As the chill of winter wraps around us, there’s nothing quite like curling up with a warm bowl of soup. One evening, after a long day, I rummaged through my pantry looking for inspiration and stumbled upon a bag of Yukon Gold potatoes and a vibrant bunch of kale. Little did I know that these humble ingredients would come together to create the most comforting Creamy Potato Kale Soup. With a rich, velvety texture and earthy flavor, this dish is not only a delight to the senses but a speedy 30-minute solution for weeknight dinners.
Unlike heavy cream soups, this recipe strikes a perfect balance—it feels indulgent but is surprisingly light, making it a delightful choice for those looking to eat healthily without sacrificing flavor. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy leafy greens in a truly satisfying way. So grab your apron, and let’s create a cozy, delicious bowl of goodness that will warm both your heart and your home!
Why will you adore this Creamy Potato Kale Soup?
Comforting and Quick: This recipe offers a warm, hearty bowl ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Healthy Indulgence: Enjoy all the creamy goodness you crave without heavy cream, making it guilt-free.
Versatile Ingredients: Customize with your favorite potato types or add crispy bacon for extra flavor.
Nutrient-Packed: Infused with nutrient-dense kale, this soup promotes wellness while satisfying your taste buds.
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: It’s a meal the whole family will love, pairing beautifully with crusty bread or a fresh salad.
Dive into this comforting experience and bring joy to your table—this is a must-try recipe!
Creamy Potato Kale Soup Ingredients
• Unlock the secrets to this heavenly soup!
For the Soup
- Butter – Adds richness and flavor; opt for unsalted for better control over seasoning.
- Onion – Lays the savory foundation; diced into 1/2-inch pieces for even cooking.
- Garlic – Elevates the aroma; use fresh, minced to maximize flavor.
- Potatoes – The soul of the soup for creaminess.
- Yukon Gold – Delivers a creamy texture that holds its shape.
- Russet – Gives a thicker consistency, perfect for a heartier soup.
- Red Potatoes – Maintains a firm bite and keeps chunks intact.
- Chicken Broth – Provides a flavorful liquid base; choosing low-sodium enhances health benefits.
- Kale – Infuses color and nutrients; remove stems and tear leaves for tenderness.
- Milk – Rounds out the creaminess; using room temperature prevents curdling.
This Creamy Potato Kale Soup is not only healthy but also quick to prepare, making it a perfect dish to enjoy any day of the week!
How to Make Creamy Potato Kale Soup
Prep Ingredients: Start by dicing the onion, mincing the garlic, peeling, and cutting the potatoes into 1-inch chunks. Tear kale leaves into bite-sized pieces for tender bites in your soup.
Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, melt butter. Once melted, add in your diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, allowing those lovely aromas to fill your kitchen.
Add Potatoes: Toss in the potato chunks and season generously with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring well to coat the potatoes with buttery goodness.
Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Then, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 8-10 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Add Kale: Stir in the kale and simmer for an additional 5 minutes, just until the kale wilts to a vibrant green while maintaining its nutrients.
Blend: Remove the pot from the heat. Now, using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth and creamy. If you prefer, you can transfer it to a blender in batches, returning it to the pot afterward.
Finish: Gently stir in the remaining chicken broth and the room temperature milk. Heat the soup for 2-3 minutes without boiling. Taste and adjust seasoning to your liking before serving.
Optional: Top with a drizzle of olive oil for added richness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Creamy Potato Kale Soup
- Fridge: Store any leftover creamy potato kale soup in an airtight container for up to 5 days. The flavors often deepen over time, making it even more delightful.
- Freezer: Portion the soup into individual servings and freeze for up to 3 months. Label each container for easy identification when you’re ready to enjoy a warm bowl!
- Thawing: For the best results, thaw your frozen soup in the fridge overnight. If you’re in a hurry, use the microwave’s defrost setting to speed up the process.
- Reheating: Gently reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk if the soup has thickened. Enjoy the creamy goodness without any hassle!
Expert Tips for Creamy Potato Kale Soup
- Uniform Cuts: Cut potatoes into 1-inch cubes for even cooking to ensure a consistent texture throughout your creamy potato kale soup.
- Add Kale Last: Incorporate kale towards the end of cooking to maintain its vibrant color and prevent bitterness.
- Blending Caution: When blending hot soup, fill the blender no more than halfway, and secure the lid with a towel to avoid steam explosions.
- Gentle Heating: After adding milk, heat the soup gently—boiling can cause curdling. This keeps your creamy potato kale soup smooth and inviting!
- Broth Choice: Opt for low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth for a healthier base, allowing the natural flavors to shine through without added salt.
Creamy Potato Kale Soup Variations
Feel free to explore these delicious twists on our classic soup to make it truly your own!
- Dairy-Free: Substitute milk with almond or coconut milk for a vegan-friendly option that remains creamy and delicious.
- Additional Greens: Toss in a handful of spinach or Swiss chard along with the kale for extra nutrients and color.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce while simmering for a warming heat that contrasts beautifully with the creamy texture.
- Flavorful Broths: Replace chicken broth with homemade vegetable broth for a richer, more complex flavor profile, perfect for vegetarian diets.
