If you’re searching for a soul-warming bowl that’s bursting with bold flavors and nourishing ingredients, this Spicy Sausage, Sweet Potato, and Kale Soup {Paleo, Whole30} Recipe is an absolute must-try. It brings together the smoky heat of sausage with the natural sweetness of tender sweet potatoes and the hearty earthiness of fresh kale. Every spoonful offers a perfect balance of spice, creaminess, and vibrant texture, making it a comforting meal that fits beautifully within paleo and Whole30 lifestyles. Plus, it’s so easy to prepare, it will undoubtedly become one of your favorite go-to soups.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Spicy Sausage, Sweet Potato, and Kale Soup {Paleo, Whole30} Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an important role, from adding depth and color to boosting nutrition and texture. Here’s what you’ll want to gather to bring this hearty soup to life:
- Olive oil: A healthy fat that helps brown the sausage and flavors the base beautifully.
- Pre-cooked paleo-friendly chorizo or andouille sausage: Adds rich, spicy smokiness that’s key to the dish’s bold profile.
- Yellow onion: Brings natural sweetness and aroma once sautéed.
- Garlic: Provides a fragrant punch that complements the spices perfectly.
- Smoked paprika: Enhances the smoky undertone and deepens the soup’s color.
- Cayenne pepper: Just a dash to ignite that gentle heat without overwhelming.
- Sweet potato: Offers a comforting sweetness and creamy texture as it cooks down.
- Chicken bone broth: The savory liquid base that ties everything together and enriches flavor.
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper: To enhance and balance all the flavors.
- Full-fat coconut milk: Adds luscious creaminess while keeping it paleo and Whole30 compliant.
- Nutritional yeast (optional): A cheesy, nutty flavor enhancer that suits those looking for an extra layer of taste.
- Fresh kale: Packs the soup with nutrients and a vibrant green touch that softens just right.
How to Make Spicy Sausage, Sweet Potato, and Kale Soup {Paleo, Whole30} Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage and Sauté Onion
Warm your olive oil in a large dutch oven over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Toss in the sliced sausage and allow it to brown for about 3 to 4 minutes—this step releases that spicy aroma we love. Then add the chopped onion and continue cooking for 2 to 3 minutes until it softens and takes on a bit of golden color, creating a fabulous flavor base.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Spices
Next, stir in minced garlic, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Let these cook together for 1 to 2 minutes; this lets the spices bloom fully, infusing the onions and sausage with layers of smoky, spicy goodness that make each bite unforgettable. Don’t forget to toss in a pinch of sea salt and pepper here to bring all those flavors into harmony.
Step 3: Cook the Sweet Potatoes in Broth
It’s time to give your soup its hearty body—add the peeled, cubed sweet potatoes and coat them well with the sausage and spices. Pour in the chicken bone broth, then lower the heat to medium and let everything simmer gently for about 15 minutes. This lets the sweet potatoes soften perfectly, blending their natural sweetness into the savory broth.
Step 4: Create a Creamy Texture and Add the Kale
For a luxuriously creamy soup, remove half the sweet potatoes and mash or puree them before stirring the puree back into the pot. This step thickens the broth naturally. Stir in the coconut milk and nutritional yeast if you’re using it, which add softness and richness without compromising paleo or Whole30 standards. Finally, fold in the roughly chopped fresh kale and cook just until it wilts—about 3 minutes—maintaining its slightly crisp and vibrant quality.
Step 5: Serve and Savor
Your Spicy Sausage, Sweet Potato, and Kale Soup {Paleo, Whole30} Recipe is ready to enjoy! Ladle it into bowls while hot and dive into a bowl filled with hearty textures and warming flavors. This soup is perfect for any day when you want something nourishing but exciting.
How to Serve Spicy Sausage, Sweet Potato, and Kale Soup {Paleo, Whole30} Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to jazz up your soup presentation and add a fresh hit of flavor, consider topping your bowl with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. A few toasted pumpkin seeds add delightful crunch and a nutty contrast, while a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can enhance the soup’s richness without weighing it down.
Side Dishes
This soup stands beautifully on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or paleo-friendly crackers can round out your meal nicely. A side of roasted root vegetables or a simple avocado salad would also complement the spicy and sweet notes of the soup, making your meal feel luxuriously complete.
