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To make Hearty Sausage Soup, gather these ingredients: - 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed - 1 medium onion, finely diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced or pressed - 2 medium carrots, sliced into rounds - 2 stalks celery, chopped into small pieces - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices - 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth - 1 cup kale, stems removed and chopped - 1 medium potato, diced into 1/2-inch cubes - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) You can swap some ingredients for a different taste or to fit what you have at home: - For Italian sausage, try turkey sausage or chicken sausage for a leaner option. - If you don’t have kale, spinach works well and cooks faster. - Instead of chicken broth, use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version. - For a thicker soup, use two potatoes instead of one. - If fresh herbs are not available, you can use dried herbs, but use less. To make this soup, you will need a few key tools: - A large soup pot or Dutch oven - A cutting board and knife for chopping vegetables - A wooden spoon for stirring - A measuring cup for broth and diced tomatoes - A ladle for serving the soup These tools will help you create a delicious bowl of Hearty Sausage Soup with ease! {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. 2. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook for about 5-7 minutes. The sausage should be browned and no longer pink. 3. Next, toss in the diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and chopped celery. Stir the mix and cook for 5 minutes. The veggies should be soft and smell great. 4. Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and the chicken broth. Stir in the diced potato, oregano, thyme, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. 5. Increase the heat to bring the soup to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. 6. Let the soup simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes. The potatoes should be tender when pierced. 7. After that, add the chopped kale to the pot. Simmer for another 5 minutes. This lets the kale wilt and blend into the soup. 8. Finally, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning. Add more salt and pepper if needed. - Use medium heat to cook the sausage. This helps it brown evenly. - Make sure to stir the sausage often. This avoids burning and ensures it cooks well. - When adding vegetables, cut them into similar sizes. This helps them cook at the same rate. - Don’t rush the sautéing step. It builds flavor in your soup. - Cook the sausage for 5-7 minutes until browned. - Sauté the vegetables for 5 minutes until soft. - Simmer the soup for 25-30 minutes to tenderize the potatoes. - Add the kale and simmer for an extra 5 minutes. These steps make your soup hearty and tasty. Enjoy the warmth! To make your hearty sausage soup shine, focus on layering flavors. Start with high-quality Italian sausage. Brown it well to develop a rich taste. Use fresh garlic and onion; they add depth. When you sauté the veggies, let them soften and release their natural sweetness. Don't skip the herbs! Oregano and thyme boost the overall flavor. Lastly, adjust the salt and pepper close to the end. This ensures the soup stays balanced. One common mistake is not browning the sausage enough. If you skip this step, your soup may taste flat. Another error is adding kale too early. This can cause it to wilt too much. Always add it in the last few minutes. Lastly, avoid overcooking the potatoes. Perfectly tender potatoes add a nice texture, while mushy ones ruin the dish. For a great texture, use a mix of chopping and slicing. Dice the onions finely for a smooth base. Slice the carrots into even rounds for consistent cooking. When you add the potatoes, cut them into half-inch cubes. This size helps them cook evenly. Stir the soup gently while it simmers. This keeps the ingredients intact and prevents them from breaking apart. Enjoy the process, and you'll end up with a soup that's both hearty and satisfying! Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can elevate the flavor of your soup. Add them just before serving for the best taste. Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to add or substitute vegetables based on your preference or what you have on hand, such as zucchini or bell peppers. Make it a Meal: Serve the soup with a side of crusty bread or over cooked rice or pasta to turn it into a hearty meal. Store Leftovers Properly: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. {{image_4}} You can change the flavor of your soup by trying different sausages. Italian sausage brings a nice spice, but you can also use others. Here are some great options: - Turkey sausage: This makes the soup lighter but still tasty. - Chorizo: It adds a smoky flavor and a bit of heat. - Bratwurst: This gives a mild, savory taste that works well. Each sausage type brings its own zest. Feel free to mix and match to find