- Texture Twist: Stir in some cooked quinoa or barley for added texture and heartiness in your soup—it’s both filling and nutritious.
- Herb Garden: Incorporate fresh herbs like dill or basil just before serving for an aromatic freshness that brightens the soup.
- Sweetness Balance: Add a diced carrot or butternut squash into the pot with the potatoes for a touch of natural sweetness and color.
- Cheesy Goodness: Sprinkle some shredded cheese like cheddar or parmesan on top while the soup is hot for a deliciously melty finish!
Make Ahead Options
These Creamy Potato Kale Soup preparations are ideal for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can chop the vegetables (onion, garlic, potatoes, and kale) up to 24 hours in advance, simply store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. Additionally, you can prepare the base of the soup—sautéing the onions and garlic and adding the potatoes—up to 3 days ahead; just reheat in your pot, add the broth, and continue with the recipe. To maintain the creamy texture, blend the soup just before serving to keep it smooth and inviting. This simple strategy allows you to enjoy delicious, homemade Creamy Potato Kale Soup with minimal effort on a busy weeknight!
What to Serve with Creamy Potato Kale Soup?
Enjoy a heartwarming bowl of soup, then complete your meal with some delightful accompaniments that elevate your dining experience.
- Warm Crusty Bread: Perfect for dipping, allowing you to savor every last drop of soup. A buttery, fresh loaf will complement the creamy texture beautifully.
- Simple Green Salad: A light, refreshing salad with crisp greens, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup while adding a pop of freshness.
- Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks: These are effortlessly delicious, adding a crunchy texture and cheesy goodness that kids and adults alike will love alongside the creamy potato kale soup.
- Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal vegetables caramelized to perfection brings earthy flavors and a slight crispness, making every bite a vibrant celebration of wholesome goodness.
- Herbed Quinoa: Light and fluffy, quinoa infused with fresh herbs is a wholesome sidekick. Its nutty flavor pairs well with the soup, making it a nutritious addition to the meal.
- Apple Crisp for Dessert: Close your meal with a warm apple crisp topped with vanilla ice cream for a sweet contrast to the soup’s creamy richness. It’s a comforting end to a cozy dinner.
Creamy Potato Kale Soup Recipe FAQs
What type of potatoes are best for this soup?
Absolutely! Yukon Gold potatoes are my top choice for their creamy texture and ability to hold shape. However, Russet potatoes will give you a thicker consistency since they break down more during cooking. If you prefer a firmer bite, red potatoes are a great option that will keep their chunks intact.
How should I store leftover soup?
Leftover creamy potato kale soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. I recommend letting it cool completely before sealing it to maintain freshness. The flavors intensify as it rests, making it even more delicious for leftovers!
Can I freeze Creamy Potato Kale Soup?
Yes, you can! Portion the soup into individual servings and freeze for up to 3 months. Use resealable freezer bags or airtight containers, leaving some space for expansion. When you want to enjoy it, simply thaw overnight in the fridge or use the microwave’s defrost setting, then gently reheat.
What if my soup is too thick after reheating?
Very easily fixed! If your creamy potato kale soup becomes thick after refrigerating or freezing, just add a splash of chicken broth or milk while gently reheating on the stove. Stir well until you achieve your desired consistency, and don’t be shy—taste as you go to maintain that creamy goodness!
Is this soup suitable for vegetarians?
Absolutely! To make the soup vegetarian, simply swap out chicken broth for vegetable broth. This switch keeps all the rich flavors while catering to your dietary preferences. Plus, you can load it up with extra vegetables or herbs to enhance the flavor further.
Can I add other leafy greens besides kale?
Very much so! Spinach, Swiss chard, or even arugula are wonderful alternatives to kale. Just remember to add these greens towards the end of the cooking process, as they wilt down quickly and maintain their vibrant color and nutrients. Enjoy exploring new flavors!
Creamy Potato Kale Soup That Warms Your Soul in 30 Mins
Equipment
- - Large pot
- immersion blender
Ingredients
For the Soup
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter adds richness and flavor
- 1 medium onion diced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 3 cloves garlic fresh, minced
- 2 cups Yukon Gold potatoes cut into 1-inch chunks
- 2 cups Russet potatoes cut into 1-inch chunks
- 2 cups Red potatoes cut into 1-inch chunks
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth liquid base
- 4 cups kale stems removed and torn into pieces
- 1 cup milk room temperature
Instructions
How to Make Creamy Potato Kale Soup
- Start by dicing the onion, mincing the garlic, peeling, and cutting the potatoes into 1-inch chunks. Tear kale leaves into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large pot over medium heat, melt butter. Once melted, add in your diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
- Toss in the potato chunks and season generously with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring well to coat the potatoes.
- Pour in the chicken broth, bringing to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and let it simmer for about 8-10 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Stir in the kale and simmer for an additional 5 minutes, just until the kale wilts.
- Remove the pot from the heat and blend the soup until smooth and creamy using an immersion blender.
- Gently stir in the remaining chicken broth and the room temperature milk. Heat for 2-3 minutes without boiling.