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To make this delicious soup, you will need: - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil - 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your preferred spice level) - 2 cups kale, chopped with tough stems removed - 1 pound gnocchi (can be store-bought or homemade) - 1/2 cup heavy cream - Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste - Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish You can easily swap some ingredients to fit your tastes or needs. For the sausage, turkey or chicken sausage works well. If you want a vegetarian option, try using mushrooms or plant-based sausage. For the broth, use vegetable broth for a lighter option. If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or coconut cream for a dairy-free choice. This soup is not only tasty but also packed with nutrients. Here’s a quick breakdown per serving: - Calories: About 450 - Protein: 22 grams - Carbs: 30 grams - Fiber: 3 grams - Fat: 28 grams The sausage provides protein, while kale adds vitamins A and K. Gnocchi gives you a comforting base, making this soup a hearty meal. With these ingredients, you can enjoy a warm bowl of goodness that is both satisfying and nutritious. 1. Start by warming the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. 2. When the oil shimmers, add the Italian sausage. 3. Use a wooden spoon to break the sausage into smaller pieces. 4. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes. Cook until it is browned and fully cooked. 5. Add the finely chopped onion to the pot. 6. Continue to cook for 3-4 minutes. Stir occasionally until the onion softens. 7. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until it smells great. 8. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth slowly. 9. Add dried thyme and red pepper flakes next. 10. Increase the heat to bring the broth to a gentle boil. 11. Once boiling, stir in the chopped kale and gnocchi. 12. Cook for 2-4 minutes. The gnocchi should become tender and float. 13. Reduce the heat and gently mix in the heavy cream. 14. Let it simmer for 2 more minutes. 15. Taste and add salt and freshly ground pepper as needed. 16. Remove the pot from heat and let it rest a few minutes before serving. - Choose fresh kale for a bright taste. - Use high-quality Italian sausage for rich flavor. - Adjust red pepper flakes based on your spice preference. - Let the soup rest before serving. This helps the flavors blend well. - Finish each bowl with freshly grated Parmesan for extra taste. - If you use an Instant Pot, sauté the sausage and veggies first. - Set it to high pressure for 5 minutes after adding broth and gnocchi. - For slow cookers, brown the sausage first. Then add all ingredients. - Cook on low for 6-8 hours for a rich flavor. - Always check gnocchi's doneness to ensure they are tender. Herbs and spices can boost the soup's taste. I love using dried thyme for a warm, earthy note. Red pepper flakes add a kick, but adjust to your liking. Fresh herbs, like parsley or basil, can brighten the dish. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving for a fresh twist. Chop your onion and garlic finely. This helps them cook evenly. I recommend removing the tough stems from the kale. This makes the soup more pleasant to eat. Use a sharp knife for quick, safe chopping. Always keep your fingers tucked in while slicing to avoid cuts. Pair this soup with crusty bread for dipping. A simple green salad works well too. You might also serve it with garlic bread or a cheese platter. These sides balance the soup’s rich flavors and make for a hearty meal. Enjoy experimenting with your favorite pairings! {{image_4}} You can easily make this soup vegetarian or vegan. Swap the Italian sausage for plant-based sausage or mushrooms for a meaty flavor. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For creaminess, replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream. This keeps the soup rich while making it plant-friendly. You can switch up the sausage type for variety. Try chorizo for a spicy kick. Or use turkey sausage for a leaner option. Chicken sausage also works well if you want a milder flavor. Each sausage brings its unique taste and texture, so feel free to experiment. Add more nutrition by including extra veggies or beans. Carrots, celery, or bell peppers can enhance the soup's flavor. You can also stir in chickpeas or white beans for added protein. These additions make the soup even heartier and more colorful. Enjoy your own twist on this tasty dish! To store leftover soup, cool it down first. Transfer the soup to an airtight container. Make sure to leave some space at the top. This allows for expansion when freezing. Place the container in the fridge if you plan to eat it within a few days. For longer storage, freeze it instead. When reheating, use a pot on the stove for the best flavor. Pour the soup into the pot and heat it over medium-low. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking. If the soup is too thick, add a splash of broth or water. Heat until it's warm throughout. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. For freezing, let the soup cool completely. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Divide the soup into smaller portions for easy use later. Label the containers with the date and type of soup. Try to use the soup within three months for the best taste. When ready to eat, thaw the soup overnight in the fridge. Reheat it on the stove for delicious results. For this soup, you can use store-bought or homemade gnocchi. I like using potato gnocchi. It cooks quickly and adds a nice texture. If you want to make your own, use mashed potatoes, flour, and eggs. This gives a fresh taste that enhances the soup. Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time. It tastes great after resting. Just cook the soup, let it cool, and store it in the fridge. Reheat it when you're ready to eat. If you make it a day before, the flavors will deepen, making it even better. The soup has a mild to medium spice level. I use one teaspoon of red pepper flakes. You can adjust this to your taste. If you prefer less heat, use half a teaspoon. For more spice, add more flakes. Taste as you go to find the right balance for you. This blog post covered everything you need for Sausage Kale Gnocchi Soup. We explored the ingredients, cooking steps, and useful tips. You learned about healthy swaps, storage, and how to make this soup your own. The variations allow you to customize it easily. Remember, great soup comes from fresh ingredients and a little creativity. Keep trying new flavors and techniques. You’ll make a delicious soup every time!

Sausage Kale Gnocchi Soup

Warm up with this delicious Hearty Sausage Kale Gnocchi Soup! Packed with savory Italian sausage, tender gnocchi, and nutritious kale, this recipe is perfect for cozy nights at home. In just 25 minutes, you'll have a comforting bowl ready to serve, complete with a rich cream finish and topped with Parmesan cheese. Click to explore the full recipe and fill your kitchen with enticing aromas! #SoupRecipe #ComfortFood #HealthyEating #GnocchiRecipes
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Ingredients
  

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed

1 medium onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

4 cups chicken or vegetable broth

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your preferred spice level)

2 cups kale, chopped with tough stems removed

1 pound gnocchi (can be store-bought or homemade)

1/2 cup heavy cream

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish

Instructions
 

Begin by warming the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the Italian sausage. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart into smaller pieces. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the sausage is browned and fully cooked.

    Next, introduce the finely chopped onion to the pot. Continue to cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes soft and translucent.

      Add in the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute more, until it becomes aromatic and fragrant.

        Carefully pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, followed by the dried thyme and red pepper flakes. Increase the heat and bring the broth to a gentle boil.

          Once boiling, stir in the chopped kale and gnocchi. Allow the mixture to cook for 2-4 minutes, or until the gnocchi are tender and begin to float to the surface.

            Once the gnocchi are cooked, reduce the heat and gently stir in the heavy cream. Let the soup simmer for an additional 2 minutes. Taste and season with salt and freshly ground pepper to your liking.

              After simmering, remove the pot from heat and allow the soup to rest for a few minutes before serving.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

                  Presentation Tips: Ladle the soup into rustic bowls and top with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. For added flavor and visual appeal, finish with a light dusting of freshly cracked black pepper. Enjoy the warmth and comfort of this hearty soup!