This Sweet Potato Kale Soup is a warm hug in a bowl! Packed with creamy sweet potatoes and healthy kale, it’s both tasty and good for you.
To be honest, this soup is my go-to on chilly days. I love how easy it is to whip up! Just blend, simmer, and enjoy a bowl full of comfort. 🌿🥣
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These are the star of the soup, providing natural sweetness and creaminess. If you don’t have sweet potatoes, you can use regular potatoes or even butternut squash for a similar effect.
Kale: Kale adds great texture and nutrients. If kale isn’t your thing, feel free to swap it for spinach or Swiss chard. Just remember that these greens will wilt faster, so adjust cooking time accordingly!
Onion and Garlic: These aromatics give the soup its base flavor. Yellow or white onions work well, and if you’re out of garlic, shallots or garlic powder can be a good substitute.
Spices: Ground cumin and smoked paprika bring warmth to the soup. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika or a pinch of cayenne pepper can add spice. Adjust based on your flavor preference!
Sausage: I love adding sausage for a savory punch, but this is completely optional. You can use any kind of sausage you prefer, or replace it with cooked lentils or chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
How Do I Get the Perfect Texture for My Soup?
The blending step is key to achieving a smooth, creamy soup while still retaining some texture. If you don’t have an immersion blender, just blend half of the soup in a regular blender, then return it to the pot. Here’s how:
- After the sweet potatoes are tender, carefully scoop out half the soup into a blender.
- Blend until smooth and then return it to the pot. This creates a lovely creamy consistency while leaving chunks for interest.
- Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly smooth; a bit of texture makes it more hearty!
Lastly, remember to adjust the soup to your liking by adding more broth or water if it seems too thick after blending. Enjoy your cozy soup adventure!
How to Make Sweet Potato Kale Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 3 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
- 1 cup water (optional, to adjust consistency)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 bunch kale, stems removed and leaves chopped
- 1 to 2 sausages (optional, for the slices seen in the soup; can use smoked or spicy sausage), sliced and browned
- Freshly ground black pepper, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Sweet Potato Kale Soup takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 30 minutes of cooking time. In total, you should expect around 40 minutes to have this warm and nourishing soup ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sautéing the Base:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and sauté for about 4-5 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and slightly soft. This builds a yummy base flavor!
2. Adding Flavor:
Next, stir in the minced garlic, ground cumin, and smoked paprika. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the spices release their wonderful fragrance.
3. Cooking the Sweet Potatoes:
Add the diced sweet potatoes to the pot. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender.
4. Blending the Soup:
For a creamy texture, use an immersion blender directly in the pot to blend the soup partially. You want some chunks for texture, so don’t blend it all! If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can blend half of the soup in a regular blender and then return it to the pot.
5. Stirring in the Kale:
Add the chopped kale to the pot and give it a good stir. Allow the kale to wilt for about 5 minutes; it will brighten up your soup and add great nutrients.
6. Cooking the Sausage:
If you’re using sausage, brown the sliced pieces in a skillet until they’re cooked through and slightly crispy. This step adds extra flavor to your soup!
7. Combining Everything:
Stir the sausage into the soup, mixing well to combine all the flavors. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Ladle the soup into bowls, and if you like, add an extra crack of black pepper on top for garnish. Serve hot and enjoy this hearty and delicious soup!
This soup perfectly blends creamy sweet potatoes, wholesome kale, and savory sausage for a comforting dish that warms your heart!
Can I Use Different Greens Instead of Kale?
Absolutely! While kale adds great texture and nutrition, you can easily substitute it with spinach or Swiss chard. Just remember that these greens wilt faster than kale, so add them in towards the end of cooking.
How Do I Store Leftover Soup?
Leftover Sweet Potato Kale Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating.
Can I Make This Soup Vegan?
Yes! You can make this soup vegan by omitting the sausage and using vegetable broth. You can also add more beans or lentils for extra protein if you’d like.
What Can I Serve With This Soup?
This soup is hearty enough to enjoy on its own, but if you want to complete the meal, serve it with crusty bread, a simple salad, or some quinoa for a wholesome addition!
