Sausage Soup
Sausage soup is a delightful blend of flavors that warms you from the inside out. This hearty dish combines savory sausage with fresh vegetables and comforting beans, making it a perfect meal for chilly days or cozy gatherings. With its easy preparation and rich taste, this soup will quickly become a favorite in your household. Gather your ingredients, and let’s make a bowl of happiness!
Ingredients
– 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
– 1 cup chopped onion
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 carrots, diced
– 2 celery stalks, diced
– 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained
– 2 cups kale, chopped
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe yields 6 servings. Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, and cooking time is about 30 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving of sausage soup (1 bowl) contains approximately 320 calories, 18g protein, 12g fat, 35g carbohydrates, and 7g fiber. It’s a nutritious option that satisfies and nourishes.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. In a large pot, heat a splash of oil over medium heat.
2. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned.
3. Stir in the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery; sauté for about 5 minutes.
4. Pour in the diced tomatoes and chicken broth.
5. Add the drained white beans and chopped kale.
6. Sprinkle in thyme, salt, and pepper to taste.
7. Bring the soup to a simmer and cover.
8. Cook for 20 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
9. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
10. Serve hot and enjoy your comforting bowl of sausage soup!
Alternative Ingredients
You can easily modify this recipe by using turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner option. Additionally, feel free to swap out kale for spinach or collard greens, and use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
Serving and Pairings
This sausage soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a fresh garden salad. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside a grilled cheese sandwich or a warm baguette.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stove over low heat or microwave until heated through. This soup can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overcooking the vegetables can make them mushy.
- Not browning the sausage properly may reduce flavor.
- Skipping the seasoning step can lead to bland soup.
- Using low-quality broth can impact the overall taste.
- Not letting the soup simmer long enough may prevent flavors from developing.
Helpful Tips
- For added richness, stir in a splash of cream before serving.
- Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or basil for varied flavor.
- Use fresh ingredients for the best taste.
- Adjust the thickness by adding more or less broth.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! You can use any type of sausage you prefer, such as Italian, chorizo, or even vegetarian options. Each will bring a unique flavor to the soup.
How long can I store this soup?
Sausage soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 3 months. Just make sure to cool it completely before storing.
Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes, sausage soup can be prepared in advance. In fact, allowing it to sit for a day can enhance the flavors even more.
Is this soup spicy?
The spice level depends on the sausage you choose. If you prefer a milder soup, opt for a sweet sausage and adjust spices accordingly.
What can I add for extra nutrition?
You can add more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini, or even throw in some quinoa or brown rice for added fiber and nutrients.
Conclusion
Sausage soup is a versatile and comforting dish that can easily be tailored to your taste. With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, it’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a bowl of warmth any day of the week!
Sausage Soup
Ingredients
- 1 lb smoked sausage sliced
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 carrots diced
- 2 celery stalks diced
- 1 can 15 oz diced tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can 15 oz white beans, drained
- 2 cups kale chopped
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat a splash of oil over medium heat.
- Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned.
- Stir in the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery; sauté for about 5 minutes.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes and chicken broth.
- Add the drained white beans and chopped kale.
- Sprinkle in thyme, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Bring the soup to a simmer and cover.
- Cook for 20 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve hot and enjoy your comforting bowl of sausage soup!