Creative Ways to Present
To impress guests or simply delight yourself, serve the soup in hollowed-out mini pumpkins or gourds for a festive touch. Layer the soup with avocado slices or coconut yogurt on top to add creaminess and color contrast. Serving alongside a warm, crusty paleo bread is another brilliant way to soak up every last flavorful drop.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Spicy Sausage, Sweet Potato, and Kale Soup {Paleo, Whole30} Recipe stores beautifully. Simply let it cool to room temperature, place it in an airtight container, and pop it in the fridge. It will keep well for up to 4 days, making it an easy and wholesome lunch or dinner option during busy weekdays.
Freezing
If you want to make a larger batch for future meals, this soup freezes wonderfully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some room for expansion, and store for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat your soup on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the soup feels too thick, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it. Microwave reheating works as well but keep an eye to prevent overheating, which can affect texture.
FAQs
Can I use fresh sausage instead of pre-cooked chorizo?
Absolutely! If you’re using fresh sausage, cook it thoroughly until browned and cooked through before adding the onions. This will ensure the richness of the sausage fully flavors your soup.
Is this soup suitable for a Whole30 diet?
Yes! This recipe uses Whole30-compliant ingredients like paleo-friendly sausage, bone broth, and fresh vegetables. Just make sure your sausage has no added sugars or preservatives.
Can I substitute kale with another green?
Definitely. Spinach, Swiss chard, or collard greens make fantastic substitutes if you prefer or need a change. Just adjust cooking times slightly since some greens wilt faster than kale.
What can I use instead of coconut milk?
If you’re not a fan of coconut milk, you can try using unsweetened almond milk or cashew cream to add creaminess, but keep in mind this might slightly alter the flavor profile from the original.
How spicy is this soup?
The spice level is moderate and adjustable—cayenne pepper adds a gentle heat that complements the smoky sausage without overwhelming. Feel free to reduce or increase the cayenne to suit your personal heat preference.
Final Thoughts
I hope you absolutely fall in love with this Spicy Sausage, Sweet Potato, and Kale Soup {Paleo, Whole30} Recipe. It’s one of those rare dishes that delivers on comfort, nutrition, and flavor all at once, making meal prep something you look forward to. Warm, hearty, and full of vibrant ingredients, this soup is just perfect for cozy evenings or anytime you crave a nourishing meal. Give it a try and savor each delicious spoonful—you won’t regret it!
Print
Spicy Sausage, Sweet Potato, and Kale Soup {Paleo, Whole30} Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Paleo
Description
A hearty and flavorful Spicy Sausage, Sweet Potato, and Kale Soup that’s paleo and Whole30 friendly. This comforting soup combines smoky sausage, tender sweet potatoes, and nutrient-rich kale in a creamy broth made vibrant with smoked paprika and a hint of cayenne. Perfect as a warming meal for six servings.
Ingredients
Sausage and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 12 oz paleo-friendly precooked chorizo or andouille sausage, sliced into coins
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
Spices
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- Dash of cayenne pepper
- Sea salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Main Ingredients
- 1 large sweet potato (or 2 small), peeled and chopped into 1/2” cubes
- 5 cups chicken bone broth
- 1/2 cup canned full fat coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast (optional)
- 4 cups fresh kale, roughly chopped
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage and Sauté Onions: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat until hot and shimmering. Add the sliced sausage and brown it for about 3-4 minutes. Then add the chopped onions and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Toss in the cubed sweet potatoes, coating them evenly with the spices, and season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Simmer the Soup: Pour in the chicken bone broth and reduce the heat to medium. Let the soup simmer gently for about 15 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Make it Creamy and Add Kale: For extra creaminess, remove half of the softened sweet potatoes from the pot and mash or blend them using an immersion blender. Stir this back into the soup along with the coconut milk and optional nutritional yeast. Finally, add the chopped kale and cook just until it wilts, about 3 minutes.
- Serve and Store: Serve the soup hot and enjoy immediately. Store any leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Notes
- Use paleo-friendly andouille or chorizo sausage for authentic flavor and Whole30 compliance.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to your preferred spice level.
- Nutritional yeast is optional but adds a subtle cheesy flavor and extra nutrients.
- The soup can be made creamier by pureeing more sweet potatoes or adding more coconut milk.
- Leftover soup reheats well on the stovetop or in the microwave.
