Imagine a pot simmering on the stove, releasing a savory aroma that fills your kitchen with warmth and comfort. The vibrant colors of sweet potatoes and leafy kale contrast beautifully against the rich, hearty broth, inviting you to savor each spoonful.
Sweet Potato Lasagna Soup with Turkey Sausage is a dish that embodies the coziness of a home-cooked meal, perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely Sunday suppers.
I remember one particularly hectic evening when my family was juggling work, homework, and after-school activities. This soup came to the rescue, providing a nourishing meal that brought us together around the table, easing the day’s chaos.
With its combination of savory sausage, tender sweet potatoes, and the familiar comfort of lasagna noodles, this dish has become a staple in our home.
Ready? Let’s cook and make this delicious soup part of your family’s tradition!
Why You’ll Love It
- Delivers bold flavor with savory turkey sausage and sweet potatoes.
- Freezes beautifully for convenient meal prep and future enjoyment.
- Uses pantry staples like lasagna noodles and canned tomatoes.
- Provides hearty nutrition with kale and lean turkey sausage.
- Offers a comforting, Italian-inspired twist on classic lasagna.
Ingredients
- 1 pound turkey sausage — find quality sausage with real hardwood smoke
- 1 tablespoon olive oil — use extra virgin for best flavor
- 1 large onion, diced — look for a fresh, firm onion
- 3 cloves garlic, minced — fresh garlic gives the best aroma
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced — choose firm, unblemished sweet potatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning — opt for a blend with oregano and basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt — adjust to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper — freshly ground for more intensity
- 4 cups chicken broth — low-sodium preferred
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes — choose organic if possible
- 6 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces — regular or whole wheat
- 2 cups kale, chopped — remove tough stems for a smoother texture
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese — whole milk ricotta for creaminess
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese — freshly grated for better taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped — adds a fresh, aromatic finish
Step-by-Step Method
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. This will create a non-stick surface and add a subtle flavor to the soup. Confirm that the oil is evenly distributed across the bottom of the pot before moving on to the next step.
Brown the Turkey Sausage
Add the turkey sausage to the heated pot. Cook it until browned, using a wooden spoon to break up the sausage into smaller pieces. Browning the sausage well will enhance the base flavor of the soup, providing a rich and savory taste.
Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Introduce the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté them until the onion becomes translucent. This process will release aromatic flavors that contribute to the depth of the soup. Stir frequently to prevent the garlic from burning.
Stir in Sweet Potatoes and Seasonings
Add the diced sweet potatoes, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Stir to coat the sweet potatoes with the spices. This step confirms that the sweet potatoes absorb the seasoning, adding a subtle sweetness and spice balance to the soup.
Pour in Broth and Tomatoes
Pour the chicken broth and canned diced tomatoes into the pot. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. This step integrates the flavors while providing the necessary liquid to cook the remaining ingredients.
Cook the Lasagna Noodles
Break the lasagna noodles into pieces and add them to the boiling soup. Cook until the noodles are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking together, confirming an even distribution throughout the soup.
Stir in the Kale
Add the chopped kale to the pot. Stir it into the soup until the kale is wilted. This step adds a nutritious element to the soup, balancing the heartiness of the sausage and the sweetness of the potatoes.
Rest the Soup
Remove the pot from heat and let the soup rest for 5 minutes. This resting period allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the overall taste and texture of the soup before serving.
Serve and Garnish
Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish each serving with a dollop of ricotta cheese, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, and a dash of fresh basil. These toppings add a creamy texture and fresh flavor, completing the dish beautifully.
Ingredient Swaps
- For a vegetarian version, substitute turkey sausage with plant-based sausage or omit it altogether and add extra vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini.
- Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make it vegetarian-friendly.
- Replace sweet potatoes with butternut squash or regular potatoes if preferred or if sweet potatoes are unavailable.
- For a dairy-free option, omit the ricotta and Parmesan cheeses or use dairy-free cheese alternatives.
You Must Know
- Remove Casings: Make certain to remove the casings from the turkey sausage before cooking to guarantee easier browning and even distribution in the soup.
- Brown the Sausage: Allow the turkey sausage to brown well in the pot before adding onions and garlic to enhance the flavor base of your soup.
