Love this recipe? Save it to Pinterest before you forget!
Why You'll Love This one pot warm potato and kale soup with garlic for winter family suppers
- Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal ingredients and cooking techniques, making it perfect for a weeknight supper.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite spices or herbs to make the recipe your own.
- Nutritious: This soup is packed with vitamins and minerals from the kale and potatoes, making it a healthy and satisfying meal option.
- One Pot Wonder: This recipe can be made in just one pot, making cleanup a breeze and reducing cooking time.
- Comforting: The combination of tender potatoes, nutritious kale, and pungent garlic creates a truly comforting and warming meal.
- Perfect for Winter: This soup is perfect for the cold winter months, when all you want is a warm, satisfying meal to cozy up with.
- Family Friendly: This recipe makes a big batch of soup, perfect for feeding a crowd or having leftovers for lunch the next day.
- Affordable: This recipe uses affordable ingredients, making it a budget-friendly option for a weeknight supper.
Ingredient Breakdown
The key ingredients in this recipe are potatoes, kale, garlic, chicken broth, and olive oil. The potatoes provide a rich, comforting base for the soup, while the kale adds a burst of nutrients and flavor. The garlic adds a pungent flavor that complements the potatoes and kale perfectly. The chicken broth provides a savory, umami flavor that ties the whole dish together, while the olive oil adds a richness and depth to the soup. When selecting these ingredients, be sure to choose high-quality potatoes that are high in starch, such as Russet or Idaho. For the kale, choose fresh, curly leaves that are free of wilt and blemishes. For the garlic, choose fresh, firm cloves that are free of sprouts or mold. As for the chicken broth, you can use low-sodium broth or make your own by simmering chicken bones in water.
How to Make one pot warm potato and kale soup with garlic for winter family suppers
Chop 2-3 large potatoes into 1-inch cubes, depending on your desired level of chunkiness. Be sure to choose high-quality potatoes that are high in starch, such as Russet or Idaho.
Chop 1-2 cups of fresh kale into bite-sized pieces, depending on your desired level of kale flavor. Be sure to choose fresh, curly leaves that are free of wilt and blemishes.
Mince 3-4 cloves of fresh garlic, depending on your desired level of garlic flavor. Be sure to choose fresh, firm cloves that are free of sprouts or mold.
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can quickly become bitter.
Add the chopped potatoes, 4 cups of chicken broth, and 1 teaspoon of dried thyme to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, until the potatoes are tender. Be sure to stir the soup occasionally to prevent the potatoes from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Add the chopped kale to the pot and stir to combine. Simmer the soup for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the kale is tender and the flavors have melded together. Be sure to stir the soup occasionally to prevent the kale from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Tips for Perfect Results
Choose fresh, high-quality ingredients to ensure the best flavor and texture in your soup. This includes choosing high-quality potatoes, kale, and garlic, as well as using a rich, flavorful chicken broth.
Be careful not to overcook the potatoes, as they can quickly become mushy and unappetizing. Instead, cook them until they are tender but still retain some firmness.
Add the kale to the pot at the right time to ensure it is tender but still retains some crunch. If you add it too early, it can become overcooked and mushy.
Use the right amount of garlic to add depth and flavor to your soup without overpowering it. Start with a small amount and taste as you go, adding more garlic if desired.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different spices and herbs to add unique flavor and depth to your soup. Some options include dried thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves.
Consider adding some crusty bread or a side salad to make your soup a complete and satisfying meal. You could also add some cooked sausage or bacon for added protein and flavor.
Consider freezing your soup for later to enjoy on a busy day. Simply cool the soup to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When reheating your soup, be sure to do so with care to prevent scorching or burning. Instead, reheat it over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it is hot and steaming.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
-
Overcooking the Potatoes:
Fix: To avoid overcooking the potatoes, be sure to check on them regularly as they cook. If you notice they are becoming too tender, remove them from the heat immediately and let them cool to room temperature.
-
Not Adding Enough Garlic:
Fix: To avoid not adding enough garlic, start with a small amount and taste as you go, adding more garlic if desired. You can always add more garlic, but it's harder to remove the flavor once it's been added.
-
Not Using High-Quality Ingredients:
Fix: To avoid not using high-quality ingredients, choose fresh, high-quality potatoes, kale, and garlic, and use a rich, flavorful chicken broth. This will ensure the best flavor and texture in your soup.
-
Overcrowding the Pot:
Fix: To avoid overcrowding the pot, cook the potatoes and kale in batches if necessary, to ensure they have enough room to cook evenly. This will prevent the potatoes from becoming mushy and the kale from becoming overcooked.
Variations & Substitutions
Consider adding some diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to give your soup a spicy kick.
Instead of kale, try using spinach, collard greens, or mustard greens for a different flavor and texture.
Consider adding some cooked sausage, bacon, or chicken to give your soup a boost of protein.
Instead of chicken broth, try using beef broth or vegetable broth for a different flavor profile.
Consider adding some heavy cream or half-and-half to give your soup a rich and creamy texture.
To make your soup vegan, simply replace the chicken broth with a vegetable broth and omit any animal products.
Storage & Make-Ahead
You can store your soup at room temperature for up to 2 hours. However, it's recommended to refrigerate or freeze it as soon as possible to prevent bacterial growth.
You can store your soup in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply cool it to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. Reheat it over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it's hot and steaming.
You can freeze your soup for up to 3 months. Simply cool it to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag and store it in the freezer. Reheat it over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it's hot and steaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare this recipe up to 2 days in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving. The flavors actually improve as they meld together overnight.
Can I freeze this recipe?
Yes! You can freeze this recipe for up to 3 months. Simply cool it to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag and store it in the freezer. Reheat it over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it's hot and steaming.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! To make this recipe vegan, simply replace the chicken broth with a vegetable broth and omit any animal products. You can also use a vegan-friendly oil instead of olive oil.
Can I add other ingredients to this recipe?
Yes! Feel free to customize this recipe to your taste by adding your favorite spices or herbs. Some options include diced jalapeños, chopped fresh herbs, or grated ginger.
How do I reheat this recipe?
To reheat this recipe, simply place it in a pot over low heat and stir occasionally until it's hot and steaming. You can also reheat it in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until it's hot and steaming.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes! You can make this recipe in a slow cooker. Simply brown the garlic and sauté the potatoes and kale in a pan, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
How do I store leftovers?
To store leftovers, simply cool the soup to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate or freeze. Reheat it over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it's hot and steaming.
Can I make this recipe in bulk?
Yes! You can make this recipe in bulk by simply multiplying the ingredients. This is a great option for meal prep or for feeding a large crowd.
one pot warm potato and kale soup with garlic for winter family suppers
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups diced potatoes
- 2 cups kale, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons grated cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large pot. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Add the potatoes and cook for 5 minutes. Add the diced potatoes and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the kale and cook until wilted. Add the chopped kale and cook until wilted, about 3-5 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and simmer the soup for 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Stir in the heavy cream and season with thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir in the heavy cream and season the soup with thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Serve hot, topped with grated cheddar cheese if desired. Serve the soup hot, topped with grated cheddar cheese if desired.
Recipe Notes
- Storage tip: Let the soup cool, then refrigerate or freeze for later use.
- Make ahead: Prepare the soup up to a day in advance, then reheat and serve.
- Substitution: Use spinach or collard greens instead of kale if desired.
- Pro tip: For an extra creamy soup, add more heavy cream or use half-and-half.
- Variation: Add diced ham or bacon for added protein and flavor.
- Leftovers: Use leftover soup as a base for other recipes, such as soup sandwiches or stuffed baked potatoes.
