Looking for a hearty, delicious soup that’s packed with bold flavors and wholesome ingredients? This sausage and sweet potato soup is the perfect answer! It combines the savory richness of sausage with the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes, creating a balance of flavors that will keep you coming back for more. This dish is perfect for chilly nights, but it’s light enough to enjoy year-round. Whether you're cooking for your family or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe is simple to follow and delivers impressive results. Read through the entire article for helpful tips, substitutions, and serving suggestions to elevate your soup-making game!
What is Sausage and Sweet Potato Soup?
Sausage and sweet potato soup is a savory, nutrient-packed dish that blends the spiciness of sausage with the subtle sweetness of sweet potatoes. The broth is typically made from chicken or vegetable stock, which allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. The soup is often rounded out with aromatic vegetables like onions, garlic, and carrots, and seasoned with herbs and spices like thyme, paprika, and bay leaves. Some variations add greens like kale or spinach for an extra boost of nutrition. Whether you prefer a light broth-based version or a creamier take, this soup offers versatility and heartiness that can suit any palate.
Ingredients List for Sausage and Sweet Potato Soup
Here’s what you’ll need to make this comforting and flavorful soup:
- Sausage – 1 pound of Italian sausage (mild, spicy, or sweet) or any type of sausage you prefer. For a lighter option, use chicken or turkey sausage.
- Sweet Potatoes – 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes.
- Onion – 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped.
- Carrots – 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds or half-moons.
- Celery – 2 stalks of celery, sliced thinly for a bit of crunch and flavor.
- Garlic – 3 cloves of garlic, minced.
- Chicken or vegetable broth – 4-5 cups of broth for a flavorful base.
- Olive oil – 1-2 tablespoons for sautéing the vegetables.
- Paprika – 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika for a smoky, slightly sweet depth.
- Thyme – 1 teaspoon of dried thyme or 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme.
- Bay leaves – 2 bay leaves for an earthy aroma.
- Salt – 1 teaspoon, or to taste.
- Black pepper – ½ teaspoon, or to taste.
- Kale or spinach (optional) – 2 cups of chopped kale or spinach for an extra serving of greens.
- Red pepper flakes (optional) – ½ teaspoon for a spicy kick.
- Cream (optional) – ½ cup of heavy cream or coconut milk for a richer, creamier version of the soup.
- Parsley or cilantro (optional) – Fresh herbs for garnish.
Substitutions and Variations
The beauty of this sausage and sweet potato soup is that it’s highly adaptable. Whether you’re working with what you have on hand or looking to tweak the recipe to suit dietary needs, here are some great substitutions and variations to consider:
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the sausage with plant-based sausage or add extra vegetables like mushrooms, chickpeas, or white beans. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Different Meats: You can use different types of sausage such as chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even smoked sausage for a more complex flavor.
- Sweet Potato Substitutes: If you don’t have sweet potatoes, you can use butternut squash, Yukon Gold potatoes, or even carrots to achieve a similar texture and flavor balance.
- Greens: Adding greens like kale, spinach, or Swiss chard boosts the nutritional value. Stir them in towards the end of cooking for best results.
- Spicy Variation: If you enjoy a spicier soup, opt for hot Italian sausage or add extra red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to taste.
- Creamy Version: For a creamier soup, stir in some heavy cream or coconut milk at the end of cooking. This adds richness without overpowering the other flavors.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of how to prepare this comforting sausage and sweet potato soup.
How to Cook Sausage and Sweet Potato Soup: A Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepare the Ingredients
Before you start cooking, gather and prep your ingredients. Peel and dice the sweet potatoes into 1-inch cubes. Chop the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. If you're using kale or spinach, chop them into bite-sized pieces.
2. Cook the Sausage
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it browns. Cook until the sausage is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. If the sausage releases a lot of fat, you may want to drain some of it, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pot for flavor.
3. Sauté the Vegetables
Remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside. In the same pot, add a little more olive oil if needed and sauté the chopped onions, carrots, and celery for about 5-6 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
4. Add the Sweet Potatoes and Spices
Add the diced sweet potatoes to the pot along with the smoked paprika, thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat the vegetables in the spices.
5. Pour in the Broth
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, making sure the sweet potatoes and vegetables are fully submerged. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 15-20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender.
