Cauliflower Sausage Kale Soup: 1 amazing comfort meal

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Cauliflower Sausage Kale Soup

Cauliflower sausage kale soup has been my go-to comfort food for years, especially when the weather turns chilly. I remember the first time I tried making it myself, I was a bit nervous about balancing the flavors, but the aroma that filled my kitchen was incredible! The savory Italian sausage mingled with the earthy kale and the subtle sweetness of the cauliflower. It’s such a hearty and satisfying meal, and this easy cauliflower kale sausage soup recipe is surprisingly simple to whip up, even on a busy weeknight. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Cauliflower Sausage Kale Soup

This soup is more than just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a bowl! Here’s why you’ll be coming back for more:

  • Incredibly Hearty: The combination of sausage, cauliflower, and kale makes this a truly filling and satisfying dish.
  • Packed with Nutrients: It’s loaded with vitamins and minerals from the kale and cauliflower, making it a healthy choice.
  • Quick and Easy: This easy cauliflower kale sausage soup comes together in under an hour, perfect for weeknights.
  • Adaptable Flavors: You can easily adjust the spice level of the sausage or add other veggies.
  • Comforting Aroma: The smell of sautéed onions, garlic, and savory sausage will fill your home with warmth.
  • Versatile: Enjoy it as a light lunch or a substantial dinner.
  • Great for Meal Prep: This healthy cauliflower sausage kale soup stores and reheats beautifully.

Ingredients for Cauliflower Sausage Kale Soup

Gather these simple ingredients for a delightful bowl of sausage and kale soup with cauliflower. This recipe is designed to be straightforward, making it an accessible weeknight meal.

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil – the base for sautéing our aromatics
  • 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed) – I like to use mild for a balanced flavor, but spicy adds a nice kick!
  • 1 medium onion, chopped – about 1 cup, for sweetness and depth
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced – essential for that savory flavor
  • 1 head of cauliflower, cut into florets – about 4 cups, our star veggie that becomes wonderfully tender
  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth – the liquid base for our soup
  • 1 cup water – to reach the perfect soup consistency
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme – adds an earthy, aromatic note
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano – classic pairing with Italian flavors
  • Salt and pepper to taste – always important for seasoning
  • 3 cups kale, chopped, stems removed – about 3-4 ounces, packed with nutrients and a slight bitterness that complements the richness
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for creaminess) – makes this a decadent creamy cauliflower sausage kale soup
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

How to Make Cauliflower Sausage Kale Soup

Creating this delicious cauliflower soup with sausage and kale is a breeze. Just follow these simple steps for a comforting and flavorful meal that’s ready in about 40 minutes.

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add 1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until nicely browned and cooked through. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. If there’s a lot of excess fat, carefully drain most of it off.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 1 medium chopped onion and 3 cloves minced garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until you can smell the garlic and the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 head of cauliflower, cut into florets, to the pot. Pour in 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth and 1 cup water. Give everything a good stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the cauliflower florets are fork-tender.
  5. Step 5: Uncover the pot and stir in the 3 cups chopped kale. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, just until the kale wilts and turns a vibrant green. If you’re making a creamy cauliflower sausage kale soup, now is the time to stir in the 1/2 cup heavy cream until well combined and heated through.
  6. Step 6: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Ladle this hearty cauliflower, sausage, and kale stew into bowls. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy your homemade soup!

Pro Tips for the Best Cauliflower Sausage Kale Soup

Making this soup is already pretty straightforward, but a few little tricks can elevate it from good to absolutely amazing. Here are my top tips for achieving the perfect bowl of this hearty soup.

  • Don’t overcrowd the pot when browning the sausage; cook it in batches if necessary to ensure it gets nicely browned rather than steamed. This develops a deeper flavor.
  • For an even richer flavor, you can roast the cauliflower florets for about 15-20 minutes before adding them to the soup.
  • If you prefer a smoother soup, reserve about 1-2 cups of the cooked cauliflower and broth before adding the kale, then blend it with an immersion blender or regular blender and stir it back in.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning frequently! Especially after adding the kale and cream, the saltiness can change.

Cauliflower Sausage Kale Soup: 1 amazing comfort meal - Cauliflower Sausage Kale Soup - additional detail

What’s the secret to perfect Cauliflower Sausage Kale Soup?

The secret lies in browning the sausage properly to build a flavor base, and not overcooking the cauliflower or kale. A touch of cream at the end also makes this creamy cauliflower sausage kale soup truly decadent.

Can I make Cauliflower Sausage Kale Soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! This soup is fantastic for meal prep. You can make the entire batch ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors actually meld and deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Cauliflower Sausage Kale Soup?

A common pitfall is under-seasoning or overcooking the vegetables. Make sure to taste and adjust salt and pepper before serving. Also, avoid boiling the soup vigorously after adding cream, as it can sometimes separate.

Best Ways to Serve Cauliflower Sausage Kale Soup

This comforting cauliflower soup with sausage and kale is a meal in itself, but it pairs beautifully with a few simple additions. For a complete and satisfying meal, I love serving it with a side of crusty bread for dipping into that flavorful broth. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette also offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup.

