There’s something wonderfully comforting about a steaming bowl of soup on a chilly evening, especially when it’s as creamy and delicious as this Creamy Potato Kale Soup. I first discovered this recipe during a rushed week when takeout just wouldn’t do. With just a handful of pantry staples, it transformed into a rich, hearty meal that brought warmth back into my kitchen and my heart.
The earthy notes of kale combine beautifully with the velvety texture of blended potatoes, creating a dish that feels indulgent yet remains wholesome. Plus, it only takes 30 minutes to prepare! Whether you’re winding down after a long day or hosting a gathering, this soup is a failsafe crowd-pleaser that effortlessly brings everyone together. So, grab your pots and let’s dive into a recipe that’s not just nourishing, but truly satisfying on so many levels.
Why is Creamy Potato Kale Soup a Delight?
Quick Preparation: In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a creamy delight that warms your soul.
Wholesome Ingredients: Packed with nutritious greens and pantry staples, this soup nourishes while satisfying cravings.
Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for dinner parties or quiet nights, it appeals to both kids and adults alike.
Versatile: Swap ingredients based on what you have—other greens or added proteins make it your own!
Easy to Store: This soup keeps well in the fridge, letting you enjoy those flavors for days. Don’t miss out on the storage tips to maximize freshness!
Creamy Potato Kale Soup Ingredients
For the Base
• Butter – Adds richness and flavor; substitute with olive oil for a dairy-free option.
• Onion – Provides foundational aromatic flavor; use shallots for a milder taste.
• Garlic – Enhances flavor significantly; fresh garlic is preferred—avoid garlic powder.
• Potatoes – Acts as the soup’s base, providing creaminess when blended; Yukon Gold is recommended.
For the Broth
• Chicken Broth – Serves as the liquid base; low-sodium options are better for a healthier choice.
For the Greens
• Kale – Adds nutrition and a pop of color; substitute with spinach if desired.
For Creaminess
• Milk – Provides a creamy texture; ensure it’s at room temperature to prevent curdling. Use almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
For Seasoning
• Salt and Pepper – Essential seasonings to enhance flavors; adjust to taste.
How to Make Creamy Potato Kale Soup
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Prep Ingredients: Begin by dicing the onion, mincing the garlic, cutting the potatoes into 1-inch chunks, and tearing the kale into bite-sized pieces. This will ensure everything cooks evenly.
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Sauté Onions: Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it’s translucent and fragrant.
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Cook Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for another 30 seconds until lovely and aromatic. This step adds a delicious foundation to your soup.
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Add Potatoes: Toss the potato chunks into the pot, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes to start the flavor infusion.
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Simmer: Pour in 6 cups of chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 8-10 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender.
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Incorporate Kale: Stir in the torn kale, allowing it to simmer for another 5 minutes until it’s wilted and retains a bright color, adding vibrant nutrients to your soup.
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Blend: Allow the soup to cool slightly, then blend it until smooth using an immersion blender or in batches with a traditional blender for a creamy consistency.
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Finish: Return the blended soup to the pot, stir in any remaining chicken broth and room-temperature milk, heating gently. Adjust the seasoning before serving.
Optional: Garnish with a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for extra flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Creamy Potato Kale Soup variations are perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep enthusiasts! You can chop the onions, mince the garlic, and dice the potatoes up to 24 hours in advance; just be sure to store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. Additionally, you can tear the kale and keep it separately, which prevents it from wilting. When you’re ready to cook, simply sauté the prepped ingredients, add the broth, simmer everything until tender, blend, and stir in the milk for a creamy finish. This saves you significant time while ensuring your soup remains just as delicious and comforting!
Expert Tips for Creamy Potato Kale Soup
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Uniform Cuts: Cut potatoes into similar-sized chunks. This ensures even cooking and prevents some pieces from becoming mushy in your creamy potato kale soup.
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Kale Timing: Add kale towards the end of cooking. This helps retain its vibrant color and reduces bitterness, enhancing the soup’s overall flavor.
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Blending Hot Soup: When blending, fill the blender no more than halfway and secure the lid with a towel. This prevents steam explosions and keeps your kitchen safe while making creamy potato kale soup.
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Gentle Heating: After incorporating milk, avoid boiling the soup. Gentle reheating maintains a smooth and creamy texture.
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Add Flavor: Feel free to enhance your soup with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving, which can elevate the taste of your creamy potato kale soup.
What to Serve with Creamy Potato Kale Soup?
There’s something magical about pairing your comforting bowl of soup with complementary sides that enhance the experience.
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Crusty Bread: A beautifully baked loaf offers a crunchy contrast, perfect for dipping into the rich soup. The warm, toasty bread soaks up the creamy goodness, making every bite a delight.
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Fresh Green Salad: A simple salad with tangy vinaigrette brightens the meal, balancing the soup’s richness while providing a refreshing crunch. Consider mixing in seasonal veggies for added texture and flavor.
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Buttery Dinner Rolls: Soft, fluffy dinner rolls slathered in butter perfectly accompany your soup and provide a satisfying way to savor every last drop. They are always a family favorite.
