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Homemade Slow Cooker Kale and Sausage Soup photo

Slow Cooker Kale and Sausage Soup

This Slow Cooker Kale and Sausage Soup is a warm, hearty dish that practically cooks itself, making it perfect for chilly evenings!
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time4 hours
Total Time4 hours 15 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Comfort Food, Slow Cooker, Soup
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

For the Soup:

  • 3 links turkey sausages (sliced, nitrate-free)
  • 3 cups kale (chopped)
  • 2 medium potatoes (peeled and diced)
  • 1 clove garlic (halved)
  • 4 cups vegetable broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (freshly cracked)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Instructions

Directions

  • Begin by washing the kale thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit. Chop it into bite-sized pieces and set it aside. Next, peel and dice the potatoes into small cubes. Slice the turkey sausages into rounds. Halve the garlic clove to release its flavor.
  • If you have a few extra minutes, you can enhance the flavor by sautéing the sliced turkey sausage in a skillet over medium heat with one tablespoon of olive oil until browned. This step is optional but adds a lovely depth of flavor.
  • In the slow cooker, combine the chopped kale, diced potatoes, halved garlic clove, and sliced turkey sausage. If you opted to sauté the sausage, add it to the mixture now.
  • Carefully pour in the vegetable broth, ensuring that all ingredients are submerged. Add the freshly cracked black pepper for a hint of spice.
  • Finish off by drizzling the remaining tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil over the top. This helps to incorporate healthy fats and enhances the flavor.
  • Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The longer it cooks, the more flavorful the soup will become.
  • Once the cooking time is up, remove the halved garlic clove before serving. Give the soup a good stir and taste for seasoning. Adjust with more black pepper if desired. Ladle the warm soup into bowls and enjoy it with crusty bread or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese if you like!

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden Spoon

Notes

  • For a vegetarian option, substitute turkey sausage with plant-based sausage or omit it entirely.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • This soup can be frozen for up to 3 months; let it cool completely before freezing.