You know those chilly evenings when you just crave something warm, hearty, and a tad indulgent? Well, this creamy Italian sausage soup is like a cozy hug in a bowl—rich, savory, and with a hint of spice that dances on your taste buds. Reminds me of the time I stumbled upon a quaint little bistro in Tuscany, where the chef claimed his secret ingredient was simply “love” (though I’m pretty sure it was the sausage).
Steps
- Begin by sautéing chopped onions and minced garlic in a large pot until the onions become soft and translucent.
- Add your choice of Italian sausage, breaking it into smaller pieces, and cook until browned.
- Stir in diced tomatoes and your preferred broth, bringing the mixture to a boil.
- Add your choice of vegetables, such as sliced mushrooms or baby spinach, and let simmer until they soften.
- Incorporate a can of rinsed beans and any additional seasonings, like oregano, to enhance the flavor.
- For added texture, consider stirring in pasta, such as ditalini or mini-shells, and cook until tender.
- Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste and allow the soup to simmer for a few more minutes.
- Serve the soup hot, optionally garnished with grated Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs.
Ingredients
- 1 pound sweet or hot Italian sausage
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (or more, depending on preference)
- 1 can (15 ounces) white beans, drained and rinsed (or double the amount if desired)
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 2 cups baby kale and baby spinach mix
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup ditalini or mini-shell pasta
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon beef-flavored Better Than Bouillon
- Salt and pepper, to taste
FAQ
- Can I use different types of Italian sausage in this soup?
- Yes, you can use different types of Italian sausage to suit your taste preferences. The recipe is versatile, allowing for sweet, mild, or hot Italian sausages to be used, each bringing a unique flavor to the dish.
- What can I substitute for zucchini in the soup?
- If you don’t have zucchini on hand, you can substitute it with other vegetables like mushrooms, baby kale, or spinach. Some people also choose to add mini-shell pasta or shredded carrots as alternatives.
- How can I enhance the flavor of the soup?
- To enhance the soup’s flavor, consider adding ingredients such as onions sautéed with the sausage, a small amount of beef-flavored bouillon, oregano, or extra garlic. These adjustments can deepen the flavor profile of the dish.
- Is this soup suitable for making adjustments?
- Absolutely, this Italian Sausage Soup is quite adaptable. Many people enjoy adding their personal touches, such as increasing the amount of beans for thickness or adding additional broth for a more succulent result.
- Can this soup be made ahead of time and stored?
- Yes, this soup can be prepared in advance and stored. It often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together. Just be sure to store it properly in the refrigerator or freezer, depending on when you plan to serve it.
Tips
- Consider using different types of Italian sausage, such as sweet or hot, to customize the flavor to your liking. Adding hot Italian sausages can provide a spicy kick, while sweet sausages offer a milder taste.
- Enhance the soup’s texture and flavor by incorporating additional ingredients like mushrooms, onions, or a mix of baby kale and spinach. These can add depth and nutritional value to the dish.
- Experiment with different types of pasta, such as ditalini or mini-shells, to alter the soup’s texture and make it more filling. You can also add more beans for thickness and protein.
- Boost the flavor profile by doubling the garlic or incorporating beef-flavored bouillon. Adding extra herbs like oregano can further enhance the soup’s aromatic qualities.
Equipment
- Immersion Blender – For blending a portion of the soup for a thicker texture.
- Dutch Oven or Large Soup Pot – For cooking the soup evenly and efficiently.
- Garlic Press – For easily mincing garlic if you frequently double or triple the garlic as mentioned.
- Pasta Insert or Strainer – Useful if you’re adding pasta such as ditalini or mini-shells to the soup.
- Mandoline Slicer – For shredding carrots or slicing other vegetables uniformly.
