• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • Free Bonus
  • About

Boulder Locavore logo

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • Free Bonus
  • About
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Home
    • Recipes
    • Free Bonus
    • About
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter
  • ร—
    Home ยป Recipes ยป Soups ยป Peppery Sausage White Bean Kale Soup

    PUBLISHED: September 30, 2018 โ€ข By Toni Dash 45 Comments

    Peppery Sausage White Bean Kale Soup

    Jump to Recipe

    This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Peppery Sausage White Bean Kale soup in a white bowl with kitchen towel

    Kale Soup with spicy Italian sausage and white beans is a soul-warming recipe perfect for the cooler month. Easy to make and ready in less than an hour!

    Peppery Sausage White Bean Kale soup in a white bowl with kitchen towel
    WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?
    Enter your email below and we’ll send the recipe straight to your inbox (and more recipes every week)!
    Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
    Loading

    Bowl of Peppery Sausage White Bean Kale soup

    Originally published September 2013; updated September 2018

    Comfort food lovers rejoice: this Peppery Sausage White Bean Kale Soup is for you. It’s hearty, chunky, spicy and full of wholesome ingredients.

    It’s easy to make on the stove-top and perfect for a filling meal.

    The flavors blend to remind you winter food may be the best of the entire year. The curly kale provides a wonderful visual, texture and flavor without being overly ‘vegetable-y’ tasting (for any that aren’t so keen on that).

    Ingredients for Peppery Sausage White Bean Kale Soup ingredients

    The Ingredients in this Kale Soup

    This recipe is a perfect example of simple, whole ingredients, well combining for a robust flavor and satisfying texture. No fillers, just good ingredients.

    Spicy Italian sausage, and white cannellini beans, combine with classic soup vegetables; carrots, celery and onions that give the broth a wonderful flavor and add texture too.

    Fresh tomatoes add flavor and color. Chicken Stock and water comprise the broth.

    Curly kale is the star of this kale soup, adding nutrients, great flavor and texture.

    How to remove kale leaves from stem without a knife

    Trick for Preparing the Kale

    No knives are required to prepare the curly kale for the kale soup.

    Removing the kale leaf from the stem (a trick!): Remove the center rib from the kale leaf by grabbing the stem with your thumb and forefinger and pulling down the stem toward the leafy tip. If the kale is tender it will come right off. If not tear the leaf away from the center stem.

    Tear the leaves by hand into small bite-size pieces. It’s fast, easy and gives a more rustic texture to the kale.

    Shortcuts for making this Kale Soup

    The only part of preparing the soup that takes any time is chopping the vegetables.

    I use a mini chopper for EVERYthing when I can.

    It saves time and when done the bowl and lid can go in the dishwasher (don’t put knives or blades from a mini chopper or food processors in the dishwasher as they will dull over time).

    Chop the onions, carrots and celery in a mini chopper or food processor if you don’t feel like hand chopping.

    Since they all go into the kale soup at the same time, don’t worry about cleaning out the chopper in between vegetables.

    Peppery Sausage White Bean Kale Soup in soup pot

    The Sausage will Determine the Heat

    You’ll notice the only seasonings in the sausage white bean kale soup recipe are kosher salt and pepper. What makes it spicy?

    The sausage. The level of spiciness in the sausage you choose will determine how spicy your kale soup will be.

    How to Modify for your Preferred Spiciness Level

    Spicy-lovers: make the recipe as written and you’ll enjoy the warming glow it brings.

    Like a bit of heat but not full blast: use half (3/4 pound) spicy Italian sausage and half (3/4 pound) sweet Italian sausage (both ground) for a total 1 ½ pounds. This will give great flavor, some heat but not over the top.

    ‘No heat, thanks’: like the idea of this sausage white bean kale soup but don’t love spiciness? Use 1 ½ pounds sweet Italian sausage instead.

    How to make Peppery Sausage White Bean Kale Soup – Step by Step:

    Sausage White Bean Kale Soup process step photos collage

    In a large heavy Dutch oven or soup pot(6-quarts or larger), the Italian sausage is browned (photo 1).

    The chopped onions, carrots and celery are added and cooked for 10 minutes (photo 2).

    Chopped fresh tomatoes are added and cooked 5 minutes more (photo 3).

