Sausage And Sweet Potato Soup Recipe

Looking for a warm, hearty, and flavorful dish that combines savory sausage with the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes? This Sausage and Sweet Potato Soup is the perfect comfort food for chilly days. Bursting with vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients, this recipe is both nutritious and satisfying. Read on to learn how to make this delicious soup, how to customize it with variations, and helpful cooking tips to ensure you get it just right.

What is Sausage and Sweet Potato Soup?

Sausage and Sweet Potato Soup is a one-pot meal that blends the rich, savory taste of sausage with the subtly sweet and earthy flavor of sweet potatoes. With a medley of vegetables, aromatic herbs, and a flavorful broth, this soup is a perfect balance of hearty and wholesome. It’s a versatile dish that can be tweaked to suit different tastes or dietary preferences, making it a crowd-pleaser in any household.

Ingredients List for Sausage and Sweet Potato Soup

Here’s a breakdown of the essential ingredients you’ll need to make this savory soup:

• Sausage (preferably Italian sausage or smoked sausage): You can choose mild or spicy based on your preference. The sausage adds a rich, meaty flavor and a little fat that enhances the soup.
• Sweet potatoes: These are the star of the show. Sweet potatoes bring a natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the savory sausage.
• Onion: Adds depth and a mild sweetness that complements both the sausage and sweet potatoes.
• Garlic: Essential for building layers of flavor. It adds an aromatic punch to the base of the soup.
• Carrots: Another naturally sweet vegetable that adds texture and flavor to the soup.
• Celery: Provides crunch and a bit of bitterness to balance the sweetness of the other vegetables.
• Chicken or vegetable broth: This serves as the base of the soup, giving it body and a savory foundation. You can opt for low-sodium if you're watching your salt intake.
• Fresh spinach or kale: For added nutrition, a handful of greens like spinach or kale elevates the soup’s nutritional value without overpowering its taste.
• Herbs and seasonings: Fresh thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and pepper are great for adding depth and complexity to the soup.

Ingredients List for Optional Additions and Variations

To customize your Sausage and Sweet Potato Soup, consider the following optional ingredients and variations:

• Beans (cannellini or kidney): For an extra dose of protein and fiber, toss in a can of drained beans.
• Tomatoes (diced): For a tangy twist, diced tomatoes can add acidity and depth.
• Crushed red pepper flakes: If you love heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes to give your soup a spicy kick.
• Coconut milk: For a creamy, slightly sweet variation, add a splash of coconut milk to give the soup a smooth texture.
• Parmesan cheese: A sprinkle of grated Parmesan over the top adds a rich umami flavor.
• Quinoa or rice: Add cooked grains if you want to bulk up the soup even more, making it more filling.

Substitutions and Variations

One of the best things about Sausage and Sweet Potato Soup is its flexibility. Here are some common substitutions and variations you can try:

• Sausage substitutes: If you don’t eat pork or prefer a lighter version, you can substitute pork sausage with chicken sausage or turkey sausage. For a vegetarian option, you can use plant-based sausages or lentils.
• Sweet potato swaps: If sweet potatoes aren’t your favorite, you can substitute them with butternut squash or regular potatoes.
• Broth variations: You can easily switch out chicken broth for vegetable broth if you want to make the soup vegetarian. Beef broth can also work for a richer, heartier flavor.
• Greens: While spinach and kale are great options, you can also use Swiss chard or collard greens. If you prefer a milder green, baby spinach is perfect as it wilts quickly and blends seamlessly into the soup.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your own bowl of comforting Sausage and Sweet Potato Soup:

