Hearty Sausage And Vegetable Soup Recipe

Hearty Sausage And Vegetable Soup Recipe for Cozy Evenings

Warm, comforting soups with sausage and vegetable blends always hit the spot during chilly evenings.

This hearty sausage and vegetable soup recipe brings robust flavors that dance across your palate with each spoonful.

Chunky vegetables and savory sausage create a satisfying meal packed with nutrition and taste.

The simple ingredients combine effortlessly, promising a delicious experience that doesn’t require complicated cooking techniques.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly this soup comes together, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Each bowl delivers a symphony of textures and rich, wholesome goodness that will keep you coming back for seconds.

Savor every bite of this nourishing soup that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 220 kcal

Servings: 7

What Goes Into Sausage And Vegetable Soup

For Protein Base:
  • Sausage: Brings rich, savory flavor and hearty texture to the soup, packed with delicious spices and meaty goodness. Choose Italian-style or spicy sausage for extra kick.
For Aromatic Vegetables:
  • Onion, Garlic: Foundational flavor builders that create a deep, complex taste profile. Select fresh, firm onions without soft spots or sprouts.
  • Carrots, Celery: Provide sweet and earthy undertones while adding nutritional depth. Look for crisp, bright-colored vegetables without blemishes.
For Supporting Vegetables:
  • Zucchini, Bell Pepper, Green Beans: Add vibrant colors, varied textures, and nutritional variety. Pick firm, glossy vegetables without wrinkles or soft spots.
  • Diced Tomatoes: Contribute tangy brightness and moisture to the soup. Opt for no-salt-added varieties for better flavor control.
  • Baby Spinach: Introduces fresh, delicate green notes and boosts nutritional value. Choose bright green leaves without wilting.
For Liquid and Seasoning:
  • Broth: Creates the soup's liquid base and enhances overall flavor. Select low-sodium options for better seasoning control.
  • Italian Seasoning, Smoked Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Layered spices that elevate the soup's complexity and depth. Use fresh, high-quality spices for maximum taste.
  • Fresh Parsley: Provides a bright, fresh garnish that adds visual appeal and light herbal notes.

Gear Needed For Sausage And Vegetable Soup

  • Large Pot or Dutch Oven: Essential for cooking sausage and simmering soup, providing ample space for ingredients.
  • Wooden Spoon: Perfect for breaking up sausage and stirring ingredients without scratching the pot.
  • Chef's Knife: Crucial for chopping vegetables like onions, garlic, carrots, and zucchini into consistent pieces.
  • Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for chopping vegetables safely.
  • Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately add seasonings like Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  • Ladle: Ideal for serving the hot soup into bowls.

Step-By-Step Sausage And Vegetable Soup Instructions

  • Brown Delicious Sausage

Heat a large pot and sizzle sausage until golden and crumbly, releasing mouthwatering flavors. Break meat into tasty bite-sized pieces while cooking.

  • Wake Up the Vegetables

Toss chopped onions, garlic, carrots, and celery into the pot. Let them dance and soften, creating a fragrant base for your soup.

  • Build Hearty Layers

Pour in zucchini, bell peppers, green beans, diced tomatoes, and broth. Sprinkle Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Let everything bubble and mingle together.

  • Simmer and Transform

Lower the heat and let the soup gently simmer. Watch vegetables become tender and flavors blend into a comforting harmony for about 20 minutes.

  • Final Magic Touch

Swirl in fresh spinach, letting it wilt gracefully. Give a quick taste and adjust seasonings to make the soup sing with deliciousness.

  • Serve with Love

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley. Enjoy alongside crusty bread or a crisp salad for a complete meal that warms both body and soul.

Tips To Make Sausage And Vegetable Soup Your Way

Soup Perfection Tricks:
  • Sausage Selection Matters: Choose high-quality Italian sausage or spicy chicken sausage for deeper flavor profiles. Mild or hot varieties can completely transform the soup's taste.
  • Fat Management: Drain excess sausage grease to prevent an overly greasy soup. Use paper towels or a slotted spoon for clean, lean results.
  • Vegetable Texture Balance: Cut vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking. Slightly larger chunks maintain better texture during simmering.
  • Herb Enhancement: Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can elevate the soup's complexity. Add them during the last 10 minutes of cooking for maximum aromatic impact.
  • Diet-Friendly Adaptations
  • Low-Carb Option: Replace zucchini and beans with cauliflower and extra bell peppers. Use chicken or turkey sausage for leaner protein.
  • Vegetarian Transformation: Substitute sausage with plant-based sausage or hearty mushrooms. Add extra beans for protein and texture.
  • Gluten-Free Version: Confirm all ingredients are gluten-free, especially broth and sausage. Serve with gluten-free bread on the side.