If you’re looking for something a bit heartier, consider serving this sausage, kale, and cauliflower chowder alongside some roasted vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts. These pairings make for a truly wholesome and delicious dining experience, perfect for any occasion.

Nutrition Facts for Cauliflower Sausage Kale Soup

This hearty cauliflower sausage kale soup is not only delicious but also quite nutritious. A serving provides a good balance of macronutrients to keep you feeling full and satisfied. The exact nutritional values can vary slightly based on the specific brands of ingredients you use, like the fat content of the sausage and whether you add cream.

  • Calories: 290
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: [Insert Value Here]
  • Protein: 15g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fiber: [Insert Value Here]
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: [Insert Value Here]

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

How to Store and Reheat Cauliflower Sausage Kale Soup

One of the best things about this cauliflower soup recipe sausage kale is how well it stores and reheats, making it perfect for meal prep. Once the soup has cooled completely (this is important to prevent spoilage and condensation in your storage containers), ladle it into airtight containers. For refrigeration, store it in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days. It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld!

If you want to keep this delicious soup on hand even longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. It’s often best to freeze the soup without the heavy cream, as cream can sometimes separate when frozen and thawed. Simply reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If it seems a bit thick, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cauliflower Sausage Kale Soup

Can I make a vegetarian Cauliflower Sausage Kale Soup?

Yes! To make a vegetarian or vegan version, simply omit the Italian sausage. You can sauté some extra mushrooms and onions in its place for added depth of flavor, or use a plant-based sausage alternative. Ensure you use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a fully vegetarian meal.

What is in Cauliflower Sausage Kale Soup?

This popular soup typically contains savory Italian sausage, tender cauliflower florets, nutrient-rich kale, onions, garlic, and broth. The exact ingredients can vary, but these form the delicious base of this hearty dish. Many recipes, including this cauliflower soup recipe sausage kale, offer options for added creaminess or spice.

Why is Cauliflower Sausage Kale Soup good for you?

This soup is a nutritional powerhouse! Cauliflower is packed with vitamins C and K, while kale is a fantastic source of vitamins A, C, and K, plus fiber and antioxidants. Sausage provides protein, and when made with lean options and plenty of vegetables, it’s a well-rounded, satisfying meal. It’s a great way to get your veggies in! For more information on the benefits of these ingredients, you can check out resources on kale nutrition.

How spicy is this Cauliflower Sausage Kale Soup?

The spice level of this soup with cauliflower, sausage, and kale largely depends on the type of Italian sausage you choose. Using mild Italian sausage will result in a very subtly spiced soup. If you prefer more heat, opt for spicy Italian sausage, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes during the sautéing process for an extra kick.

Variations of Cauliflower Sausage Kale Soup You Can Try

While this recipe for cauliflower sausage kale soup is fantastic as is, I love experimenting to see how I can change it up! Here are a few ideas to keep things interesting:

  • Low-Carb Version: For a low carb cauliflower sausage kale soup, simply omit the optional heavy cream and ensure your Italian sausage has minimal added sugar. The natural flavors of the sausage and vegetables shine through beautifully without it.
  • Spicy Kick: Craving some heat? Amp up the spice by using hot Italian sausage instead of mild. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes when you sauté the garlic and onions for an extra layer of warmth in your spicy cauliflower sausage kale soup.
  • Vegetarian Option: If you’re looking for a vegetarian cauliflower sausage kale soup, leave out the sausage entirely. Sautéing extra mushrooms or adding a plant-based sausage alternative will still give you a hearty and flavorful base.
  • Creamy Chowder Style: Want more of a sausage, kale, and cauliflower chowder? After the cauliflower is tender, use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup before adding the kale and cream. This creates a thicker, richer texture.
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Cauliflower Sausage Kale Soup

Cauliflower Sausage Kale Soup: 1 amazing comfort meal


  • Author: basmer
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Cauliflower Sausage Kale Soup is a hearty and nutritious dish. It combines savory sausage, tender cauliflower, and nutrient-rich kale. It’s perfect for chilly days and packed with vitamins and minerals, making it a wholesome meal. This easy cauliflower kale sausage soup recipe is simple to make.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
  • 1 medium onion (chopped)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 head of cauliflower (cut into florets)
  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 3 cups kale (chopped, stems removed)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for creaminess)
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
  • Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat if necessary.
  2. Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent.
  3. Add the cauliflower florets to the pot and stir to combine. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and water. Bring to a boil.
  4. Stir in the dried thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat and let simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender.
  5. Stir in the chopped kale and cook for an additional 5 minutes until wilted. If using, stir in the heavy cream for added richness and creaminess.
  6. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

  • For a lighter version, use coconut milk or a non-dairy cream substitute.
  • Add red pepper flakes for extra spice.
  • Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or zucchini.
  • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if the soup thickens too much.
  • This soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. It’s best to freeze it without the cream, adding it when reheating.
  • Serve with crusty bread, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Fat: 20g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Protein: 15g

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