Sausage And Sweet Potato Soup Recipe

When the weather turns crisp and you’re craving something warm and satisfying, nothing beats a bowl of hearty Sausage and Sweet Potato Soup. This comforting recipe combines savory Italian sausage with naturally sweet potatoes, creating a perfect balance of flavors that will warm you from the inside out.

This one-pot wonder is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make with simple, affordable ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. Follow along as I guide you through creating this soul-warming soup that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend meals.

What is “Sausage And Sweet Potato Soup”?

Sausage and Sweet Potato Soup is a hearty, rustic soup that brings together the robust flavors of seasoned Italian sausage with the natural sweetness of tender sweet potatoes. This comforting dish typically features a rich, savory broth enhanced with aromatic vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery.

The soup strikes a perfect balance between protein and vegetables, making it both filling and nutritious. The sweet potatoes not only add natural sweetness but also provide a creamy texture that thickens the soup naturally as it cooks. Combined with herbs and spices, this soup delivers complex flavors that develop beautifully as they simmer together.

Ingredients List for Sausage And Sweet Potato Soup

• 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 medium carrots, sliced into rounds
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• ½ cup heavy cream (optional)
• Fresh parsley for garnish

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

Creating this flavorful soup is straightforward and rewarding. Here’s my detailed guide to ensure your soup turns out perfectly every time:

1. Brown the Sausage:

• Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
• Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
• Cook for 5-7 minutes until the sausage is browned and fully cooked through.
• Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.

2. Sauté the Vegetables:

• Add olive oil to the same pot with the sausage drippings.
• Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot.
• Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.

3. Add Aromatics:

• Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Be careful not to let the garlic burn, as it can become bitter.

4. Build the Base:

• Add the cubed sweet potatoes to the pot, stirring to combine with the other vegetables.
• Pour in the chicken broth and add the drained diced tomatoes.
• Season with thyme, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

5. Simmer the Soup:

• Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low.
• Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
• Return the cooked sausage to the pot and stir to combine.

6. Finish and Serve:

• Add the chopped spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted.
• If using heavy cream, stir it in just before serving for extra richness.
• Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
• Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.

Substitutions and Variations

This versatile soup recipe can be easily adapted to suit different dietary preferences and ingredient availability:

• Sausage: Try turkey sausage for a leaner option, or use chicken sausage for a milder flavor. Vegetarian sausage works well for plant-based diets.
• Sweet Potatoes: Regular potatoes, butternut squash, or carrots can substitute for sweet potatoes, though cooking times may vary.
• Broth: Vegetable broth can replace chicken broth for a vegetarian version, or use bone broth for extra nutrition.
• Greens: Kale, collard greens, or Swiss chard can replace spinach. Add heartier greens earlier in the cooking process.
• Cream: Coconut milk provides richness for dairy-free diets, or simply omit for a lighter soup.
• Spice Level: Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to increase heat, or use sweet Italian sausage for a milder flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common pitfalls to ensure your Sausage and Sweet Potato Soup turns out perfectly:

• Overcooking Sweet Potatoes: Cut them into uniform pieces and don’t simmer too long, or they’ll become mushy and break apart.
• Not Browning the Sausage: Proper browning develops flavor and creates fond that enhances the soup’s overall taste.
• Adding Cream Too Early: Add cream at the end to prevent curdling, and don’t let the soup boil after adding it.
• Underseasoning: Taste and adjust seasonings throughout cooking, as flavors develop and concentrate.
• Rushing the Process: Allow vegetables to properly sauté and the soup to simmer adequately for best flavor development.

How to Serve Sausage And Sweet Potato Soup

This hearty soup serves beautifully as a complete meal when paired with crusty bread or dinner rolls. I love serving it with a side of cornbread or garlic bread for dipping. A simple green salad with vinaigrette provides a nice contrast to the rich, warm soup.

For a more substantial meal, serve smaller portions as a starter before grilled chicken or roasted vegetables. The soup also pairs wonderfully with grilled cheese sandwiches for the ultimate comfort food combination.

Presentation Ideas for Sausage And Sweet Potato Soup

Make your soup as visually appealing as it is delicious with these presentation tips:

• Colorful Garnish: Top with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme, and add a swirl of cream for visual contrast.
• Textural Elements: Sprinkle toasted seeds or croutons on top for added crunch and visual interest.
• Bread Service: Serve with warm, crusty bread on the side, or float a piece of toasted baguette on top.
• Bowl Selection: Use rustic ceramic bowls that complement the soup’s homestyle appeal.

Sausage And Sweet Potato Soup Recipe Tips

Here are my best tips for making outstanding Sausage and Sweet Potato Soup:

• Choose Quality Sausage: Good Italian sausage makes a significant difference in flavor. Look for sausages with natural casings and quality seasonings.
• Uniform Cutting: Cut sweet potatoes into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
• Layer Flavors: Don’t skip the browning step for the sausage, as this creates a flavorful foundation.
• Taste as You Go: Season gradually and taste frequently to build the perfect flavor profile.
• Make It Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day as flavors meld together.

How to Store Sausage And Sweet Potato Soup

Allow the soup to cool completely before refrigerating (within 2 hours of cooking). Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months, though the texture of the sweet potatoes may change slightly upon thawing.

When reheating, warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth if the soup has thickened too much during storage. If you added cream to the original soup, it may separate when reheated, so stir well or add fresh cream when serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
A: Yes! Brown the sausage first, then add all ingredients except spinach and cream to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add spinach and cream in the last 30 minutes.

Q: How can I make this soup thicker?
A: Mash some of the sweet potatoes against the side of the pot, or blend a portion of the soup and stir it back in. You can also add a slurry of cornstarch and water.

Q: Can I use frozen sweet potatoes?
A: Fresh sweet potatoes work best, but if using frozen, add them directly to the pot without thawing and increase cooking time slightly.

Q: What’s the best way to remove sausage casings?
A: Use a small knife to make a shallow cut along the length of the sausage, then peel away the casing. Many stores also sell bulk Italian sausage without casings.

Q: Can I make this soup dairy-free?
A: Absolutely! Simply omit the heavy cream or substitute with coconut milk for richness. The soup is delicious without any dairy additions.

Conclusion

Sausage and Sweet Potato Soup is the perfect recipe for anyone seeking comfort food that’s both satisfying and nourishing. This hearty soup combines simple ingredients in a way that creates complex, warming flavors perfect for chilly days or anytime you need a bowl of comfort.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. Whether you follow it exactly or make substitutions based on your preferences and dietary needs, you’ll end up with a delicious, soul-warming soup that brings people together around the table.

I hope this recipe becomes a favorite in your household, just as it has in mine. The combination of savory sausage, sweet potatoes, and aromatic vegetables creates a soup that’s sure to become a regular part of your meal rotation. Happy cooking, and enjoy every warming, delicious spoonful!