Spicy Sausage and Kale Soup 🌶️🌿

 Spicy Sausage and Kale Soup 🌶️🌿

Servings: 4 people 👥

Prep Time: 10 minutes ⏰

Cook Time: 30 minutes ⏰

Total Time: 40 minutes ⏰

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil ⛽

1 lb spicy Italian sausage, casing removed 🌶️

1 small onion, chopped 🧅

3 cloves garlic, minced 💡

2 large carrots, chopped 🥕

2 celery stalks, chopped 🌱

4 cups chicken or vegetable broth 🍲

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes 🍅

1 teaspoon dried oregano 🌿

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat) 🌶️

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 🌿

Salt and pepper, to taste ❗️

4 cups kale, chopped 🌿

1 cup heavy cream (optional, for a creamy version) 🥛

Instructions:

Cook the Sausage:

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. ⛽

Add the spicy Italian sausage and break it apart with a spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until the sausage is browned and cooked through. 🌶️🍳

Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside.

Sauté the Vegetables:

In the same pot, add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant. 🧅💡🥕🌱

Add the Broth and Spices:

Stir in the chicken or vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), cumin, salt, and pepper. 🍲🍅🌿🌶️

Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Add the Kale:

Stir in the chopped kale and let it cook for another 5-7 minutes, until the kale is tender and wilted. 🌿

Finish the Soup:

Return the cooked sausage to the pot and stir in the heavy cream (if using) for a creamy texture. Continue to cook for 2-3 minutes to heat everything through. 🥛🍳

Serve:

Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. You can garnish with extra red pepper flakes or fresh herbs if desired. 🌶️🌿

Tips and Variations:

Make it Spicier: Add extra red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for more heat. 🌶️

Make it Creamy: For a richer soup, add more heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream when serving. 🥛🍦

Use Different Sausage: If you prefer less heat, you can use mild Italian sausage or chicken sausage instead. 🍗

Add Potatoes: For a heartier soup, add diced potatoes to the broth while simmering. 🥔

Enjoy your delicious and spicy Sausage and Kale Soup! 🌶️🌿🍲