Italian Sausage Soup Recipe: A Flavorful and Hearty Meal
Are you looking for a comforting and delicious soup recipe that's perfect for a chilly evening? Look no further than this Italian sausage soup! This recipe is packed with flavor, easy to make, and sure to become a family favorite. It's also easily adaptable to your preferred spice level and available ingredients.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe is designed to serve 6-8 people. Feel free to adjust the quantities based on your needs.
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed (sweet or hot, your choice!)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- 1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Parmesan cheese, grated (for serving)
Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide
This recipe is surprisingly simple! Follow these steps for a perfect bowl of Italian sausage soup:
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
- Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
- Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Build the Flavor
- Add the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, cannellini beans, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the pot. Stir well to combine.
Step 4: Simmer to Perfection
- Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cover. Let it simmer for at least 20 minutes, or even longer for a richer flavor. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together.
Step 5: Add the Sausage Back In
- Stir in the cooked Italian sausage. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for extra heat.
- Add some greens: Throw in a handful of spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Make it heartier: Add cooked pasta, rice, or potatoes for a more filling soup.
- Vegetarian option: Substitute the Italian sausage with plant-based sausage crumbles.
- Make it ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Enjoy your delicious and satisfying bowl of homemade Italian sausage soup! Let us know in the comments how yours turned out!
