As the chill of autumn deepens and winter approaches, there’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of hearty soup to bring warmth and comfort. Our Instant Pot Sausage, Bean, and Kale Soup is not just a meal; it’s an experience designed to nourish your body and soothe your soul. This recipe marries robust flavors with exceptional ease, making it a perfect contender for your weekly rotation. Packed with fiber and protein from nutrient-dense dried beans and lean Italian sausage, and vibrant vitamins from fresh kale, this soup is a powerhouse of healthy goodness. The magic of the Instant Pot transforms what was once an “all-day affair” with dried beans into a surprisingly quick and effortless culinary triumph, allowing you to enjoy an affordable, wholesome, and incredibly satisfying meal without the fuss.
Embrace Comfort: Instant Pot Sausage, Kale, and Bean Soup
There’s an undeniable charm to a hearty bean soup, especially a well-crafted 13-bean variety, that transcends mere sustenance. It’s the kind of dish that evokes memories of cozy evenings and shared meals. For many years, the idea of cooking with dried beans seemed daunting, a culinary chore that often led me to opt for the convenience of canned alternatives. The perceived complexity of soaking and lengthy simmering times kept me from exploring the richer flavors and superior textures that dried beans offer. However, everything changed with the arrival of the Instant Pot.
This revolutionary appliance dramatically cuts down the cooking time for dried beans, transforming them from a time-consuming ingredient into a quick and convenient option. With the Instant Pot, dried beans cook to tender perfection in a fraction of the time, making healthy, homemade meals more accessible than ever before. This Instant Pot Sausage, Bean, and Kale Soup quickly became a cherished family favorite, proving that wholesome, comforting food doesn’t have to be complicated. We love using a 13-bean soup mix, such as Bob’s Red Mill 13 Bean Soup Mix, for its diverse blend of legumes, but feel free to use any 13-bean or even 15-bean mix available to you. Each blend offers a slightly different texture and flavor profile, ensuring your soup is uniquely delicious every time.
The Unsung Hero: Why Soaking Dried Beans is Essential
When cooking dried beans, especially in a pressure cooker like the Instant Pot, the question of whether to soak them often arises. Through extensive testing of this 13-bean soup recipe, I’ve definitively concluded that soaking your beans makes an immense difference. I prepared the soup using both pre-soaked and unsoaked beans, and the results were strikingly different in terms of cooking time and, more importantly, the final texture of the beans.
Soups made with unsoaked beans required at least an additional 20 minutes of cooking time in the Instant Pot, and even then, the beans often turned out mushy and less appealing. In contrast, the soup prepared with pre-soaked beans cooked beautifully in approximately 20 minutes (plus the natural release time), resulting in beans that were perfectly tender yet retained their structural integrity. Beyond texture, soaking also helps improve the digestibility of beans by reducing phytic acid, which can interfere with nutrient absorption. So, while it adds an extra step, the benefits of soaking, including better texture, faster cooking, and improved nutrient availability, are well worth the minimal effort.
How to Properly Soak Beans for Your Instant Pot Soup
To achieve the best results for your Instant Pot Sausage, Kale, and Bean Soup, proper bean soaking is key. There are two primary methods you can employ, depending on how much time you have:
- The Overnight Soak: This is the traditional and most recommended method. Start by rinsing your dried beans thoroughly under cold water. Place the rinsed beans in a large bowl and cover them with at least two to three inches of cold water, as the beans will expand significantly. Let them soak at room temperature overnight, typically for 8 to 12 hours. The next day, drain and rinse the plumped beans before adding them to your recipe. A fantastic tip is to save the soaking liquid to use in place of some of the water or broth called for in the recipe, as it can impart an even richer, deeper flavor to your soup.
- The “Quick Soak” Method: If you’re short on time but still want the benefits of soaking, the quick soak method is your best friend. Add the beans to a large pot and cover them with water. Bring the water to a rolling boil on the stovetop and let them boil vigorously for 2-3 minutes. After boiling, remove the pot from the heat, cover it, and let the beans sit for one hour. Similar to the overnight soak, drain and rinse the beans before proceeding with your recipe. You can also save this quick-soak liquid for enhanced flavor in your soup. This method achieves similar results to an overnight soak in a fraction of the time.
Regardless of the method you choose, soaking your beans is a small step that yields significant dividends in the quality of your finished soup. It ensures even cooking, a delightful texture, and a more satisfying culinary experience.
Crafting Your Instant Pot Sausage, Bean & Kale Soup: A Step-by-Step Guide
Making this hearty soup is incredibly straightforward, thanks to the efficiency of the Instant Pot. The process begins by building a flavorful base. You’ll sauté diced onions and minced garlic until fragrant and softened, creating a sweet and aromatic foundation for the soup. Next, the ground Italian sausage is added and browned, imparting rich, savory notes that are essential to the soup’s character. As the sausage cooks, it releases its delicious fats, which meld with the onions and garlic, enhancing the overall depth of flavor. A blend of spices—kosher salt, paprika, dried oregano, and ground cumin—is stirred in, awakening their aromatic compounds and infusing the sausage with warmth and complexity.
