Description
This Spicy Sausage Sweet Potato Soup combines the robust flavors of hot Italian sausage with the natural sweetness of tender sweet potatoes. Enhanced by aromatic spices and a creamy cashew butter base, this hearty soup is balanced with fresh kale and a bright splash of lemon juice for a comforting yet vibrant meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound bulk hot Italian sausage
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 cups chicken broth, divided
- ¼ cup cashew butter
- 1 bunch lacinato kale, stripped and chopped
- ½ lemon, juiced
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: Heat a large heavy pot over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Crumble in the sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until fully browned and flavorful, forming the backbone of the soup.
- Sauté Aromatics and Spices: Add the diced onion, cooking until softened, about five minutes. Stir in the minced garlic along with all dried spices—garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, oregano, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional two minutes until fragrant.
- Simmer Sweet Potatoes: Add the cubed sweet potatoes and 3 cups of chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then lower heat to a simmer, partially covered, for about 20 minutes until potatoes are tender to the fork.
- Blend for Creaminess: Ladle out about 1 cup of broth along with some cooked sweet potato into a high-speed blender. Add the remaining 1 cup of broth and cashew butter, blending until completely smooth. Scrape down the sides as needed for an even texture.
- Finish Soup: Pour the blended mixture back into the pot with the chopped kale. Stir and cook until kale is wilted and everything is heated through. Squeeze in lemon juice, taste, and adjust seasoning before serving.
Notes
- Use mild Italian sausage to reduce heat if preferred.
- Fresh garlic provides better flavor than jarred garlic in this recipe.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute sausage with plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth.
- Cashew butter creates creamy texture without dairy, making this soup suitable for lactose intolerance.
- Use baby spinach instead of kale if you prefer a milder leafy green.
- Ensure sweet potatoes are firm and unblemished to maintain shape during cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: spicy sausage soup, sweet potato soup, creamy soup, healthy soup, Italian sausage soup, dairy-free creamy soup, one pot soup
