This hearty soup mixes tasty sausage with fresh kale and creamy goodness. It’s warming and perfect for chilly days, making you feel cozy with every bite!
Honestly, I can’t get enough of the rich flavor! Pair it with some crusty bread, and you’ve got yourself a satisfying meal. Who doesn’t love a warm bowl of comfort? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Pork Sausage: This is the star of the dish. I recommend using Italian-style for more flavor, but you can substitute with turkey or chicken sausage if you prefer leaner options. For a meat-free choice, look for plant-based sausage.
Kale: Kale adds great nutrition and texture. If you’re not a fan, spinach works well too, though it cooks faster. You could also use collard greens or Swiss chard for a different twist!
Potatoes: Traditional in soups, but if you’re sticking strictly to Paleo, swap them with cauliflower for a low-carb option. Cauliflower adds creaminess and blends in nicely!
Coconut Milk or Cream: Full-fat coconut milk gives a creamy texture. If you’re looking for a richer flavor, try canned coconut cream. You can also use unsweetened almond or cashew milk for a lighter version, though it won’t be as creamy.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Creamy Texture?
Creating a creamy broth is key to the comfort in this soup. To do this successfully, slowly stir in the coconut milk or cream at a lower heat. This prevents it from curdling and ensures a smooth blend with the rest of the soup.
- After adding kale and sausage, lower the heat before mixing in coconut milk.
- Stir gently, allowing it to warm through without boiling.
- Mix well until fully integrated for that dreamy consistency!
How to Make Paleo Creamy Dreamy Sausage and Kale Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 lb (450g) ground pork sausage (preferably Italian-style or your favorite variety)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups kale, chopped and tough stems removed
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced (optional for Paleo; use cauliflower if stricter Paleo)
- 4 cups chicken broth (preferably homemade or low sodium)
- 1 cup full-fat coconut milk or canned coconut cream (for creamy texture)
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tsp dried thyme or 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese (optional for non-Paleo garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious soup takes about 15 minutes of prep time and about 30-40 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll need around 55 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a cozy night in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Start with the Sausage:
In a large pot, heat the olive or avocado oil over medium heat. Add the ground sausage to the pot, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Brown the sausage for about 6-8 minutes, making sure it’s cooked through. Once done, remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside, leaving the yummy fat in the pot.
2. Sauté the Veggies:
Add the chopped onion to the pot. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes until the onion is softened and translucent. Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it’s fragrant. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
3. Add Potatoes (or Cauliflower):
If you’re using diced potatoes, add them to the pot now. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. If you opted for cauliflower, wait to add it in the next step.
4. Pour in the Broth:
Now, pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a boil. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes (or cauliflower) are tender.
5. Mix in the Kale and Seasonings:
Stir in the chopped kale, the browned sausage, crushed red pepper flakes, thyme, salt, and pepper. Let everything simmer together for about 5 minutes, until the kale is tender. This is where the flavors start blending beautifully!
6. Add the Creamy Goodness:
Lower the heat a bit and gradually stir in the coconut milk or cream. This will create a rich, creamy broth. Heat it through, but be careful not to boil it after adding the coconut milk, as this can cause it to curdle.
7. Final Adjustments:
Taste your soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if you’d like. It’s all about making it perfect for your taste!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley. If you’re not following strict Paleo rules, a sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan cheese on top is a delightful addition!
Enjoy your comforting, creamy, and flavor-packed Paleo Creamy Dreamy Sausage and Kale Soup!
Can I Use a Different Type of Sausage?
Absolutely! While ground pork sausage is a great choice, you can substitute it with turkey, chicken, or even plant-based sausage if you prefer a leaner or vegetarian option. Just adjust the seasoning to match your choice!
How Can I Make This Soup Dairy-Free?
This recipe is already dairy-free thanks to the coconut milk or cream! If you’re avoiding coconut products, you can use unsweetened almond or cashew milk, though it won’t be as rich. For additional creaminess, blend in soaked cashews.
Can I Freeze Leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers! Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It should keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stove when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
What Can I Substitute for Kale?
If you’re not a fan of kale, you can easily substitute with spinach or collard greens. Just remember that spinach cooks faster, so add it in later during the cooking process to avoid overcooking!