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Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted carrots, bell peppers, and Brussels sprouts adds a delightful sweetness, enhancing the earthy kale flavors. Plus, the caramelized edges create a wonderful contrast to the soup.
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Cheese Toasts: Topped with crackly, melted cheese, these toasties offer a savory bite and indulgent texture that pairs well with the smoothness of the soup. They are like little pillows of happiness on the plate!
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Sparkling Water with Lemon: A refreshing glass of sparkling water with a hint of lemon cuts through the creaminess, cleansing your palate between bites, while keeping the meal light and enjoyable.
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Dessert: End the meal on a sweet note with a slice of apple pie or a light sorbet; a touch of sweetness rounds off the comforting experience beautifully.
Each pairing not only complements the Creamy Potato Kale Soup but also elevates your dining experience, bringing warmth and joy to your table.
Creamy Potato Kale Soup Variations
Explore delightful twists on this comforting classic, transforming each bowl into a unique experience that warms the heart.
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Leafy Green Swap: Substitute kale with Swiss chard or collard greens for varied textures and flavors.
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Dairy-Free Delight: Use almond or oat milk instead of regular milk to cater to lactose sensitivities without losing creaminess.
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Protein Boost: Stir in crispy bacon or shredded chicken for an added protein punch that makes the soup even more filling. Just think of the savory crunch for an explosion of flavor!
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Extra Veggies: Incorporate diced carrots or celery for extra nutrition and a colorful presentation. This little addition can make your soup more vibrant and satisfying.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to bring warmth and a delightful zing to the creamy base.
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Herb Infusion: Toss in fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary during cooking for an aromatic experience that elevates your soup to a new level of deliciousness.
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Nutty Flavor: A tablespoon of tahini can provide a nutty undertone and creaminess without the dairy. It’s a simple way to enrich your flavors while keeping it healthy!
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Savory Umami: Toss in a spoonful of miso paste to deepen the flavor profile with a rich umami essence that complements the creamy potatoes perfectly.
How to Store and Freeze Creamy Potato Kale Soup
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. The flavors deepen and improve after a day, making it even more delicious!
- Freezer: Freeze the soup in individual portions for up to 3 months. Keep in mind that the potato texture may change slightly after thawing.
- Reheating: Gently warm on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth if necessary to restore the creamy texture of your creamy potato kale soup.
- Thawing: When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally for an even warmth.
Creamy Potato Kale Soup Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best potatoes for this soup?
Absolutely! For the best Creamy Potato Kale Soup, I suggest using Yukon Gold potatoes for their creamy texture. If you can’t find them, Russets work well too, but they may yield a slightly more starchy soup. Avoid waxy potatoes, as they don’t blend as smoothly.
What’s the best way to store leftover soup?
Very easy! You can refrigerate your Creamy Potato Kale Soup in an airtight container for up to 5 days. I often find the flavors enhance after a day, making it even tastier!
Can I freeze Creamy Potato Kale Soup?
Absolutely! To freeze the soup, ladle it into individual portions and store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Just be aware that the potato texture might change slightly upon thawing, but the flavor will still be delightful!
Why did my soup turn out too watery?
A common issue! If your soup is too watery, it’s likely because the potatoes weren’t starchy enough, or there wasn’t enough time for it to simmer. I recommend adding a bit more milk or broth and then blending to achieve that creamy consistency. You could also cook it for longer to allow some evaporation, thickening it further.
Is this soup suitable for those with dairy allergies?
Yes, indeed! To make the Creamy Potato Kale Soup dairy-free, use olive oil in place of butter and substitute cow’s milk with almond or oat milk. The soup remains just as creamy and delicious without the dairy!
Can I make this recipe using different greens?
Definitely! If kale isn’t your thing, you can substitute in spinach, Swiss chard, or even collard greens. Just add them at the same stage as the kale in the recipe to ensure they wilt perfectly!
Creamy Potato Kale Soup That Warms the Soul in 30 Minutes
Equipment
- - Large pot
- immersion blender
Ingredients
For the Base
- 2 tbsp Butter Substitute with olive oil for a dairy-free option.
- 1 medium Onion Diced.
- 4 cloves Garlic Minced.
- 4 medium Potatoes Cut into 1-inch chunks, Yukon Gold recommended.
For the Broth
- 6 cups Chicken Broth Low-sodium options are better for a healthier choice.
For the Greens
- 1 cup Kale Torn into bite-sized pieces; substitute with spinach if desired.
For Creaminess
- 1 cup Milk Ensure it's at room temperature to prevent curdling; use almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
For Seasoning
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
Instructions
How to Make Creamy Potato Kale Soup
- Begin by dicing the onion, mincing the garlic, cutting the potatoes into 1-inch chunks, and tearing the kale into bite-sized pieces.
- Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it’s translucent and fragrant.
- Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for another 30 seconds until lovely and aromatic.
- Toss the potato chunks into the pot, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and let simmer for 8-10 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.
- Stir in the torn kale and allow it to simmer for another 5 minutes until wilted.
- Allow the soup to cool slightly, then blend it until smooth using an immersion blender or traditional blender.
- Return the blended soup to the pot, stir in remaining broth and room-temperature milk, heating gently. Adjust seasoning before serving.