Description
This Sausage and Vegetable Soup is a hearty and comforting meal packed with flavorful sausage, fresh vegetables, and a rich broth. It’s a perfect one-pot dish for cozy dinners and is ready in under 45 minutes. Serve with crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (500 g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 medium bell pepper, diced (any color)
- 1 can (14.5 oz / 400 g) diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 4 cups (1 liter) chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into pieces
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup baby spinach (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
🍲 Cook the Sausage:
- Brown the Sausage:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon (5-7 minutes).
- Remove excess grease if necessary.
🥕 Add Vegetables and Broth:
-
Sauté the Aromatics:
- Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot.
- Cook until vegetables begin to soften (3-4 minutes).
-
Add Remaining Vegetables:
- Stir in zucchini, bell pepper, green beans, diced tomatoes (with juice), broth, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
-
Simmer the Soup:
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes, until vegetables are tender.
🌿 Finish the Soup:
-
Add Spinach:
- Stir in baby spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted.
-
Adjust Seasoning:
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
🍽️ Serve:
-
Garnish and Enjoy:
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
-
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair with crusty bread, a side salad, or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top.
Notes
- Make It Creamy: Add 1/2 cup of heavy cream or 1 cup of milk for a creamy version.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing Tip: This soup freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.