Serving Up Sausage And Vegetable Soup

  • Hearty Bread Partner: Slice up a warm, crusty baguette or rustic sourdough to dip into the rich, flavorful soup. The bread will soak up the delicious broth and add a satisfying crunch.
  • Cheese Lover's Delight: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan or crumbled feta on top for an extra layer of savory goodness. The cheese melts slightly and adds a creamy texture to the soup.
  • Salad Sidekick: Prepare a light, crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the heartiness of the sausage and vegetable soup. This adds freshness and helps round out the meal perfectly.
  • Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the soup with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or a crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio. The wine will enhance the rich flavors of the sausage and vegetables.

How To Store And Prep Sausage And Vegetable Soup

  • Soup Batch Brilliance: Prepare double the recipe and freeze portions in airtight containers for quick future meals, lasting up to 3 months.
  • Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover soup in sealed containers, consuming within 3-4 days for optimal taste and food safety, keeping vegetables crisp and flavors vibrant.
  • Smart Reheating Technique: Warm soup slowly on stovetop, adding splash of broth to restore original consistency, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching and maintain texture.
  • Veggie Freshness Hack: Keep chopped vegetables separate from liquid components when storing, mixing just before reheating to maintain crunchiness and prevent soggy vegetables.
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Hearty Sausage And Vegetable Soup Recipe

Hearty Sausage And Vegetable Soup Recipe


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4.5 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Hearty sausage and vegetable soup warms winter nights with rich Italian flavors. Savory sausage, tender vegetables, and aromatic herbs create a comforting bowl you’ll crave after a long day.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (500 g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 cups (1 liter) chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 can (14.5 oz / 400 g) diced tomatoes (with juice)
  • 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 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into pieces
  • 1 cup baby spinach (optional)
  • 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Protein Foundation: Render sausage in a large skillet, creating golden-brown crumbles through gentle manipulation with a wooden utensil for even caramelization.
  2. Aromatic Base: Sauté onions, garlic, carrots, and celery in the rendered sausage, allowing vegetables to soften and release their subtle flavor profiles.
  3. Vegetable Medley: Add zucchini, bell peppers, and green beans to the skillet. Pour in diced tomatoes and broth, incorporating Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and freshly cracked pepper.
  4. Flavor Development: Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat. Simmer leisurely, allowing ingredients to meld and tenderize while developing complex flavor nuances.
  5. Final Touch and Seasoning: Fold spinach leaves into the soup during the last moments of cooking, permitting them to wilt seamlessly. Assess and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to optimize taste profile.
  6. Serving Presentation: Ladle the vibrant soup into serving bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and optionally complement with crusty artisan bread or a sprinkle of aged Parmesan cheese.

Notes

  • Optimize Sausage Browning: Ensure high heat and avoid overcrowding the pan to achieve perfect golden-brown sausage crumbles with maximum flavor development.
  • Balance Vegetable Texture: Cut vegetables uniformly to guarantee even cooking and maintain distinct vegetable integrity throughout the soup.
  • Control Simmering Intensity: Maintain a gentle simmer rather than a vigorous boil to prevent vegetable breakdown and preserve nutrient richness.
  • Enhance Flavor Depth: Consider adding a splash of white wine during sautéing vegetables or a parmesan rind during simmering to elevate overall taste complexity.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 15 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
Olivia Bennett

Olivia Bennett

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

Nutritional Analysis​, Dietary Accommodations​, Food Writing and Blogging​,

Education

University of Texas at Austin

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Nutrition
  • Focus: Emphasis on dietary planning, food science, and the relationship between nutrition and health.​

Institute of Culinary Education, New York, NY

  • Program: Plant-Based Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized training in vegetarian and vegan cooking techniques, emphasizing whole foods and sustainability.​

Olivia Bennett is Cooking Crusade’s go-to expert for nutritious, feel-good food. Based in Austin, she blends her degree in Nutrition from the University of Texas with plant-based culinary training from the Institute of Culinary Education.

Olivia’s recipes are all about balance: vibrant, wholesome, and easy-to-love dishes that work for all kinds of eaters. Her mission is simple: to make healthy eating approachable and genuinely tasty, with tips that support your lifestyle, not complicate it.

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