Instant Pot Smoky Sausage and Potato Soup

Instant Pot Smoky Sausage and Potato Soup is the perfect cozy meal for any occasion. This soup combines savory flavors with hearty ingredients, making it an ideal choice for chilly evenings or casual gatherings. Rich in taste and quick to prepare, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy a bowl of comforting goodness that features smoked sausage, tender potatoes, and vibrant kale—all cooked to perfection in your Instant Pot.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time and just 4 minutes of cooking, this soup is ready in no time.
• Flavor-Packed: The combination of smoked paprika and beef sausage creates a deliciously smoky flavor profile that will tantalize your taste buds.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily swap out vegetables or proteins based on what you have on hand, making it adaptable for different dietary preferences.
• Hearty and Satisfying: This soup is packed with filling ingredients like potatoes and kale, ensuring you stay full longer.
• One-Pot Wonder: Cooking everything in the Instant Pot means fewer dishes to wash later.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience seamless, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you need to whip up this delightful soup.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Instant Pot
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring spoons
• Wooden spoon

Why These Tools Matter

• Instant Pot: This multi-cooker speeds up the cooking process while infusing flavors beautifully.
• Cutting Board: A sturdy surface ensures safe chopping of ingredients.
• Chef’s Knife: A sharp knife makes cutting through vegetables effortless.
• Measuring Spoons: Precise measurements guarantee consistent flavor every time.

Ingredients

For the Soup Base

• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 (12 oz) package beef smoked sausage, halved and sliced
• 1 Tbsp minced garlic
• 4 cups chicken broth

For the Heartiness

• 1 pound Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes
• Fresh cracked pepper
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce

For the Greens

• 2 large kale leaves, stem removed and chopped

For Creaminess

• ¼ cup heavy cream

How to Make Instant Pot Smoky Sausage and Potato Soup

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Begin by dicing your onion and mincing the garlic. Cube the Russet potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Chop the kale leaves after removing their stems.

Step 2: Sauté in the Instant Pot

1. Turn on your Instant Pot and select the sauté function.
2. Add the olive oil once hot.
3. Sauté the diced onion for about 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent.
4. Stir in minced garlic and sliced beef smoked sausage; cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3: Add Remaining Ingredients

1. Pour in the chicken broth, adding cubed potatoes, fresh cracked pepper, smoked paprika, and tomato sauce.
2. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.

Step 4: Pressure Cook

1. Close the lid securely on your Instant Pot.
2. Set it to high pressure for 4 minutes.
3. Once done, perform a quick release of pressure carefully.

Step 5: Final Touches

1. Open the lid after all pressure has been released.
2. Stir in chopped kale and heavy cream until well blended.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving hot.

This Instant Pot Smoky Sausage and Potato Soup promises warmth with each spoonful—perfect for any gathering or weeknight dinner! Enjoy!

How to Serve Instant Pot Smoky Sausage and Potato Soup

Serving your Instant Pot Smoky Sausage and Potato Soup can elevate the dining experience. Here are a few suggestions to enhance your meal.

Pair with Fresh Bread

• Crusty Baguette: Slice a fresh baguette to serve alongside the soup for dipping.
• Garlic Bread: Toast slices of garlic bread for a flavorful accompaniment that complements the soup.

Add a Salad

• Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad adds crunch and freshness, balancing the richness of the soup.
• Mixed Green Salad: Toss mixed greens with a light vinaigrette for a simple, refreshing side.

Incorporate Toppings

• Chopped Green Onions: Sprinkle fresh green onions on top for added flavor and color.
• Shredded Cheese: Melt cheddar or mozzarella cheese over the soup for a creamy texture.

How to Perfect Instant Pot Smoky Sausage and Potato Soup

To ensure your Instant Pot Smoky Sausage and Potato Soup turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and high-quality sausage will enhance the overall flavor of your soup.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup before serving and adjust salt, pepper, or smoked paprika as needed.
• Cook in Stages: Sauté onions and garlic before adding other ingredients for deeper flavor development.
• Let it Rest: Allow the soup to sit for a few minutes after cooking; this helps meld the flavors together.

Best Side Dishes for Instant Pot Smoky Sausage and Potato Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Instant Pot Smoky Sausage and Potato Soup can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A classic pairing that provides a crunchy contrast to the smooth soup.
2. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins add warmth and texture alongside the savory soup.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables offer a healthy side that complements the main dish.
4. Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges can be seasoned to match the flavors of your soup, creating cohesion in your meal.
5. Stuffed Peppers: Hearty stuffed peppers filled with rice and veggies can make your dinner more filling.
6. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad adds protein and freshness, making it an excellent balance to the rich flavors of the soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Instant Pot Smoky Sausage and Potato Soup, it’s easy to stumble upon a few common errors. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Ignoring the sauté function: Skipping this step can lead to a lack of flavor. Always sauté the onions and sausage first to build a rich base for your soup.
• Overcrowding the pot: Adding too many ingredients at once can prevent proper cooking. Ensure you keep a balance to allow even cooking and pressure building.
• Not adjusting liquid levels: The Instant Pot requires specific liquid amounts for pressure cooking. Always measure your chicken broth accurately to avoid burning.
• Forgetting to deglaze: If you don’t scrape the bottom after sautéing, burnt bits may affect flavor. Use a little broth to deglaze before adding other ingredients.
• Skipping the seasoning: Under-seasoning can lead to bland soup. Taste and adjust spices, especially smoked paprika, before serving.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing Instant Pot Smoky Sausage and Potato Soup

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• This soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Instant Pot Smoky Sausage and Potato Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish and heat until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Pour into a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Instant Pot Smoky Sausage and Potato Soup unique?

This soup stands out due to its combination of smoky flavors from the sausage and paprika along with hearty potatoes and kale, creating a deliciously comforting meal.

Can I customize my Instant Pot Smoky Sausage and Potato Soup?

Absolutely! You can add different vegetables like carrots or bell peppers, or swap out the type of sausage for more variety.

How long does it take to cook Instant Pot Smoky Sausage and Potato Soup?

The total time is just about 24 minutes including prep time of 20 minutes and a quick cook time of only 4 minutes under pressure.

Is there a vegetarian version of Instant Pot Smoky Sausage and Potato Soup?

Certainly! Substitute the sausage with plant-based alternatives or beans for protein while keeping all other ingredients the same.

Conclusion

Instant Pot Smoky Sausage and Potato Soup is not only easy to prepare but also packed with flavor that will please any palate. Its versatility allows for numerous customization options based on your preferences. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a warm bowl of comfort!

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