Spicy Sausage Soup with Kale and Gnocchi
This cold and yucky weather leaves me wanting something comforting… but not guilty! That’s why I invented this yummy and completely guilt free soup! It has super foods like kale, which is a rich source of vitamins and will help stave off those nasty infections that we want to keep far away from our homes! I hope you enjoy this soup as much as I did. It is surprisingly filling, which is one of the reasons I love it!
One important ingredient I’d like to mention is the Cappello’s gnocchi. It is paleo, grain free, gluten free, and completely delicious! They make several paleo products that can be found at Whole Foods. These seriously taste JUST LIKE regular gnocchi so I’m on board!
First for this soup, brown your spicy Italian sausage. I cooked this in my cast iron pot because it makes everything extra delicious. I didn’t add any oil before getting started because I oil my pot after using it. Also, the meat gives off plenty of fat! After browning your meat, remove from the pan and drain on a paper towel lined plate.
Next, sauté your shallots, onion, and garlic. You shouldn’t need any extra oil because of the fat from the meat, but if you do, add it before throwing them in the pot. Sauté a few minutes until they are soft but not browned or caramelized.
Now throw your kale in right on top of the shallot, garlic, and onion. I like to buy a whole bunch of kale, wash it, and pull the leaves off that big ole stem. Then I tear them into little pieces so it cooks more quickly and is easier to eat! Stir them around and the hot veggies will help to wilt your kale.
Now it’s time to add your meat back! Stir everything around so it’s well incorporated. Add chicken stock and bay leaves. If you want this to be creamier you could add coconut cream or heavy cream if you can tolerate dairy. Simmer at least 10-15 minutes, the longer the better!
Right before serving, cook the gnocchi according to the package instructions (boil water, throw them in, when they rise to the surface they’re done) and add them to the soup. Don’t forget to remove the bay leaves before serving! Add sea salt and pepper to suit your taste. I use David’s Kosher Salt and it has made the biggest difference in my cooking. It is AMAZING! I know it sounds crazy but believe me! Good salt is a game changer!
That’s it! So easy! Enjoy with your best buddies and a nice glass of wine!
- 1/2 chopped onion
- 2 chopped shallots
- 1 minced garlic clove
- 2 pounds hot Italian sausage
- 1 bunch washed with stems removed and torn into pieces kale
- 6 cups chicken stock
- 2 bay leaves
- to taste sea salt
- to taste pepper
- 2 packages Cappello's gnocchi