Once the flavor base is established, the soaked and rinsed beans are introduced, followed by the chicken stock. A quick stir ensures everything is well combined before the Instant Pot lid is locked into place. The pressure cooking cycle works its magic, tenderizing the beans and melding all the ingredients into a harmonious blend. The natural release method, allowing the pressure to dissipate slowly, is crucial for preventing the beans from bursting and ensuring they maintain their perfect texture. Finally, the vibrant kale is stirred in, wilting gently into the hot soup, adding a pop of color, a touch of bitterness to balance the richness, and a powerful nutritional boost. Serve this comforting Instant Pot Sausage, Bean, and Kale Soup with a warm crusty bread for a complete and utterly satisfying meal.
Recipe: Instant Pot Sausage, Bean and Kale Soup
Instant Pot Sausage Bean and Kale Soup
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Equipment
- 1 Instant Pot
Ingredients
- 2 cups dried beans soaked overnight see notes. I used a 13 bean soup mix.
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 onion diced
- 1 lb ground Italian sausage
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- 8 cups chicken stock low sodium
- 1 bunch kale ribs removed and torn into bite sized pieces
Instructions
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Rinse 2 cups of dried 13 Bean Soup Mix, then soak overnight in water to cover. If the beans come with a seasoning packet, do not use it.
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The next day, drain and rinse the beans.
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In an Instant Pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion, garlic and sauté until onion is soft, about 5 minutes. Add sausage, spices, and salt. Cook until sausage is browned.
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Add the beans and broth, stir. Cook manual high pressure for 20 minutes, then natural release for 20 minutes.
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Stir in kale, simmer until wilted, a few minutes.
Notes
Add beans to a pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil then remove from heat. Allow to sit for one hour, then use as directed. Use the cooking liquid in place of the some of the chicken broth for extra flavor.
If you do not soak the beans (either overnight or using the quick soak method), the beans will take longer to cook. Increase cooking time to 45 minutes, and natural release for at least 20 minutes.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Serving Suggestions and Delicious Variations
This Instant Pot Sausage, Bean, and Kale Soup is incredibly versatile, making it easy to adapt to your taste preferences and what you have on hand. It’s fantastic on its own, but a few simple additions can elevate it further:
- Garnishes: A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, umami kick. A drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil enhances the richness, while a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens all the flavors. Crispy croutons or a dollop of plain Greek yogurt can also add wonderful texture and tang.
- Accompaniments: Serve alongside a warm, crusty loaf of bread for dipping, a light green salad with a vinaigrette dressing, or a simple grain like quinoa or farro to make it an even more substantial meal.
- Variations:
- Sausage Swap: Experiment with different types of sausage. Spicy Italian sausage will add a fiery kick, while chicken or turkey sausage can lighten the dish. Vegetarian or vegan sausage crumbles can also be used for a meat-free option.
- Green Power: If kale isn’t your favorite, or you want to mix it up, try spinach, Swiss chard, or even collard greens. Add them at the very end, simmering until just wilted.
- Add More Veggies: Boost the vegetable content by adding diced carrots, celery, bell peppers, or even canned diced tomatoes (drained) along with the onions and garlic. Sweet potatoes or butternut squash, diced, can also be added for extra sweetness and creaminess, increasing the heartiness of the soup.
- Spice It Up: For those who love heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be added with the other spices. A smoked paprika can also deepen the smoky notes.
The Health Benefits Packed in Every Bowl
Beyond its incredible flavor and comforting warmth, this Instant Pot Sausage, Bean, and Kale Soup is a nutritional powerhouse. Each ingredient contributes significantly to a wholesome and balanced meal:
- Dried Beans: As the star of the show, dried beans are an excellent source of dietary fiber, which is crucial for digestive health, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and contributes to a feeling of fullness. They are also rich in plant-based protein, making this soup incredibly satisfying, and provide essential minerals like iron, magnesium, and potassium.
- Kale: Often hailed as a superfood, kale is packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. Its vibrant green leaves add a fresh, earthy flavor and a wealth of nutrients to the soup.
- Italian Sausage: When chosen wisely (opt for leaner varieties), Italian sausage provides a flavorful source of protein, which is vital for muscle repair and satiety.
- Aromatic Vegetables & Spices: Onions and garlic offer powerful antioxidant benefits, while spices like paprika, oregano, and cumin not only enhance flavor but also contribute various health-promoting properties.
This soup is a fantastic way to increase your intake of fiber, protein, and a wide array of vitamins and minerals, all within a delicious and easy-to-prepare package. It’s a meal that truly makes you feel good from the inside out.
Why This Soup Deserves a Spot in Your Weekly Meal Plan
In conclusion, our Instant Pot Sausage, Bean, and Kale Soup is more than just a recipe; it’s a testament to how simple techniques and smart appliance usage can transform humble ingredients into an extraordinary meal. It champions the convenience of the Instant Pot, making the once intimidating task of cooking dried beans a breeze. It offers a perfect balance of savory Italian sausage, earthy kale, and hearty beans, all simmered in a rich, flavorful broth that promises comfort with every spoonful. Whether you’re seeking a nutritious family dinner, an easy meal prep solution, or simply a warm bowl of goodness on a chilly evening, this soup ticks all the boxes. It’s affordable, packed with health benefits, and undeniably delicious. Give it a try, and discover your new favorite Instant Pot creation!
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