Ret Soup
Introduction
Warm up a chilly day with this hearty and flavorful Italian Sausage and Vegetable Soup. Packed with savory sausage, vibrant vegetables, and a touch of Italian herbs, it’s a comforting meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to be a family favorite.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Italian sausage: 450 grams
Olive oil: 15 ml
Onion, chopped: 150 grams
Carrot, sliced: 100 grams
Celery, sliced: 100 grams
Garlic, minced: 10 grams
Crushed tomatoes: 800 grams
Chicken broth: 1000 ml
Potatoes, cubed: 300 grams
Zucchini, sliced: 150 grams
Italian seasoning: 5 grams
Salt: 5 grams
Black pepper: 3 grams
Spinach, fresh: 150 grams
Parmesan cheese, grated: 50 grams
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
To prepare the soup, start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Cook the Italian sausage until browned, breaking it into small pieces, then set aside. In the same pot, sauté onion, carrot, celery, and garlic for about 5 minutes until softened. Next, stir in crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, potatoes, zucchini, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, bringing the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Finally, add the cooked sausage back to the pot and stir in fresh spinach until wilted, about 2 minutes. Adjust the seasoning to taste and serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy this delicious and comforting dish with family and friends!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
In a large pot, heat 15 ml of olive oil over medium heat. Add 450 grams of Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Once browned, remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, add 150 grams of chopped onion, 100 grams of sliced carrot, 100 grams of sliced celery, and 10 grams of minced garlic. Sauté the mixture for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
Step 3: Add Liquid and Other Ingredients
Stir in 800 grams of crushed tomatoes, 1000 ml of chicken broth, 300 grams of cubed potatoes, 150 grams of sliced zucchini, 5 grams of Italian seasoning, 5 grams of salt, and 3 grams of black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Step 4: Simmer the Soup
Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
Step 5: Combine with Sausage and Spinach
Add the cooked sausage back to the pot. Stir in 150 grams of fresh spinach and cook for about 2 minutes until the spinach is wilted.
Step 6: Serve the Soup
Adjust the seasoning to taste. Serve the soup hot, topped with 50 grams of grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
Cooking Tip
For added flavor, you can use spicy Italian sausage instead of sweet sausage.
Storage
This soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for longer storage.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Variation
Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers or green beans for extra nutrition and flavor.
Storage Instructions
Refrigeration
Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers or bags. It will last for about 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm on the stove or in the microwave.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty soup with crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping. A side salad can also enhance your meal. For an extra touch, drizzle a little olive oil over the soup and add a sprinkle of fresh herbs for added flavor.
Nutritional Information
Each serving contains approximately:
– Calories: 380
– Total Fat: 22 g
– Saturated Fat: 7 g
– Cholesterol: 60 mg
– Sodium: 800 mg
– Total Carbohydrates: 30 g
– Dietary Fiber: 5 g
– Sugars: 6 g
– Protein: 20 g
(Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.)
Ingredient Substitutions
– Italian Sausage: Use turkey sausage or a plant-based sausage for a lighter or vegetarian option.
– Olive Oil: Substitute with any other cooking oil, like avocado or canola oil.
– Chicken Broth: Vegetable broth can be used as a vegetarian alternative.
– Potatoes: Sweet potatoes or butternut squash can be used for added sweetness and nutrition.
– Spinach: Kale or Swiss chard can be used in place of spinach for a different texture and flavor.
– Parmesan Cheese: Nutritional yeast can be a great vegan alternative for a cheesy flavor.
Cook techniques
Brown the Sausage
Cook the Italian sausage in olive oil over medium heat until browned. This technique releases flavors and creates a savory base for the soup.
Sauté the Vegetables
Add chopped onion, sliced carrot, sliced celery, and minced garlic to the pot. Sautéing softens the vegetables and enhances their natural sweetness.
Simmering
Combine crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and the remaining vegetables in the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to let the soup simmer, allowing flavors to meld together.
Wilting Greens
Add fresh spinach towards the end of the cooking process. This keeps the spinach vibrant and maintains its nutritional value.
Adjusting Seasoning
Taste the soup before serving and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or Italian herbs as needed to enhance flavor.
FAQ
Can I use ground turkey instead of Italian sausage?
Yes, you can use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Season it with Italian herbs to achieve similar flavors.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
Replace the Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
What other vegetables can I add?
Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, green beans, or peas for added nutrition and flavor.
How long does this soup last in the fridge?
Italian sausage and vegetable soup can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container.
Can I freeze the soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Store it in freezer-safe containers, and it can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Conclusion
This Italian Sausage and Vegetable Soup is the perfect dish to warm your heart and home on a chilly day. Its savory flavor profile, combined with wholesome ingredients, makes it not just a comforting meal but also a nutritious one. Easy to prepare and packed with a variety of vegetables, this soup is sure to please the entire family. Don’t hesitate to customize it to your taste, adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the level of seasoning. Enjoy a hearty bowl that evokes the warmth of Italian cooking!
More recipes suggestions and combination
Italian Sausage Pasta
Combine Italian sausage with your favorite pasta and a tomato-based sauce for a quick and hearty meal.
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Use a mixture of Italian sausage, rice, and vegetables to stuff bell peppers and bake until tender.
Italian Sausage and Peppers
Sauté sliced Italian sausage with bell peppers and onions for a simple and flavorful dish that’s great on its own or served in a sandwich.
Italian Sausage Breakfast Skillet
Fry Italian sausage with potatoes, bell peppers, and onions, then top with eggs for a delicious breakfast option.
Vegetable Risotto with Italian Sausage
Prepare creamy risotto and stir in cooked Italian sausage along with seasonal vegetables for a rich, satisfying dish.
