Two Potato, Kale and Sausage Soup

Does this look good or what?  Believe me, it is!

This hearty bowl of veggie filled goodness helped soothe a savage beast last night, although I'm not sure it wasn't until he downed a gi-normous martini that he really finally relaxed.

The Big Guy came home from Phoenix last night except that what should have been a quick rather boring drive turned into a marathon. There was a huge dust storm that went through early yesterday afternoon resulting in absolute mayhem on the Interstate. With it closed for cleanup, there were tons of other people in the same boat taking the same alternate route and my normally very patient man was at the end of his rope by the time he rolled in. Course I was smart enough not to remind him that we were very lucky his wasn't one of the 30 or more vehicles in the smash up to begin with. Sometimes ya' just have to bite your tongue, though it's darn near impossible in my case.

I don't know about you, but I'm just starting to discover how wonderful kale is. Also known as "borecole" a member of the cabbage family, kale is one of the healthiest vegetables on the planet loaded with antioxidant vitamins A, C and K. It's one of the few vegetables that's better for you cooked instead of raw as the high fiber content "binds bile acids and helps lower blood cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease".

Don't worry though. I didn't forsake health in place of flavor last night, as this pot of wonder starts with sauteed bacon, followed by onion, sweet Italian sausage and sweet potato as well as Idaho tubers. Enriched with chicken stock, I added the kale at the very end so it kept its color and finished the soup with a splash of cream. Garnished with parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes, it was a perfect late dinner for my tired and frustrated King.

For the Truth About Kale hit the link here for a great article courtesy of Web MD.

Two Potato, Kale and Sausage Soup (inspired by Southern Living)

1 tablespoon olive oil

4 slices bacon, diced

2 cups chopped onion (about 1 large)

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 pound sweet Italian sausage

Coarse ground black pepper

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1/2 cup dry white wine

4 cups chicken stock

1 yam or sweet potato, cubed

1 large russet potato, cubed

10 ounces washed and chopped kale

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 cup half and half

1/3 cup Wondra instant blending flour (optional)

Sea salt if necessary

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes as garnish

Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large Dutch oven. Add bacon and cook until fairly crisp. Add chopped onion and garlic and cook together, stirring often until onion is softened. Add sweet Italian sausage and cook, crumbling until sausage is no longer pink. Season with coarse ground black pepper. Add red chili flakes and wine. Cook until wine has almost completely reduced, stirring up any crisp bits (fond) from the bottom of the pot. Add chicken stock and bring to a boil. Add potatoes; reduce heat to a simmer and cook, covered for 15 minutes. Add kale, handfuls at a time stirring as you go until it is all in the pot. Mix flour together with heavy cream and half and half and add to soup. Increase heat to medium high and cook, stirring until soup is slightly thickened and kale is no longer crisp. Taste for seasoning and add salt as required. Serve garnished with parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes. Makes 6 servings.  Download Two Potato, Kale and Sausage Soup

A year ago - Quick and Easy Oven Braised Pulled Beef

 

 

Comments

[Lea]

Now, that is a bowl of love and goodness to be sure! I bet I could sneak in some sweet taters into my Sweet William this way! Glad the Big Guy got home safely!

[June]

Lea - I kind of amazed myself how good this turned out and the sweet taters really add to the flavor. It was a "hairy" day for sure and they're calling for more wind/storms today but the good news is, the temperature's dropped and I've the AC off and windows open! YAHOO!!!

[Mags]

I just had kale for the first time last week, and in a soup, no less! I'm planning on posting it when I get around to it (someday...yada, yada) Anyway, I thought it was a delicious addition to my soup and I also looked up the nutrient value and was surprised to find that it is better for you cooked than raw.

[June]

Mags - goes to show that if I'd called to chat I'd have found out about the nutrient value before I had to search the info myself. We really should talk more often! Can't wait to see your soup version on your blog. By the way, I loved your birthday post! LOL

[Mary from Apron Strings & Wedding Rings]

This looks like a perfect soup June for a perfect Autumn day. Will be trying this one for sure!

[June]

Mary - like most soups and stews, it tastes better the next day!

[Lorraine]

I am a big kale fan and can't wait to try this. The sweet potato is a surprising addition.

[June]

Lorraine - I know what you mean. I thought so too and the combination of flavors is really good!