6. Add the Sausage and Greens
Once the sweet potatoes are tender, return the cooked sausage to the pot. If you're adding kale or spinach, stir it in now. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes until the greens are wilted and everything is heated through.
7. Optional: Add Cream or Coconut Milk
For a creamier soup, stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk at this stage. Heat the soup gently, but don’t let it boil after adding the cream to prevent curdling.
8. Taste and Adjust Seasonings
Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings as necessary. Add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if desired. Remove the bay leaves before serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes can become mushy if overcooked. Keep an eye on them and remove the soup from heat once they are fork-tender.
- Not Browning the Sausage: Browning the sausage is key to building flavor in the soup. Don’t skip this step or rush it!
- Under-seasoning: Sweet potatoes have a naturally sweet flavor, so don’t be shy with the spices and salt to balance the sweetness.
- Skipping the Sautéing: Sautéing the onions, garlic, and vegetables before adding the broth helps build depth of flavor. It’s tempting to skip this step, but it’s crucial for a flavorful soup.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Elevate the presentation of your sausage and sweet potato soup with these simple serving ideas:
How to Serve Sausage and Sweet Potato Soup
- Bread: Serve the soup with crusty bread, sourdough, or garlic bread to soak up the flavorful broth.
- Grains: For a heartier meal, you can serve the soup over a bed of cooked quinoa, farro, or rice.
- Salad: Pair the soup with a light salad, like a spinach and arugula mix, to complement the richness of the sausage and sweet potatoes.
Presentation Ideas for Sausage and Sweet Potato Soup
- Garnish: Garnish the soup with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and freshness. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese also adds a nice touch.
- Bowls: Serve the soup in rustic, deep bowls to keep it warm and inviting. A drizzle of olive oil or a swirl of cream on top can add a gourmet touch.
- Toppings: Add a few toppings for texture and flavor, like crispy bacon bits, croutons, or a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream.
Sausage and Sweet Potato Soup Recipe Tips
- Make Ahead: This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors improve over time, making it perfect for meal prep.
- Freezing: This soup freezes well. Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When reheating, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop.
- Blending: For a creamier texture, you can blend half of the soup with an immersion blender or a regular blender and mix it back into the pot.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use pre-cooked sausage?
A: Yes, you can use pre-cooked sausage. Simply slice it and add it during the last 10 minutes of cooking to heat through.
Q: How can I make the soup spicier?
A: You can add more red pepper flakes, use hot Italian sausage, or add a dash of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
Q: Can I substitute regular potatoes for sweet potatoes?
A: Yes, you can use white or Yukon Gold potatoes instead, but keep in mind the soup will lose its sweet-savory balance.
Q: How long will this soup last in the fridge?
A: Stored in an airtight container, the soup will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Q: Can I add other vegetables?
A: Absolutely! Bell peppers, zucchini, or corn can all be delicious additions to this soup.
Conclusion
Sausage and sweet potato soup is a delightful, hearty meal that’s both nutritious and satisfying. The savory sausage and sweet potatoes create a perfect balance of flavors, making this soup an ideal dish for any time of the year. With the option to customize with different sausages, vegetables, or add-ins like cream or greens, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you're cooking up a batch for dinner or meal prepping for the week, this soup is easy to make, delicious, and oh-so-cozy. Happy cooking!
PrintSausage and Sweet Potato Soup Recipe
Sausage and sweet potato soup is a hearty, nutrient-rich dish with savory sausage and sweet potatoes in a flavorful broth. Easy to prepare, this soup is perfect for a cozy meal or meal prep. Full of vegetables and protein, it’s a filling option for any occasion. Keywords: Sausage and sweet potato soup, hearty soup recipe, easy soup, healthy comfort food.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmer
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 lb sausage (Italian or breakfast sausage)
- 3 cups sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups kale or spinach
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into pieces.
- Add chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
- Stir in diced sweet potatoes, smoked paprika, and cumin. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until sweet potatoes are tender.
- Stir in kale or spinach and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.
Notes
- For a spicier version, use hot sausage or add red pepper flakes.
- This soup freezes well for meal prep.
- You can substitute kale with spinach or Swiss chard based on your preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
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