Turkey Sausage and Kale Soup (Printable)
Hearty soup with lean turkey sausage, nutrient-rich kale, and tender vegetables in savory broth.
# What You'll Need:
→ Meats
01 - 1 lb turkey sausage, casings removed
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 large yellow onion, diced
03 - 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
04 - 2 celery stalks, sliced
05 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
06 - 5 oz kale, stems removed and leaves chopped
07 - 14 oz canned diced tomatoes, undrained
→ Broth & Staples
08 - 5 cups low-sodium chicken broth
09 - 1 bay leaf
10 - 1 tsp dried thyme
11 - 1 tsp dried oregano
12 - 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
13 - Salt and black pepper to taste
14 - 2 tbsp olive oil
→ Optional Additions
15 - 14 oz canned cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
16 - 1 tbsp lemon juice
17 - Fresh parsley, chopped
# Steps:
01 - Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add turkey sausage and cook, breaking up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
02 - Add onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
03 - Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Add diced tomatoes with juice, chicken broth, bay leaf, thyme, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer.
05 - Stir in chopped kale and cannellini beans if using. Simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes until vegetables are tender and flavors meld.
06 - Remove and discard bay leaf. Stir in lemon juice if desired, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
07 - Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- It comes together in under an hour but tastes like it simmered all day
- The turkey sausage keeps it light without sacrificing any deep savory flavor
02 -
- Turkey sausage can vary wildly in salt content, so always taste before adding extra seasoning
- The soup tastes even better the next day, so do not hesitate to make it ahead
03 -
- Remove the kale stems before chopping, they stay tough even after long simmering
- Use a potato masher to slightly mash some of the beans if you want a thicker soup