This Paleo Creamy Dreamy Sausage and Kale Soup is a warm hug in a bowl! Packed with tasty sausage, fresh kale, and creamy coconut milk, it’s both hearty and healthy.
Trust me, once you try this, you’ll want to make it every week! It’s super easy to whip up, and I love how it warms me up on chilly days. Perfect for a cozy night in!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sausage: Italian sausage gives a nice flavor, but feel free to use breakfast sausage or even chicken sausage if you prefer. For a vegetarian option, opt for plant-based sausage or mushrooms for a hearty texture.
Olive Oil or Avocado Oil: Both oils work great for sautéing. I often use avocado oil for its high smoke point, but olive oil is just as delicious. If you’re avoiding oils, you can use broth for the sautéing step.
Potatoes: Yukon gold potatoes are lovely here, but sweet potatoes provide a sweeter flavor and are a great way to stay strict with Paleo. You can also skip potatoes entirely if you want a lighter soup.
Kale: If kale isn’t your favorite, try spinach or Swiss chard! Both wilt nicely and add great nutrients to the dish. Incorporating beet greens or collard greens is also a fun twist!
Coconut Milk: Full-fat coconut milk adds a creamy texture that’s important for this soup. If you’re not into coconut, you could try almond milk (though it won’t be as rich). Cashew cream is another wonderful alternative!
How Do You Properly Sauté Onions and Garlic?
Sautéing onions and garlic is essential for building flavor in this soup. Here’s how to do it right:
- Use medium heat to prevent burning. It’s better to take your time.
- Add the diced onions first; they’ll take a few minutes to soften (about 3-4 minutes).
- Once they’re translucent, stir in minced garlic. Cook for just 1 more minute. Garlic cooks quickly, so keep a close eye to avoid bitterness.
- The sweet aroma that fills your kitchen is worth it! You set the stage for a delicious soup!
How to Make Paleo Creamy Dreamy Sausage and Kale Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 lb (450g) raw sausage (Italian or breakfast sausage, casings removed)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups (960ml) chicken broth or stock (homemade or Paleo compliant)
- 2 medium potatoes or 2-3 large white/yellow Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and diced (optional; use sweet potatoes if strict Paleo or omit)
- 1 bunch kale, stems removed and leaves chopped
- 1 cup full-fat coconut milk or canned coconut cream
- 1-2 medium tomatoes, diced (or 1 cup canned diced tomatoes, drained)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: Red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for heat
- Optional: Nutritional yeast or Parmesan-style Paleo cheese for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This comforting soup will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to cook, making a total of around 45 minutes from start to finish. It’s perfect for a cozy meal on a chilly evening!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Sausage:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil or avocado oil over medium heat. Add the raw sausage and use a spoon to break it up as it cooks. Sauté until the sausage is nicely browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside.
2. Cook the Onions and Garlic:
In the same pot, add the diced onion. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onions are translucent and fragrant. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, allowing the aroma to fill your kitchen!
3. Add the Broth and Potatoes:
Pour the chicken broth into the pot and bring it to a gentle boil. Once boiling, add the diced potatoes (or sweet potatoes if using) and cook for about 10 minutes. You want them to start becoming tender but not fully cooked yet.
4. Combine Ingredients:
Stir the cooked sausage back into the pot along with the chopped kale, diced tomatoes, dried thyme, and oregano. Let this simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes, allowing the kale to wilt and the flavors to blend.
5. Add Coconut Cream:
Lower the heat and stir in the full-fat coconut milk or coconut cream. Make sure to heat it through without bringing it to a boil, as boiling can cause the cream to curdle. Stir everything together to create a luscious, creamy texture.
6. Season and Serve:
Season your soup with salt, black pepper, and add any optional ingredients like red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for a kick. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with nutritional yeast or Paleo-friendly cheese if desired. Enjoy your delicious soup hot!
This hearty, creamy, flavorful, and Paleo-friendly sausage and kale soup is perfect for comforting meals. Enjoy every spoonful!
Can I Use Another Type of Sausage?
Absolutely! While Italian and breakfast sausages work well, you can substitute with chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even a plant-based sausage for a veggie option. Just make sure it’s a flavor you enjoy!
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes, you can! Simply omit the sausage and replace the broth with vegetable broth. You can add extra beans like cannellini or garbanzo for protein along with your favorite veggies!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it on the stove over low heat, adding a little water or broth if it’s too thick.
Can I Freeze This Soup?
Yes! This soup freezes well. Let it cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.