Rustic Italian Sausage Soup

Name: Rustic Italian Sausage Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb Italian sausage; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 carrots, sliced; 2 celery stalks, sliced; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 tsp dried basil; 1 tsp dried oregano; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 cups kale, chopped; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

🕒 Prep: 15 min

🔥 Cook: 30 min

🍽 Serves: 6

★★★★★

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This Rustic Italian Sausage Soup is a hearty, one-pot wonder perfect for those chilly evenings when you crave something cozy yet flavorful. Packed with veggies and a savory broth, it’s the ideal comfort food that’s both nourishing and satisfying.

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Ingredients for Rustic Italian Sausage Soup

Italian sausage is the star of this dish, providing a savory and slightly spicy base. Olive oil is used to sauté the ingredients, enhancing their natural flavors. A chopped onion adds a sweet, aromatic depth, while garlic brings its unmistakable pungency. Carrots and celery contribute a bit of crunch and sweetness, balancing the richness of the sausage. Diced tomatoes introduce a tangy note, while chicken broth rounds out the soup with a savory base. A mix of dried basil and oregano infuses the soup with classic Italian herb flavors. Salt and pepper are essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors together. Finally, kale adds a nutritious, leafy green element, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top adds a delightful, nutty finish.

Tips & Tricks

Use spicy Italian sausage if you want an extra kick of heat.
For a thicker soup, mash a few of the cooked carrots and celery before serving.
Substitute spinach or Swiss chard if kale isn’t your favorite green.
For vegetarian friends, replace sausage with a plant-based alternative and use vegetable broth.

Serving Suggestions

This soup pairs beautifully with a slice of crusty bread or a warm garlic baguette, perfect for dipping. A simple side salad with a zesty vinaigrette complements the flavors nicely, adding a refreshing contrast. For a complete meal, serve with a glass of light red wine, such as a Chianti or Pinot Noir, to enhance the Italian flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this soup ahead of time?: Absolutely! This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze leftovers?: Yes, this soup freezes well. Just allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep for up to 3 months.
What if I don’t have kale?: No worries! You can substitute with spinach or Swiss chard. Just add them at the end, as they wilt quickly.

Rustic Italian Sausage Soup Recipe Walkthrough

Get started by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add your Italian sausage. Break it into small pieces as it cooks, ensuring it browns evenly. This will typically take about 5-7 minutes. Browning the sausage not only cooks it through but also builds a flavor base for the soup.

Next, toss in the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté these veggies in the savory sausage drippings until they become tender; this should take about 5 minutes. The onions should be translucent, and the garlic should be fragrant, filling your kitchen with a wonderful aroma.

Now, stir in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, dried basil, and oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for about 20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a rich and savory broth.

Finally, add the chopped kale to the pot, stirring it in until it's wilted and tender, which should take about 5 minutes. With everything cooked to perfection, your soup is ready to serve. Ladle it into bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese for a delightful finishing touch.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy to make with simple, wholesome ingredients.
Rich flavors and textures make it a family favorite.
Perfect for meal prep and freezer-friendly.
Versatile and easy to adapt to personal taste preferences.

Ingredients

1 lb Italian sausage

1 tbsp olive oil

1 onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 carrots, sliced

2 celery stalks, sliced

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

4 cups chicken broth

1 tsp dried basil

1 tsp dried oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

2 cups kale, chopped

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it into small pieces, and cook until browned.

2. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté until the vegetables are tender.

3. Stir in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.

4. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes.

5. Add the chopped kale and cook for an additional 5 minutes.

6. Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese.

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