📖 Instructions

1. Gather your ingredients: Before you start, make sure you have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go. This will make the cooking process much smoother. Like mise en place, but for soup. It feels very fancy!
2. Prepare the sausage: Remove the sausage from its casing (if applicable) and crumble it into a large pot or Dutch oven. Brown the sausage over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease. I typically use hot Italian sausage for that extra bit of spice, but sweet Italian sausage works just as well if you prefer a milder flavor.
3. Add aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the sausage. Cook until the onions are softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. The aroma will be amazing – it's one of my favorite parts of making this soup!
4. Incorporate spices: Stir in the smoked paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute or so, until the spices are fragrant. Be careful not to burn the spices, as this can give the soup a bitter taste.
5. Add broth and potatoes: Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced potatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. I like to use Yukon Gold potatoes because they hold their shape well, but russet potatoes also work in a pinch.
6. Incorporate kale: Stir in the chopped kale and cook until it is wilted, about 5 minutes. Don't overcook the kale, as it can become bitter. If you're using spinach instead, it will only need about 2-3 minutes to wilt.
7. Simmer and adjust seasonings: Let the soup simmer for another 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. You might want to add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes depending on your preference.
8. Serve and enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. Garnish with a dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, or a drizzle of olive oil, if desired. A crusty piece of bread on the side is also a must. Maybe two pieces? No one's judging!
9. Optional additions: For a creamier soup, you can stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end. You can also add other vegetables, such as carrots, celery, or zucchini, to make it even more nutritious. Beans like cannellini or kidney beans can add some protein and fiber, too!