Get ready to transform your kitchen into a cozy haven with the most comforting soup you'll make this season! This Turkey Sausage Kale Pumpkin Soup is not just a meal; it's a culinary hug that combines hearty protein, nutrient-packed kale, and the rich, velvety goodness of pumpkin. Imagine a bowl that's bursting with flavor, packed with nutrition, and ready to chase away those chilly day blues in just 45 minutes. Whether you're a busy home cook or a soup enthusiast, this recipe will become your new go-to comfort food that's both delicious and surprisingly easy to prepare!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb turkey sausage
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups kale, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Remove turkey sausage from casings if needed and crumble into the pot.
- Cook the turkey sausage, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon, until it's fully browned and no pink remains, approximately 6-8 minutes.
- Add chopped onions to the pot and sauté with the sausage until the onions become translucent and slightly softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Mince the garlic and add it to the pot, stirring quickly to prevent burning. Cook for an additional 30-45 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and add the pumpkin puree, stirring to combine and create a smooth, integrated base for the soup.
- Sprinkle in the dried thyme, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir thoroughly to distribute the seasonings.
- Bring the soup to a gentle simmer, reducing heat to medium-low. Allow the soup to cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the chopped kale during the last 5 minutes of cooking, stirring to incorporate and allow the kale to become tender but still bright green.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or thyme to suit your preference.
- Ladle the hot soup into serving bowls and serve immediately. Optional: Garnish with additional fresh thyme or a sprinkle of black pepper.
Tips
- Sausage Selection: Choose a high-quality turkey sausage with good seasoning for maximum flavor. Spicy or mild, pick your preference!
- Kale Preparation: Remove tough stems from kale and chop into bite-sized pieces for the best texture. Fresh kale works best, but frozen can work in a pinch.
- Broth Matters: Use a rich, high-quality chicken broth to enhance the overall depth of flavor in your soup.
- Seasoning Secret: Don't be shy with herbs! The thyme adds a wonderful aromatic touch, but feel free to experiment with rosemary or sage.
- Consistency Control: If the soup is too thick, add a little more broth. If it's too thin, let it simmer uncovered to reduce and thicken.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This soup tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance and reheat.
- Garnish Game: Top with a dollop of Greek yogurt, some crispy croutons, or a sprinkle of pumpkin seeds for extra texture and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 55mg
