavors that enhance the soup.
Broth: Vegetable broth is a great choice if you want a vegetarian soup. Chicken broth adds a depth of flavor, so use what you have on hand. For lower sodium options, choose low-sodium broth or make your own.
Sausage: This ingredient adds heartiness and flavor. For a vegetarian option, consider using plant-based sausage or omit it entirely for a lighter version.
How Do You Achieve a Creamy Texture in the Soup?
Getting a smooth, creamy soup is key to this recipe. Here’s how to do it:
- After cooking the sweet potatoes, use an immersion blender directly in the pot to puree the soup. If you don’t have one, transfer the soup to a regular blender in batches. Just be careful as hot liquid can splatter!
- Blend until you reach your desired consistency. If you prefer a chunkier soup, blend only part of it and leave some sweet potatoes intact. This adds texture!
By following this method, you’ll have a wonderfully creamy soup that’s sure to warm you up!
Sweet Potato Kale Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 large sweet potatoes (about 2 lbs), peeled and cubed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 4 cups chopped kale, tough stems removed
- 1 cup cooked sausage, sliced (optional; chicken or smoked sausage works well)
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful soup will take about 10 minutes for preparation and around 30 minutes for cooking. In total, you’re looking at about 40 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and comforting dish that’s perfect for any day of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add the diced onion. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the onion is softened and slightly translucent. This builds a lovely base for your soup!
2. Add Garlic and Spices:
Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for one more minute until it’s fragrant. Then, add the cubed sweet potatoes, smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything well and let it cook for about 2 minutes to toast those rich spices!
3. Create the Soup Base:
Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth along with the cup of water. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are very tender.
4. Blend for Creaminess:
Now it’s time to create that silky texture! Use an immersion blender right in the pot to puree the soup until smooth and creamy. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer it in batches to a regular blender and blend until smooth. Always be cautious with hot liquids!
5. Add the Kale:
Return the pureed soup to low heat and stir in the chopped kale. Let it simmer for just about 5 minutes until the kale is wilted and tender, adding that nutritious green goodness!
6. Final Touches:
If you’re using sausage, add the sliced cooked sausage to the soup at this point and let it heat through for a couple of minutes. Taste the soup and adjust any seasonings if needed!
7. Serve It Up:
Ladle the warm soup into bowls and, if desired, garnish with crumbled bacon. Serve hot and enjoy this warm, hearty bowl of goodness!
This Sweet Potato Kale Soup is sure to become a favorite, full of flavor, nutrition, and comfort. Enjoy!
Can I Use Different Greens Instead of Kale?
Absolutely! If you don’t have kale on hand, spinach or Swiss chard make great alternatives. Just remember to add them towards the end of the cooking time, as they wilt faster than kale does.
Can I Make This Soup Vegan?
Yes! Simply omit the sausage and bacon and ensure you’re using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can enhance flavor with additional seasonings or even add some nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste.
How Long Does the Soup Last in the Refrigerator?
This soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you’d like to make it ahead of time, just wait to add the kale until you’re ready to heat it up—this keeps it fresher!
Can I Freeze Leftover Soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well! Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm on the stove or microwave. Enjoy it just as deliciously later on!