your favorite! If you want a vegetarian or vegan soup, it’s easy to swap ingredients. Here’s how: - Use plant-based sausage as a direct substitute. - Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth for a rich base. - Add extra beans like cannellini or chickpeas for protein. These swaps keep the heartiness while being meat-free. You’ll still enjoy a warm, filling bowl. You can also change your soup with the seasons. Fresh ingredients can brighten your dish. Here are some ideas: - In spring, add fresh peas or asparagus for a green touch. - In summer, use fresh tomatoes instead of canned for a vibrant flavor. - During fall, pumpkin or butternut squash can add warmth and sweetness. Adapting to the season gives your soup a fresh twist. Experiment with what you have on hand! When you make Hearty Sausage Soup, you may have some left over. To store it, let the soup cool first. Then, pour it into an airtight container. This keeps it fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to enjoy it later, freezing is a great option. To reheat the soup, pour it into a pot. Heat it on medium until it simmers gently. Stir it often to make sure it heats evenly. If you find it too thick, add a splash of broth or water. You can also microwave it in a bowl. Cover it loosely to prevent splatters. Heat for one to two minutes, stirring halfway through. Taste it before serving, and adjust the seasoning if needed. Freezing Hearty Sausage Soup is easy. First, let the soup cool completely. Then, use freezer-safe containers or bags. Make sure to leave some space at the top. This allows the soup to expand when frozen. Label each container with the date. The soup can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it as I described earlier. Enjoy your warm bowl of comfort! Yes, you can make Hearty Sausage Soup in a slow cooker. Start by browning the sausage in a pan. Then, add the browned sausage and all other ingredients to your slow cooker. Cook on low for about 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This method lets the flavors blend well and gives you a tasty soup. To add heat to your soup, try these tips: - Use hot Italian sausage instead of mild. - Add red pepper flakes to taste. - Mix in diced jalapeños or serrano peppers. - Stir in a dash of hot sauce at the end. Each of these options will give your soup a nice kick without overpowering it. Hearty Sausage Soup is not just tasty; it’s also good for you! Here’s a quick look at the benefits: - Italian sausage: Provides protein and iron. - Kale: Packed with vitamins A, C, and K, plus antioxidants. - Carrots: Great source of beta-carotene, good for your eyes. - Potatoes: Offer potassium and fiber, keeping you full longer. - Tomatoes: High in vitamins and lycopene, supporting heart health. These ingredients make your soup not only comforting but also nutritious! You learned how to make a hearty sausage soup, from choosing ingredients to cooking techniques. I shared useful tips and tricks to enhance flavor and avoid common mistakes. With all the variations and storage tips, you can enjoy this dish anytime. Remember, every bowl brings warmth and comfort. Don't be afraid to experiment with new flavors. Your soup can always be unique and satisfying. Enjoy cooking and sharing this delicious recipe!

Hearty Sausage Soup

A comforting and flavorful soup packed with Italian sausage, vegetables, and herbs.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
  • 2 medium carrots, sliced into rounds
  • 2 stalks celery, chopped into small pieces
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup kale, stems removed and chopped
  • 1 medium potato, diced into 1/2-inch cubes
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • to taste Salt and freshly cracked black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • to taste Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the Italian sausage, using a spoon to break it apart. Cook until well browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Once the sausage is browned, incorporate the diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and chopped celery. Sauté the mixture for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
  • Pour in the diced tomatoes (including their juices) and the chicken broth. Stir in the diced potato, dried oregano, dried thyme, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Increase the heat to bring the soup to a gentle boil.
  • Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer uncovered for about 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
  • After the potatoes are tender, add the chopped kale to the pot. Continue to simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the kale to wilt and incorporate into the soup.
  • Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as necessary, adding more salt and pepper based on your preference.
  • Serve the soup hot in bowls, garnished with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

Notes

Serve with crusty bread for a delightful pairing.
Keyword hearty, sausage, soup, vegetables