1. Prepare the ingredients: Start by peeling and dicing the sweet potatoes, chopping the onions, carrots, and celery, and mincing the garlic. If your sausage is uncooked, remove it from its casing and break it up into smaller chunks.
2. Brown the sausage: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. If the sausage releases a lot of grease, drain some of it off, leaving about a tablespoon for flavor.
3. Sauté the vegetables: Add the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic to the pot. Cook them in the sausage fat until they soften, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the sweet potatoes and seasonings: Toss in the diced sweet potatoes, fresh thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper, and stir to coat the vegetables in the flavors of the herbs and sausage.
5. Pour in the broth: Add enough chicken or vegetable broth to cover the vegetables and sausage. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender.
6. Add the greens: In the last few minutes of cooking, stir in your spinach or kale. Let the greens wilt into the soup.
7. Final adjustments: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

How to Cook Sausage and Sweet Potato Soup: A Step-by-Step Guide

• Step 1: Gather all your ingredients and ensure they are prepped. This includes chopping your vegetables and preparing the sausage.
• Step 2: Start by browning the sausage. This helps to develop the rich, savory base of the soup.
• Step 3: Sauté your aromatics, including onion, garlic, celery, and carrots. These will create layers of flavor.
• Step 4: Add the sweet potatoes and herbs, then pour in your broth and bring the soup to a simmer.
• Step 5: Once the sweet potatoes are tender, stir in any leafy greens like spinach or kale.
• Step 6: Simmer for a few more minutes, adjust seasonings, and serve!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when making Sausage and Sweet Potato Soup:

• Overcooking the vegetables: Be mindful of the cooking time for each vegetable. Sweet potatoes can become mushy if overcooked, so keep an eye on them and remove the soup from heat as soon as they are tender.
• Not adjusting seasoning: Soup needs seasoning at multiple stages. Taste as you go and adjust the salt and pepper to suit your taste.
• Skipping the browning step: Browning the sausage is essential for developing a deep flavor. Don’t skip this step!

Serving and Presentation Tips

When it comes to serving Sausage and Sweet Potato Soup, presentation is key. Consider these ideas to make your dish look as good as it tastes:

• Serve with a crusty bread: A warm, crusty bread like a baguette or sourdough is perfect for dipping into the broth.
• Garnish with fresh herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme leaves on top of each bowl adds a burst of color and freshness.
• Drizzle of olive oil: A light drizzle of good-quality olive oil over the top of the soup can add richness and a hint of elegance.

How to Serve Sausage and Sweet Potato Soup

This soup is versatile enough to be served as a main course or a starter. If you’re serving it as a main, consider pairing it with a side salad for a well-rounded meal. It’s also an excellent meal prep option as it reheats beautifully, making it ideal for lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.

Presentation Ideas for Sausage and Sweet Potato Soup

Here are some fun and creative ways to present your soup:

• Serve in bread bowls: For a fun and rustic presentation, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls.
• Use colorful bowls: Choose vibrant, rustic bowls to enhance the natural colors of the sweet potatoes and sausage.
• Top with microgreens or sprouts: For an extra layer of texture and visual appeal, top each bowl with a few microgreens.

Sausage and Sweet Potato Soup Recipe Tips

• Make it ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Make it a day in advance for an easy, stress-free meal.
• Freezing: This soup freezes well! Make a big batch and freeze it in individual portions for quick and easy meals later on.
• Don’t overdo the liquid: Remember that sweet potatoes and vegetables release liquid as they cook, so start with a modest amount of broth and add more as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
A: Yes, you can substitute regular potatoes, but keep in mind the flavor profile will change slightly. Sweet potatoes add a natural sweetness that complements the sausage.

Q: How long can I store this soup?
A: You can store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.

Q: Is this soup gluten-free?
A: Yes, as long as the sausage and broth you use are gluten-free, this soup is naturally gluten-free.

Conclusion

Sausage and Sweet Potato Soup is a hearty, delicious, and nutritious dish that's perfect for a cozy meal at home. Whether you're making it for a quick weeknight dinner or preparing it in advance for meal prep, this soup is sure to become a family favorite. With its savory and sweet flavor combination, it’s a satisfying dish that’s easy to customize and make your own. Try this recipe today and enjoy the comfort of a warm, nourishing bowl of soup!

Print