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If you’re craving a hearty, soul-soothing bowl of comfort, look no further than this delightful Sausage and Kale Navy Bean Soup Recipe. It’s the perfect marriage of smoky sausage, tender potatoes, earthy kale, and creamy navy beans all simmered together in a flavorful broth. This soup feels like a warm hug on a chilly day and makes for an incredibly satisfying meal that’s both nourishing and downright delicious. Once you try it, you’ll understand why this is one of my all-time favorite recipes to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the key to this recipe’s success. Each component plays a crucial part in building layers of flavor and creating the perfect balance of textures and colors that make this soup so appealing.
- Beef smoked sausage: Adds a rich, smoky depth that is the backbone of the soup’s flavor.
- Large onion: Provides a sweet and savory base when sautéed to golden perfection.
- Italian seasoning: Brings herby warmth and complexity to the dish.
- Black pepper: Offers a subtle heat that enhances the other spices.
- Ground white pepper: Adds a gentle spiciness with a unique aroma that blends beautifully.
- Garlic cloves: Infuse the soup with a fragrant, mouthwatering punch.
- Russet potatoes: Give comforting creaminess and bulk, making each spoonful hearty.
- Chicken stock or broth: The flavorful liquid foundation that ties everything together.
- Organic navy beans: Provide protein and a smooth, creamy texture that complements the sausage.
- Roughly chopped kale: Adds vibrant green color along with a tender, slightly bitter bite.
- Chopped parsley: Offers a fresh herbal lift to finish the dish.
- Tiny squeeze of lemon juice: Brightens and balances the rich flavors with just a hint of acidity.
How to Make Sausage and Kale Navy Bean Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
Before you start cooking, make sure all your ingredients are washed, chopped, and ready to go. This will keep things flowing smoothly and prevent scrambling to prep midway. Having everything prepped means you can enjoy the cooking process and watch your soup come together effortlessly.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
Heat a large soup pot over medium-high heat and add the sliced smoked sausage directly—no extra oil needed because the sausage releases its own fat. Let the pieces sear until beautifully browned on all sides. This step unlocks the smoky flavor and creates a wonderful foundation for the soup.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
Next, add the diced onion along with Italian seasoning, black pepper, and white pepper to the pot. Sauté everything with the sausage until the onions soften and turn golden, which brings out their natural sweetness and builds depth. Then stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant—this little step will make your kitchen smell amazing.
Step 4: Simmer the Soup Base
Add the diced russet potatoes to the pot, stirring to combine. Pour in the chicken stock or broth, then cover the pot with the lid slightly ajar to allow steam to escape while simmering gently. Cook for around 12 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender, soaking up all the savory flavors in the broth.
Step 5: Add Beans and Kale
It’s time to stir in the drained navy beans along with the chopped kale. Let the soup simmer for another 5 to 7 minutes, just enough for the kale to wilt and soften without losing its bright color or texture. This step adds heartiness and nutritional powerhouse ingredients to the mix.
Step 6: Finish with Lemon and Parsley
Finally, stir in freshly chopped parsley and a tiny squeeze of lemon juice to lift and brighten every spoonful. Taste and tweak the seasoning with salt, pepper, or more lemon juice if you want that extra zing. This finishing touch turns the soup from comforting to unforgettable.
Step 7: Serve
Ladle your warm, fragrant soup into bowls and get ready to enjoy! The blend of smoky sausage, tender veggies, and creamy beans is absolute magic on a chilly evening.
How to Serve Sausage and Kale Navy Bean Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes really elevate this soup. Try sprinkling freshly grated Parmesan, a few torn kale leaves for color, or even a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to add creamy contrast. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil can impart a silky richness that makes each bite extra special.
