Hearty and Creamy Sausage Soup Recipe

As the weather turns cooler, there’s nothing quite as comforting as a bowl of hearty and creamy sausage soup. This recipe combines the rich flavors of Italian sausage with fresh vegetables and a creamy broth, making it a perfect dish for family dinners or a cozy night in.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This sausage soup is a delightful combination of savory sausage, tender vegetables, and a luscious creamy broth. It’s easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and can be on your table in under an hour. Plus, it’s versatile enough to adjust to your taste preferences.

Ingredients Overview

Sausage

• Italian Sausage: 1 pound of ground Italian sausage, either spicy or mild, depending on your preference.

Vegetables

• Onion: 1 medium onion, diced.
• Carrots: 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced.
• Celery: 2 stalks of celery, diced.
• Garlic: 3 cloves of garlic, minced.
• Potatoes: 2 large potatoes, peeled and cubed.

Broth and Cream

• Chicken Broth: 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth.
• Heavy Cream: 1 cup for the creamy texture.
• Butter: 2 tablespoons for sautéing.

Seasonings

• Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon for a herby flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, for a bit of heat.

Essential Kitchen Tools

1. Large Pot or Dutch Oven: For cooking the soup.
2. Cutting Board and Knife: For prepping the vegetables.
3. Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring.
4. Ladle: For serving.

Step-by-Step Preparation

Preparing the Ingredients

1. Prep the Vegetables: Dice the onion, carrots, and celery. Mince the garlic. Peel and cube the potatoes.

Cooking the Sausage

2. Cook the Sausage: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook 1 pound of Italian sausage until browned and cooked through, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside, leaving the drippings.

Sautéing the Vegetables

3. Sauté the Vegetables: Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the pot. Once melted, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Making the Soup Base

4. Add the Broth and Potatoes: Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth and add the cubed potatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.

Combining and Simmering

5. Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked sausage to the pot. Stir in 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Add red pepper flakes if using.
6. Add the Cream: Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream. Simmer for another 5 minutes until the soup is heated through and slightly thickened.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your hearty and creamy sausage soup hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley or grated Parmesan cheese. Pair it with crusty bread or a simple side salad for a complete meal.

Tips for Success

• Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh vegetables and high-quality sausage for the best flavor.
• Adjust Thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot or add a slurry of cornstarch and water.
• Taste and Adjust: Always taste the soup before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Variations and Substitutions

• Different Sausages: Try using chorizo, turkey sausage, or a vegetarian sausage alternative.
• Add Greens: Stir in a handful of spinach or kale towards the end of cooking for added nutrition.
• Spice Level: Increase or decrease the amount of red pepper flakes to adjust the heat.

Storing and Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat on the stove over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of Hearty and Creamy Sausage Soup (based on 6 servings) has approximately:

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 18g
• Fat: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 4g

Conclusion

Hearty and Creamy Sausage Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a cozy night in or a satisfying family dinner. Its rich, creamy broth and flavorful sausage make it a dish you’ll want to make again and again. Plus, it’s easy to customize to suit your tastes and dietary needs.

FAQs

1. Can I make this soup ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the soup ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even tastier.

2. Can I freeze this soup? Cream-based soups can be tricky to freeze as they might separate upon thawing. If you plan to freeze, do so before adding the cream, and add the cream when reheating.

3. What can I use instead of heavy cream? You can use half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream cheese for a similar creamy texture.

4. How can I make this soup healthier? Use turkey sausage instead of pork, reduce the amount of cream, or use a lighter cream alternative.

5. Can I add other vegetables? Absolutely! Bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach would make great additions to this soup.

Source: iamhomesteader.com