How to Create Hearty Sausage and Potato Soup (Simple Recipe)
There’s nothing better than a warm and hearty bowl of soup to comfort you on a chilly day. One of the best soups you can make at home is sausage and potato soup. It’s creamy, delicious, and packed with flavor! Plus, the recipe is easy to follow, even if you’re a beginner cook. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the steps to create your own bowl of cozy sausage and potato soup in simple English.
Why Sausage and Potato Soup?
Sausage and potato soup is a great choice for dinner or lunch because it doesn’t require fancy ingredients, and it comes together quickly. The combination of savory sausage, tender potatoes, and creamy broth makes it satisfying and full of flavor. Not only is it delicious, but it also has ingredients like potatoes and vegetables that make it nutritious.
What You’ll Need
Before starting, gather all your ingredients. This recipe makes around 4–6 servings, perfect for a small family or leftovers the next day. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound (about 450g) of sausage (Italian sausage, smoked sausage, or breakfast sausage work great)
- 4 medium-sized potatoes (Yukon Gold or russet potatoes are ideal)
- 1 medium onion
- 2–3 garlic cloves
- 4 cups of chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 1 cup of heavy cream or whole milk
- 1 cup of chopped kale or spinach (optional but healthy!)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, bacon bits, or fresh parsley
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Before cooking, it’s important to prepare all your ingredients:
- Wash and peel the potatoes, then chop them into bite-sized cubes. If you like chunks of potato in your soup, keep them slightly bigger.
- Dice the onion into small pieces.
- Mince the garlic cloves finely (or you can use pre-minced garlic to save time).
- Slice your sausage into small pieces or crumble it if you’re using ground sausage.
- If using kale or spinach, wash and chop it into smaller pieces.
Prepping everything beforehand will make the cooking process smoother.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add your sausage to the pot. If you’re using ground sausage, break it up into smaller pieces using a wooden spoon. Cook the sausage until it turns brown, which usually takes about 5–7 minutes.
Once the sausage is cooked, remove it from the pot and set it aside on a plate or bowl. If there’s too much grease left in the pot, you can drain some of it, but leave a little for extra flavor.
Step 3: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
In the same pot, add the diced onion. Cook the onion for 2–3 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Stir occasionally, so the onions and garlic don’t burn. The smell of garlic and onion cooking together will make your kitchen smell amazing!
Step 4: Add Potatoes and Broth
Now it’s time to add the cubed potatoes to the pot. Stir them with the onion and garlic for 1–2 minutes so they can soak up some flavor. Next, pour in the chicken broth. Make sure the broth covers the potatoes completely; if not, add a little more broth or water.
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Let the soup simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are soft. You can check if the potatoes are done by poking them with a fork — they should feel tender.
Step 5: Add Cream and Sausage
When the potatoes are cooked, it’s time to make the soup creamy. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer, and slowly pour in the heavy cream or milk. Stir well to combine.
Next, return the cooked sausage to the pot. Give the entire soup a good stir to mix everything together. If you’re using kale or spinach, add it at this stage. Let it simmer for 3–5 minutes so the greens can soften.
Step 6: Season to Taste
Taste your soup and decide if it needs more flavor. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance the taste. If you like a little spice, you can sprinkle in red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Your hearty sausage and potato soup is ready! Ladle the soup into bowls and serve it warm. You can add toppings like shredded cheese, bacon bits, or fresh parsley for extra flavor. Pair the soup with warm bread or crackers to make it even more filling.
Tips for a Perfect Soup
- Customize the recipe: You can swap kale for spinach or skip the greens entirely. Add carrots, celery, or other veggies if you want a thicker soup.
- Use different sausages: Experiment with Italian sausage, spicy sausage, or smoked sausage to change the flavor.
- Make it lighter: If you prefer a lighter version, use low-fat milk instead of heavy cream.
Final Thoughts
Sausage and potato soup is one of those meals that feel like a hug in a bowl. It’s hearty, easy to make, and perfect for sharing with loved ones. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this delicious soup for your family or enjoy it all to yourself!
Now that you know how to make it, why not give it a try? Grab your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy a bowl of warm, homemade goodness. Happy cooking!
