Reviewed: Nov. 18, 2009

Everyone in my family loved this. It was actually enjoyable to make. Never used kale before, but yum! Simple and delicious. It reminded me of a good Italian restuarant soup. Will make again.

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Katie

Cooking Level: Expert

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Reviewed: Nov. 16, 2009

Had to make a healthy version, but I gave it five stars for being an excellent recipe with which to modify to healthy. I used 1/2 pound Italian-seasoned ground turkey, 6 slices turkey bacon, nearly tripled the amount of stock, and used skim milk instead of cream. It was really, super good!!!

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loisln77

Cooking Level: Beginning

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Reviewed: Nov. 11, 2009

I loved this soup, but should have read the reviews because there was way too much sausage (would have been a 5* with that adustment) and should have halfed it. Otherwise it was great and I used mild italian sausage b/c that's what I had on hand and will up the kale to 3 cups next time.

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Karen

Cooking Level: Intermediate

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Reviewed: Nov. 9, 2009

I used 1 lb ground Italian sausage (browned), 2 tsp garlic, 5 medium red potatoes, 1 lb of bacon, 6 cups of chicken broth, 1 T. italian seasoning, 1 T. garlic powder, 1 T. onion powder, 2 tsp red pepper flakes, 2 cups of spinach, and 2 cups of half and half. It was absolutely DELICIOUS!!!

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RebeccaVC

Cooking Level: Expert

Home Town: Appleton, Wisconsin, USA

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Reviewed: Nov. 8, 2009

I have never had this at Olive Garden but this was very good! Four stars only because I had to make some changes to make it a little healthier for me... I used Turkey Kielbasa sausage, a 3 bacon slices and no-fat half and half (I will forever be indebted to the reviewer who suggested that -- I had no idea no-fat half and half existed!!). I also threw in 1/2c of orzo when I added the potatoes (I actually used sweet potatoes since I like them better and their nutritional content is higher than normal ones) just because I wanted something a little extra in there. I found it a little bit too salty with the bouillon but I may just have to buy reduced fat bouillon. I also added a little pepper and cayenne pepper before eating, since I like things with a bit of a kick!

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Meli

Cooking Level: Intermediate

Living In: Austin, Texas, USA

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Reviewed: Nov. 6, 2009

I've been making this recipe for years and we always enjoy it. I use canned chicken broth rather than the water and bouillon and I find Jimmy Dean's hot sausage adds flavor and a little bite. Served with some fresh baked bread sticks you'll think you are at the Olive Garden.

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thepoetnmotion

Cooking Level: Expert

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Reviewed: Sep. 24, 2009

Very good, I use water instead of chicken stock and half & half, its lower in fat and still very good.

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liliya P

Cooking Level: Expert

Home Town: Anoka, Minnesota, USA

Living In: Ramsey, Minnesota, USA

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Reviewed: Sep. 8, 2009

This is the best soup ever. It takes just like Olive Garden, but better because you make it yourself and get lots more. :O) Loved It !!!!

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Angie

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Reviewed: Aug. 16, 2009

It was so easy to make and very yummy!

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Carrtina

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Reviewed: Aug. 1, 2009

This was awesome! I used chicken broth (6 cups) and had to substitute spinach for the kale since they were out at the grocery store. I also used crumbled spicy Italian sausage because we like a little heat. Yummo! Now I have to find a recipe for bread sticks & salad from this favorite restaurant.

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weekendcook

Cooking Level: Intermediate

Home Town: Parkersburg, West Virginia, USA

Living In: Hope, Arkansas, USA

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Reviewed: Jul. 19, 2009

Love love love this soup. Just wonderful with some crusty bread for dipping. I did add more bacon to the soup and more kale. Have made many times.

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Trixie_Fishook

Cooking Level: Intermediate

Home Town: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

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Reviewed: Jun. 30, 2009

Very good, however i did make some changes but wanted to try kale for the first time and absolutely loved it. I did a lower fat version using Turkey smoked sausage which i sauteed with onion until the onion was soft, then added the potatoes. I added enough chicken broth to cover, added salt, pepper and garlic powder. Boiled for 10-15 min and then lowered heat and added the kale and let it simmer until the kale was soft. My picky nephew even gobbled this up!!!

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GMW

Cooking Level: Intermediate

Living In: Midwest City, Oklahoma, USA

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Reviewed: Jun. 21, 2009

This recipe was phenomenal! I am a total beginner to cooking and it turned out great. The only change I made to the recipe and will do the next time I make it is to use a 16 oz package of italian sausage. The soup was thicker than the Olive Garden version so next time, I am going to make the following changes: 1. 2/3 the amount of Sausage and Bacon. 2. 3/4 Chicken Boullian 3. 2 times the amount of Kale. 4. Add some spices to get the itallian sausage kick. It needed to be a little bit more spicy and hot to hit the olive garden version in my opinion. For those of you wanting to emulate Olive Garden, this recipe should definately be your starting point.

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SkierCook

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Reviewed: Apr. 12, 2009

I didn't care for this at all. It tasted like greasy meat in a flavorless milk broth. Sorry, but I won't be making this one again.

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THEBOYCANPLAY

Cooking Level: Intermediate

Living In: Orlando, Florida, USA

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Reviewed: Mar. 22, 2009

My family loves this soup! It is just delicious. To make it a little healthier we use double the kale and omit the bacon. Saute onions and garlic after draining the sausage (the sausage you use makes or breaks the soup - a nice spicy sausage with lots of flavor is good). I use a spicy Italian sausage and just brown in a skillet. If you like the Olive Garden soup, you will enjoy this recipe!

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sonoko

Cooking Level: Intermediate

Home Town: Port Orchard, Washington, USA

Living In: Yakima, Washington, USA

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Reviewed: Mar. 15, 2009

Very tasty, and yes, very much like the Olive Garden version. I enjoy using hot Italian sausage instead of smoked sausage. Be sure to drain your sausage thoroughly or the grease forms unsightly collections on the surface.

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Quick

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Reviewed: Feb. 25, 2009

This soup is a huge hit with my hubby! He's constantly asking me to make it! Instead of using russet potatoes, i use 5 small red potatoes, skin on. It gives it a smoother consistency i think. I'v made it without bacon, i didn't have any on hand, and it still turned out delicious! Thank you so much for sharing! Awesome comfort food, especially when you're pregnant, like me! :)

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Oldies

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Reviewed: Feb. 20, 2009

This was amazing! I made 12 servings and my fiance finished it in 2 days. Will definitely make this again!

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showlan

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Reviewed: Jan. 13, 2009

The first time I made this it was good but not great. The second time I used Italian sausage, browned not baked, and added a couple cloves of minced garlic. I also substituted baby spinach for the kale. We like it much better prepared this way.

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WORKINGGIRL61

Cooking Level: Expert

Living In: Schenectady, New York, USA

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Reviewed: Jan. 5, 2009

So delish and so easy to make! I have made this several times and people always ask for the recipe. Perfect for the crock pot. My family and I prefer spinach to kale in this recipe.

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