    Peppery Sausage White Bean Kale Soup process step photos collage

    The cannellini beans (photo 4), chicken broth and water are added (photo 5). The kale soup is brought to a boil, then reduced to a simmer for 5 minutes.

    Finally, the kale leaves are added (photo 6) and the soup simmers for 20 minutes.

    Storing Peppery Sausage White Bean Kale Soup

    This soup recipe makes almost four quarts of kale soup so chances are you’ll have some leftovers.

    Storing Kale Soup in the Refrigerator:

    How Long Can it be Stored: keep the soup sealed in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

    How to Store It: Both for space saving and ease of reheating soup, I like to keep the soup in quart size Mason jars.

    The soup can be poured from the Mason jar (the regular mouth jars work great) into a mug or soup bowl to be rewarmed in the microwave.

    I keep a stash of plastic lids that fit the jars on hand; they are easier to use and can be cleaned in the dishwasher.

    TIP: when ladling the soup into the jar use a canning funnel!

    They are affordable and wider than regular funnels (both at the top and the portion that goes into the jar).

    I also really like using a soup ladle (oval or square in shape) vs. being round to better direct the soup.

    Peppery Sausage White Bean Kale Soup with kitchen towel

    Storing Kale Soup in the Freezer:

    How Long Can it be Stored: when stored airtight kale soup can be kept in the freezer for 4-6 months.

    How to Store It: Let the kale soup cool completely before freezing it in any container. Add it to one of the suggested containers below, removing as much air as possible before sealing.

    What Freezer Container to Use: There are freezer jars (plastic), and freezer zipper top plastic bags that work great.

    TIP if using a freezer container with a lid: leave 1-inch room at the top (between the soup and the lid). This allows room for expansion when it freezes but not so much room that freezer burn develops quickly.

    TIP for a freezer zipper top plastic bag: add the soup, seal almost shut and insert a drinking straw to suck out the remaining air before fully sealing.

    My favorite is using a Foodsaver to seal exactly the amount I want in bags, kept on their side so they freeze flat and take up less space. It removes all the air and is easy to use.

    Close up photo of Peppery Sausage White Bean Kale Soup

    If you’ve tried this Peppery Sausage White Bean Kale Soup recipe please RATE THE RECIPE below!

    Please SUBSCRIBE and FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK , TWITTER , INSTAGRAM and PINTEREST to see more delicious food, travel and what I’m up to!

    Recipe

    Peppery Sausage White Bean Kale Soup in stock pot

    Peppery Sausage White Bean Kale Soup

    This simple, hearty, savory soup is a signature of the cold weather season. Soul-warming.
    5 from 23 votes
    Print Save Recipe Recipe Saved! Pin Rate
    Course: Soup
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 45 minutes minutes
    Servings: 16 (total yeild: 4 quarts)
    Calories: 168kcal
    Author: Toni Dash
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    • 1 medium Yellow Onion chopped
    • 2 stalks Celery (with leaves), chopped
    • 2 large Carrots peeled and chopped
    • 1 ½ pound loose Spicy Italian Sausage
    • 2 large Tomatoes cored and chopped
    • 1 29-ounce can Cannellini Beans (or other white bean), drained
    • 1 quart Low Sodium Chicken Broth
    • 1 bunch Curly Kale leaves stripped from stems and hand shredded
    • 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
    • 1 teaspoon freshly ground Black Pepper

    Instructions

    • In a large pot (6 quarts or larger), brown the Italian Sausage over medium heat (5 minutes).
    • Add the onion, celery and carrots; cook 10 minutes stirring frequently.
    • Add the tomatoes and cook 5 minutes; stirring frequently.
    • Add the cannellini beans, chicken broth and 1 quart water. Turn heat to high, bring to a boil then reduce heat bringing the soup to a simmer. Simmer for 5 minutes.
    • Add the kale leaves, stirring to combine with soup. Simmer for 20 minutes.
    • Add salt and pepper (taste to ensure it meets your personal preference).

    Nutrition

    Calories: 168kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 32mg | Sodium: 485mg | Potassium: 259mg | Fiber: 0g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 1780IU | Vitamin C: 8.3mg | Calcium: 23mg | Iron: 0.8mg
    Peppery Sausage White Bean Kale soup in a white bowl with kitchen towel
    WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?
    Enter your email below and we’ll send the recipe straight to your inbox (and more recipes every week)!
    Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
    Loading
    Did you make this recipe?Mention @boulderlocavore or tag #boulderlocavore!
    « Orange Zest: Tips, Tools & How to Use It
    Slow Cooker Mulled Apple Cider »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Juber says

      August 14, 2022 at 7:11 pm

      5 stars
      Very delicious added mushrooms and used my sonโ€™s homemade venison sausage yum!

