This Smokey Sausage, Kale & Sweet Potato Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish packed with smoky depth, nutritious vegetables, and savory sausage. It’s the perfect comfort food for cooler weather, delivering a satisfying balance of protein, greens, and sweet earthy flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This soup is the ultimate blend of cozy and nourishing. The smokiness from the sausage and spices gives it rich flavor, while kale adds vibrant greens and sweet potato provides a natural sweetness. It’s easy to make, reheats beautifully, and makes a perfect weeknight dinner or meal-prep option.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Olive oil
- Onion, diced
- Garlic, minced
- Sweet potato, peeled and cubed
- Smoked sausage (like kielbasa or andouille), sliced
- Chickpeas (canned, drained, and rinsed)
- Smoked paprika
- Ground coriander
- Chipotle powder (or ground chipotle pepper)
- Ground cumin
- Salt and black pepper
- Chicken broth
- Fresh kale, chopped and stems removed
Directions
- Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add sweet potatoes, smoked sausage, and chickpeas. Stir in smoked paprika, coriander, chipotle powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring everything to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender.
- Add chopped kale and simmer for an additional 5 minutes, until the kale is wilted.
- Taste and adjust seasonings. Serve hot and enjoy.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4 to 6 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Use turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter version.
- Add a can of diced tomatoes for extra acidity and depth.
- Blend half the soup for a thicker, creamy texture.
- Make it vegetarian by swapping sausage for plant-based alternatives and using veggie broth.
- Add red pepper flakes for extra heat if you love spice.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Let the soup cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat, or microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
FAQs
What kind of sausage works best for this soup?
Smoked sausage like kielbasa or andouille adds the best flavor, but you can use turkey or vegetarian sausage too.
Can I use spinach instead of kale?
Yes, spinach is a great substitute. Add it in the last minute of cooking as it wilts quickly.
Is this soup spicy?
It has a gentle heat from chipotle powder. Adjust the spice level to your liking.
Can I make it in a slow cooker?
Yes. Sauté the onions and garlic first, then add everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
How do I thicken the soup?
Blend a small portion and mix it back in, or mash some sweet potatoes in the pot.
Can I add pasta or rice to this soup?
You can, but add it separately to prevent it from getting mushy in leftovers.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, if you use gluten-free sausage and broth, this soup is naturally gluten-free.
How long does it last in the fridge?
It keeps well in the fridge for 4 days in an airtight container.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. It’s a great meal-prep soup and actually tastes better the next day.
What should I serve with this soup?
Serve it with crusty bread, cornbread, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
Conclusion
Smokey Sausage, Kale & Sweet Potato Soup is a cozy, nutritious, and flavor-packed dish you’ll want on repeat all season long. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or prepping meals ahead of time, this soup delivers bold flavors and comforting warmth in every bowl.
Description
This hearty and flavorful soup is packed with smoky sausage, tender sweet potatoes, and nutrient-rich kale. It’s the perfect cozy meal for chilly nights and comes together easily in one pot. A delicious balance of savory, sweet, and just a touch of spice.
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Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
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Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
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In the same pot, add onion and cook until soft, about 3–4 minutes.
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Stir in garlic, smoked paprika, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute.
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Add sweet potatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
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Return the sausage to the pot and stir in the chopped kale. Simmer for another 5 minutes, until the kale is wilted.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.
Notes
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You can use turkey sausage or vegetarian sausage for a lighter option.
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Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days.
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Add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end for brightness.