Italian Sausage Soup

Authentic Italian Sausage Soup Recipe - A Taste of Italy

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Italian Sausage Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. This soup is packed with Italian flavors and ingredients that come together to create a delicious and satisfying meal.

History

Italian Sausage Soup has its roots in traditional Italian cuisine, where soups are a staple dish. The combination of Italian sausage, tomatoes, pasta, and vegetables creates a comforting and filling soup that has been enjoyed for generations.

Ingredients

2 large onions, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
5 cups beef broth
1 lb (454 g) italian sausage
1.5 cups dry red wine
28 oz (794 g) Italian-style tomatoes, broken up
1 tbsp basil
1 tbsp sugar
1 medium green pepper, seeded and chopped
2 medium zucchini, sliced 0.25 inch thick
2 cups dry bow tie pasta, 1.5 inch size
0.5 cup chopped parsley
salt and pepper

How to prepare

In a 5-6 qt (5.68 liter) pan, combine onions, garlic, and 1 cup of broth.
Boil on high heat, stirring occasionally, until the liquid evaporates and the vegetables start to brown, 10–14 minutes.
To deglaze, stir in 3 tbsp of water to release the browned bits.
Cook, uncovered, until the liquid evaporates and the mixture begins to brown again, about 1 minute.
Repeat the deglazing step 3 more times until the mixture is richly browned.
Add sausage and 0.5 cup more water.
Stir gently until the liquid evaporates and the meat begins to brown, 8–10 minutes.
Add the remaining 4 cups of broth.
Stir to loosen the browned bits, then add wine, tomatoes and their liquid, basil, sugar, green pepper, zucchini, and pasta.
Cover and bring to a boil over high heat.
Simmer until the pasta is just tender to bite, about 15 minutes.
Serve hot, with parsley, salt, and pepper.
If made ahead, let cool, then cover and chill up until the next day.
Reheat to simmering.

Variations

Add diced carrots or celery for extra vegetables.
Use spicy Italian sausage for a kick of heat.
Substitute chicken broth for beef broth for a lighter flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to brown the onions and garlic well to develop a rich flavor base for the soup.

- Deglazing the pan with water helps to release the browned bits and adds depth to the soup.

- Simmer the soup gently to allow the flavors to meld together and the pasta to cook to perfection.

Serving Suggestions

Italian Sausage Soup can be served with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the onions and garlic adds depth of flavor to the soup.

- Simmering the soup gently allows the flavors to develop and the pasta to cook evenly.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use any type of pasta in place of bow tie pasta.

- Substitute ground beef or turkey for Italian sausage.

- Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version of the soup.

Make Ahead Tips

Italian Sausage Soup can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Simply let the soup cool, then cover and chill in the refrigerator until ready to eat.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish Italian Sausage Soup with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and a sprig of fresh basil for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Italian Sausage Soup pairs well with a glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Sangiovese.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Italian Sausage Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Italian Sausage Soup contains approximately 400 calories per serving.

Carbohydrates

Italian Sausage Soup contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Fats

Italian Sausage Soup contains approximately 20 grams of fats per serving.

Proteins

Italian Sausage Soup contains approximately 25 grams of proteins per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

Italian Sausage Soup is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and potassium.

Alergens

Italian Sausage Soup contains gluten from the pasta and may contain dairy if cheese is added as a garnish.

Summary

Italian Sausage Soup is a balanced meal that provides a good source of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Italian Sausage Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. Packed with Italian flavors and ingredients, this soup is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy a bowl of this delicious soup with a side of crusty bread for a satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a happy one. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in the small village of Tuscany, Italy. My family always had a deep love for food and cooking, so it was no surprise that I was drawn to the kitchen at a young age.

I remember walking into my grandmother’s cozy kitchen one chilly autumn day, the smell of garlic and herbs wafting through the air. She was standing over a bubbling pot on the stove, stirring in chunks of Italian sausage and fresh vegetables. I watched in awe as she worked her magic, adding a pinch of this and a dash of that, all the while humming a tune only she could hear.

I asked her what she was making, and she smiled at me, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “Ah, mia cara,” she said. “This is my famous Italian Sausage Soup. It’s a family recipe that has been passed down for generations.”

I couldn’t believe my luck. I had always loved my grandmother’s cooking, but this soup was something special. The rich, savory broth, the hearty chunks of sausage and vegetables – it was like a hug in a bowl. I begged her to teach me how to make it, and she agreed.

Over the next few hours, my grandmother guided me through the process of making her beloved soup. She showed me how to brown the sausage to bring out its flavor, how to sauté the onions and garlic until they were soft and fragrant, and how to simmer the soup slowly to let all the flavors meld together.

As we stirred and tasted and adjusted the seasonings, my grandmother shared stories of her own childhood in Italy – of lazy summer days spent picking fresh herbs in the garden, of bustling markets filled with colorful produce, and of cozy family dinners around the table.

By the time the soup was ready, I felt like I had been transported to a different time and place. The aroma of garlic and herbs filled the kitchen, and I could almost hear the laughter of my ancestors echoing in the air. I ladled steaming bowls of soup into mismatched china bowls and we sat down at the table to eat.

The first spoonful was a revelation. The flavors were bold and comforting, the sausage tender and juicy, the vegetables perfectly cooked. I closed my eyes and savored each bite, feeling the warmth of the soup spreading through me like a comforting embrace.

From that day on, Italian Sausage Soup became a staple in my own kitchen. I would make it for family gatherings, for cozy nights in with my husband, for friends who needed a pick-me-up. And with each pot I cooked, I felt a connection to my grandmother and to the generations of women who had come before me, passing down their knowledge and love through the simple act of cooking.

Now, as I stand in my own kitchen, stirring a pot of Italian Sausage Soup just like my grandmother used to, I feel a deep sense of gratitude for the gift she gave me that day. The gift of a recipe, yes, but also the gift of tradition, of connection, of love.

And as I take a sip of the steaming broth, feeling its warmth spreading through me, I know that I am carrying on a legacy that stretches back through time – a legacy of love, of family, and of good food shared with those we hold dear. And for that, I am forever grateful. Grazie, nonna. Grazie.