Side Dishes
This soup is perfect served alongside crusty artisan bread, garlic bread, or a warm baguette—ideal for dipping and soaking up all the delicious broth. A crisp green salad or roasted vegetables on the side rounds out the meal beautifully, providing a variety of textures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting, consider serving this soup in mini cast iron pots or rustic bread bowls to impress your guests. You could also add a swirl of pesto on top for a pop of green and an Italian twist. For a casual family dinner, simply ladle it straight into colorful mugs to keep things cozy and fun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store leftovers in an airtight container to preserve the flavors and textures, which often deepen and improve after sitting overnight.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze your soup in portions using freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags. It freezes well because the hearty ingredients hold up without getting mushy. Defrost in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
When reheating, warm the soup gently on the stove over medium-low heat to prevent scorching. If it has thickened, simply add a splash of broth or water to loosen it back up. Stir often and taste before serving to add any final seasoning.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage for this soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap the beef smoked sausage with chicken, pork, or even a spicy sausage to suit your taste. Each type will bring a slightly different flavor but will still make a delicious soup.
Is this soup gluten-free?
This Sausage and Kale Navy Bean Soup Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free chicken stock and sausage. Always double-check labels to be safe, especially with processed meats.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace the sausage with hearty mushrooms or smoked tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock. The navy beans and kale still pack plenty of flavor and nutrition.
What’s the best kind of kale to use?
Curly kale works great here, but you can also use Lacinato (dinosaur) kale if you prefer a milder flavor. Just make sure to remove tough stems and chop it roughly for the best texture.
How spicy is this soup?
The soup has a gentle warmth from the white and black pepper, but it’s not overly spicy. If you like a kick, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the onions or top the soup with hot sauce to taste.
Final Thoughts
This Sausage and Kale Navy Bean Soup Recipe has a special place in my heart because it’s easy to make, comforting, and wonderfully flavorful. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or serving guests, this soup never disappoints. I hope you try it soon and find the same joy in this bowl of goodness that I do every time!
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Sausage and Kale Navy Bean Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty sausage soup combines savory beef smoked sausage with tender potatoes, navy beans, and nutritious kale simmered in a flavorful chicken broth. Perfectly seasoned with garlic, Italian herbs, and a touch of lemon juice, this comforting soup is ideal for a cozy meal and serves six.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 (14 oz) package beef smoked sausage, sliced into bite-size circles
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 large onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, pressed or minced
- 3 small russet potatoes, peeled and diced (about 1/2-inch cubes)
- 2 cups roughly chopped kale
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
Seasonings
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Pinch or two of black pepper
- 1/2 tsp ground white pepper
- Tiny squeeze of lemon juice (about 1/2 tsp)
Liquids & Canned
- 6 cups chicken stock or broth
- 2 (15 oz) cans organic navy beans, drained and rinsed
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Gather and prep all ingredients ahead of time, including slicing the sausage, dicing the onion and potatoes, and rinsing the beans to ensure a smooth cooking process.
- Cook the Sausage: Heat a large soup pot over medium-high heat and add the sliced smoked sausage directly to the pot without any additional oil, allowing it to sear and brown for a few minutes, flipping as needed to evenly brown all sides.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and white pepper to the pot with the sausage. Continue to sauté, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and takes on a golden color.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced or pressed garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned, enhancing the soup’s aroma.
- Simmer the Soup Base: Add the diced potatoes to the pot and stir to combine with the sausage and aromatics. Pour in the chicken stock or broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot with a lid slightly ajar and cook for about 12 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Add Beans and Kale: Stir in the drained navy beans followed by the chopped kale. Let the soup simmer uncovered for an additional 5 to 7 minutes until the kale is wilted and tender, blending its earthy flavor into the broth.
- Finish with Lemon and Parsley: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the chopped parsley and a tiny squeeze of lemon juice to brighten and balance the flavors. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt, black or white pepper, or more lemon juice if desired.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve warm. For a complete meal, pair it with crusty bread or your preferred side dish to soak up the delicious broth.
Notes
- Using smoked sausage adds a rich, smoky flavor without needing additional oil when searing.
- White pepper adds a subtle heat without overpowering the dish, but you can substitute with black pepper if preferred.
- Kale can be substituted with spinach or Swiss chard for a different leafy green variation.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the sausage with smoked tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Adjust thickness by adding more or less broth depending on your preferred soup consistency.
- Leftover soup stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days and freezes beautifully for up to 2 months.
