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- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed - 1 medium onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 4 medium carrots, sliced - 4 celery stalks, chopped - 1 large potato, diced - 6 cups chicken broth - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained To create a comforting sausage soup, you need a few key ingredients. First, start with one pound of Italian sausage. This gives the soup its rich flavor. Dice one medium onion and mince three cloves of garlic. These add depth to your soup. Next, you will need four medium carrots, sliced, and four celery stalks, chopped. These vegetables add sweetness and crunch. Don’t forget one large potato, diced, to make the soup hearty. Finally, use six cups of chicken broth and one can of diced tomatoes. The broth creates a savory base, while tomatoes add a touch of acidity. - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving For seasoning, you will need one teaspoon of dried oregano and one teaspoon of dried thyme. These herbs bring a warm aroma to the soup. Add salt and pepper to taste for the perfect balance. Start your cooking with two tablespoons of olive oil to sauté your vegetables. This adds rich flavor to the base. When serving, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top. It melts slightly and adds creaminess. Each ingredient works together to create a warm, delicious bowl of comfort. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by slicing and dicing your vegetables. For this soup, I like to use: - 4 medium carrots, sliced - 4 celery stalks, chopped - 1 large potato, diced - 1 medium onion, diced These veggies add color and taste. The carrots bring sweetness, while the celery adds crunch. Next, you need to crumble the sausage. Use 1 pound of Italian sausage. Remove the casings and break it into small pieces. This helps it cook evenly and mix well with the soup. In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion first. Sauté for about 5 minutes until it becomes soft and clear. Now, toss in 3 minced garlic cloves. Stir for about a minute. The smell will make your kitchen feel warm and inviting. Next, add the crumbled sausage. Cook it for about 7 to 10 minutes until it turns brown. Stir it often to keep it from sticking. Once the sausage is brown, stir in the sliced carrots and chopped celery. Cook for another 5 minutes. This step helps the veggies soften and mix their flavors. Now, it's time to add more ingredients. Pour in: - 6 cups chicken broth - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried thyme Bring this mixture to a boil. Then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 25 minutes. This gives the flavors time to blend and makes the potatoes tender. After 25 minutes, add the chopped kale or spinach. Simmer for another 5 minutes. The greens will wilt and add great color. Finally, taste the soup. Add salt and pepper to your liking. This final step makes all the flavors pop. Serve your soup hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy this warm and cozy dish! Using fresh herbs makes a big difference. Fresh herbs add brightness and depth to the soup. I love using fresh basil or parsley. They bring a vibrant taste. Dried herbs are convenient, too. They work well if fresh herbs are not available. Just remember to use less dried herbs since they are stronger. When it comes to sausage, Italian sausage shines. It has a rich flavor that fits perfectly in this soup. You can also try spicy sausage for a kick. Chicken sausage is a lighter option, but it still tastes great. Just choose what you enjoy most. You can make this soup on the stovetop or in a slow cooker. The stovetop is quick and lets you taste as you go. If you use a slow cooker, you can set it and forget it. Just add all the ingredients and let it cook on low for 6-8 hours. For leftovers, store the soup in an airtight container. It stays fresh in the fridge for about three days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Just make sure to leave some space in the container. The soup will expand when frozen. Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs can enhance the flavor of your sausage soup significantly. Consider adding fresh oregano or thyme just before serving for a vibrant taste. Customize Your Greens: Feel free to swap kale or spinach for other leafy greens like Swiss chard or collard greens, depending on your preference and what you have on hand. Make It Spicy: If you like a kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes when you sauté the onions and garlic for an extra layer of heat. Leftover Love: This soup is great for leftovers! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze individual portions for a quick meal later. {{image_2}} When making sausage soup, you can switch up the sausage. Spicy sausage adds a kick. It gives the soup great heat and flavor. You can choose hot Italian sausage or chorizo. These options bring a new twist to the dish. If you're looking for a healthier choice, try turkey sausage. It has less fat but still tastes great. Ground turkey or turkey links work well. Just crumble or slice them as you would with Italian sausage. The soup stays hearty and delicious. You can make your soup even heartier by adding beans or lentils. They add protein and fiber. Try using white beans or black beans. Lentils cook quickly and blend nicely with other flavors. They make the soup more filling. Adding more vegetables is another great idea. Zucchini and bell peppers are perfect for this soup. Slice the zucchini into half-moons. Dice the bell peppers into small pieces. These veggies add color and nutrients. You can mix and match based on your taste! To store your soup, let it cool first. Pour it into airtight containers. Label the containers with the date. Place the soup in the fridge for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze it. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. The soup can last for up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, you can safely reheat the soup on the stovetop. Pour it into a pot and heat it over medium heat. Stir occasionally to warm it evenly. You can also use a microwave. Place the soup in a microwave-safe bowl and cover it. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. To keep the soup's texture and flavor, avoid boiling it again. This prevents the vegetables from getting mushy. Adding a splash of broth or water can help if it seems thick after freezing. Enjoy your comforting sausage soup just as delicious as before! You can pair this soup with many tasty sides. Here are some good options: - Crusty bread: A warm loaf adds good texture. - Garlic bread: This is perfect for dipping. - Salad: A fresh green salad balances the soup. - Cheese toast: Top bread with cheese and broil it. These sides will enhance your meal and make it even more comforting. Yes, you can make this soup vegetarian with simple swaps. Try these meat substitutes: - Plant-based sausage: Many brands offer tasty options. - Mushrooms: They add a nice, meaty flavor. - Lentils: They bring protein and heartiness. - Chickpeas: These add good texture and fiber. These changes keep the soup filling and delicious without meat. Comforting Sausage Soup lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Here are some tips for storing it: - Cool it down: Let the soup cool before storing. - Use airtight containers: This keeps it fresh. - Label and date: This helps you track freshness. By following these tips, you can enjoy your soup later! This blog post covered the key ingredients for a comforting sausage soup, including sausage, vegetables, and broth. We discussed step-by-step cooking methods and tips to enhance flavor. Variations allow for different types of sausage and added ingredients. For storage, I shared the best practices to keep leftovers fresh. Enjoy your soup-making journey. You can easily adapt this recipe to fit your taste. Satisfy your cravings with this warm, hearty dish.

Comforting Sausage Soup

A hearty and flavorful soup made with Italian sausage, vegetables, and greens.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 medium carrots, sliced
  • 4 stalks celery, chopped
  • 1 large potato, diced
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 2 cups kale or spinach, chopped
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • for serving grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent (about 5 minutes).
  • Add the minced garlic, and stir for another minute until fragrant.
  • Crumble in the Italian sausage and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through (about 7-10 minutes).
  • Stir in the sliced carrots and celery, cooking for another 5 minutes until they start to soften.
  • Add the diced potatoes, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, oregano, and thyme. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 25 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
  • Add the chopped kale or spinach, and simmer for an additional 5 minutes until the greens are wilted and tender.
  • Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Notes

Serve hot with grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Keyword comfort food, sausage, soup, vegetables