      Reply
    2. Natalie Mashburn says

      January 22, 2022 at 9:55 am

      5 stars
      I absolutely LOVE this soup! I used Great Northern beans as that is what I had on hand and garnished with fresh grated parmesan cheese. Perfect lunch on this cold, snowy day in North Carolina!

      Reply
      • Toni Dash says

        January 22, 2022 at 2:22 pm

        So glad you liked it Natalie! It reminds me I’m due to make a batch myself!

        Reply
    3. Mary U says

      November 11, 2019 at 9:02 am

      5 stars
      Thank you for the recipe!! It is a fabulous soup! I will make some changes next time, more carrots, celery and sausage. Yummo

      Reply
    4. Lynnie says

      October 17, 2019 at 4:38 pm

      5 stars
      My new favorite soup/meal and everybody wants the recipe! I love all your recipes. Thanks

      Reply
      • Toni Dash says

        October 17, 2019 at 4:47 pm

        You are the sweetest Lynnie! You’ve made my day!

        Reply
    5. Autumn Rose Reo says

      October 09, 2018 at 12:22 am

      I’ve made this soup – and it’s so good! It’s everything about fall in a bowl. And easy to make.

      Reply
    6. Erin | Dinners,Dishes and Dessert says

      October 02, 2018 at 8:44 pm

      5 stars
      This looks really delicious! A perfect weekend treat!

      Reply
    7. PEter says

      October 02, 2018 at 11:06 am

      This soup looks amazing. Itโ€™s a cold day outside and this would make a wonderful addition to dinner

      Reply
    8. Sherry says

      October 02, 2018 at 10:09 am

      This looks like a hearty soup. I’m not one for kale but I would definitely try this soup. It’s starting to get chilly.

      Reply
    « Older Comments
    5 from 23 votes (1 rating without comment)

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Picture of Toni

    Welcome! Iโ€™m Toni Dash. Iโ€™m a Certified Nutrition Coach and the professional writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer and creator of Boulder Locavoreยฎ. Iโ€™m so glad you are here!

    More about me โ†’

    Featured on....

    BoulderLocavore.com Featured By Press

    Grilling Recipes

    • Ultimate Burger Grill Guide title photo with burgers on a charcoal grill Ultimate Burger Grill Guide: How to Grill the Perfect Burger
    • steak on grill with flames How to Grill Steak Perfectly: Everything You Need to Grill Like a Pro
    • grilled porterhouse steak title Perfect Porterhouse Steak on the Grill
    • Grilled Kabob Recipes on grate (titled image) Grilled Kabob Recipes: 20 Must Make Recipes for Summer
    • bruschetta chicken title image Bruschetta Chicken recipe โ€“ Baked, Grilled or Stove Top
    • Chicken Shish Kabobs title Easy Grilled Chicken Shish Kabobs

    TRENDING RIGHT NOW

    • Ultimate Burger Grill Guide title photo with burgers on a charcoal grill Ultimate Burger Grill Guide: How to Grill the Perfect Burger
    • How to Make Moist Homemade Shredded Chicken Breast title How to Make Moist Homemade Shredded Chicken Breast Recipe
    • Instant Pot Jambalaya Instant Pot Jambalaya Recipe: Quick & Easy Comfort Food
    • Sparkling Cranberry Vodka Punch Sparkling Cranberry Vodka Punch Recipe
    • homemade ketchup title image The Best Homemade Ketchup โ€“ Made with Fresh Tomatoes!
    • Instant Pot Smoked Paprika & Garlic Chicken Legs with lime wedges on a pewter platter Instant Pot Smoked Paprika & Garlic Chicken Legs

    Footer

    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Pinterest
    • Instagram

    Contact | About | Privacy Policy | Disclosure Policy | Accessibility Statement | Cookie Policy


    SIGN ME UP to get FREE recipes directly to my inbox!

    Don't miss our TRAVEL SECTION!


    Copyright ยฉ 2010-2025 All Rights Reserved

    Boulder Locavore is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC associates program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.