Smoked Sausage Sweet Potato Soup
Hearty one-pot soup combining browned smoked sausage with sweet potatoes, bone broth, and wilted greens. Warm spices (smoked paprika, chili powder) add depth to this nourishing dish. The optional mashed sweet potato step creates a naturally creamy texture without dairy. Serve hot for weeknight dinners or meal prep; ideal for fall and winter comfort food.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp avocado oil or olive oil
- 1 ½ lbs nitrate-free smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsps smoked paprikaregular paprika1:1spiceFull guide →
- ½ tsp chili powder
- 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 6 cups bone brothvegetable broth or chicken broth1:1dietary
lighter flavor
- 4 heaping cups baby spinach or kale, roughly choppedkale, collards, or chard1:1greensFull guide →
- ¼ tsp sea salt(optional)
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper(optional)
Instructions
- 1
Heat oil in large dutch oven over medium heat. Add sausage and saute, stirring frequently, until browned.
- 2
Stir in onion, garlic, paprika, and chili powder. Cook until fragrant.
- 3
Add sweet potatoes and broth. Bring to boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered until potatoes are tender.
- 4
Remove some cooked sweet potatoes to a plate. Mash with fork and return to pot.
- 5
Stir in spinach or kale and wilt into soup.
- 6
Taste and season with salt and pepper.
Tips
Mashing some sweet potatoes creates creaminess without cream. For thicker soup, mash more potatoes; for brothier consistency, skip this step.
Smoked sausage varies in saltiness. Taste before adding sea salt to avoid over-seasoning.
Prep vegetables ahead and store separately; cook fresh for best texture and flavor.
Good to Know
Cool completely. Refrigerate in airtight container up to 4 days. Freezer-safe up to 3 months.
Prep vegetables day before. Entire soup reheats well; add fresh greens after thawing if freezing.
Ladle into bowls. Pairs with crusty bread or cornbread. Garnish with fresh herbs or a drizzle of oil.
Common Mistakes
Don't skip browning sausage; this builds flavor foundation.
Don't overcook greens; add near end to preserve color and texture.
Don't over-mash potatoes or soup becomes gluey.
Substitutions
lighter flavor
FAQ
Can I use sweet potato noodles or cubes of different sizes?
Yes. Smaller pieces cook faster (10-15 min); larger chunks need 25-30 min. Adjust simmering time so they're tender throughout but not mushy.
What if I want it thicker or thinner?
Mash more sweet potatoes for thickness or add extra broth for thinner consistency. Simmer uncovered at the end to reduce liquid if too thin.
How long does it keep, and can I freeze it?
Refrigerated up to 4 days in airtight container. Freezes well for 3 months. Thaw in fridge overnight and reheat gently. Add fresh greens after reheating.