- Break Noodles: Break the lasagna noodles into smaller pieces for easier cooking and serving, ensuring they blend well with the soup’s texture.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary. You can add more Italian seasoning, salt, or pepper to suit your flavor preference.
- Stir in Fresh Ingredients: Add the kale just before finishing the cooking process to preserve its vibrant color and nutrients, and garnish with fresh basil for a burst of freshness.
Serving Tips
- Serve with crusty garlic bread for a complete meal experience.
- Pair with a side salad for added freshness and variety.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan and basil for enhanced flavor and presentation.
- Serve in deep bowls to keep the soup warm longer.
- Enjoy with a glass of light red wine for a perfect pairing.
Storage & Make-Ahead
Sweet Potato Lasagna Soup with Turkey Sausage can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For make-ahead convenience, prepare the soup without adding the ricotta and Parmesan cheese.
This dish freezes well for up to 3 months.
Thaw and reheat before serving, adding cheeses fresh.
Reheating
For gentle reheating, use the stovetop over low heat.
Stir occasionally.
Alternatively, microwave on medium power.
Stir halfway through.
An oven at 300°F also works for even warming.
Cultural Significance of Ingredients
As you savor the comforting warmth of this Sweet Potato Lasagna Soup, you might wonder about the story behind the ingredients that make it so special. Each element carries a cultural tale, weaving a tapestry of flavors.
Sweet potatoes, a staple in many cultures, bring earthy sweetness, reminiscent of harvest celebrations. Turkey sausage, a leaner twist, pays homage to the Italian roots of lasagna while embracing a healthier lifestyle.
The lasagna noodles invite nostalgia from Italian kitchens, rich with tradition. Kale, with its ancient heritage, adds a modern, nutritious flair.
The cheeses—ricotta and Parmesan—sing with Italian authenticity, a nod to culinary artistry. Together, these ingredients create a dish that transcends borders, inviting warmth and connection with every spoonful.
Final Thoughts
Why not give this Sweet Potato Lasagna Soup a try for a delightful twist on a classic dish?
Feel free to make it your own by adding your favorite herbs or a splash of cream for extra richness!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Ground Beef Instead of Turkey Sausage?
Absolutely, you can use ground beef instead of turkey sausage! Just make sure to brown it well for richness. This substitution will give the soup a heartier, savory flavor that still complements the dish beautifully. Enjoy!
Is This Soup Suitable for Vegetarians?
This soup isn’t suitable for vegetarians because it contains turkey sausage and chicken broth. However, you can easily adapt it by using vegetable broth and substituting turkey with a hearty plant-based sausage. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
How Can I Make This Dish Gluten-Free?
To make this dish gluten-free, I’d swap regular lasagna noodles for gluten-free ones. Verify all other ingredients, like the turkey sausage and chicken broth, are certified gluten-free. You’ll love how delicious and inclusive it becomes!
What Wine Pairs Well With This Soup?
I’d pair a vibrant Chardonnay with this soup. Its buttery notes and crisp acidity complement the turkey sausage’s savory depth perfectly. Imagine each sip highlighting the sweet potatoes and Italian herbs—it’s a match made in culinary heaven!
Can I Freeze Leftovers for Later Use?
Absolutely, you can freeze leftovers! I always let it cool first, then transfer it to airtight containers. This way, I’m ready for a cozy meal anytime. Just reheat gently, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Sweet Potato Lasagna Soup with Turkey Sausage
Equipment
- 1 Large pot
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 sharp knife
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 Ladle
Ingredients
- 1 pound turkey sausage casings removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion diced
- 3 clove garlic minced
- 2 medium sweet potatoes peeled and diced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cup chicken broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes 14.5 ounces
- 6 lasagna noodles broken into pieces
- 2 cup kale chopped
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 2 tablespoon fresh basil chopped
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the turkey sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.
- Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent.
- Stir in the sweet potatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes, bringing the mixture to a boil.
- Add the lasagna noodles and cook until they are tender.
- Stir in the kale and cook until wilted.
- Remove the pot from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes.
- Serve the soup hot, garnished with ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and fresh basil.
Notes
