Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage

This Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage is a delightful blend of fresh vegetables and flavorful sausage, perfect for warming up on a chilly day. The rich broth and tender gnocchi make it satisfying enough for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy night in. With its incredible taste and vibrant colors, this soup is sure to impress family and friends alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and Filling: The addition of gnocchi makes this soup incredibly satisfying, perfect for lunch or dinner.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of spices and fresh ingredients creates a rich and robust flavor profile that will delight your taste buds.
• Simple Preparation: This recipe comes together easily in under an hour, making it great for busy weeknights.
• Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to swap out the vegetables based on what you have at home; it’s a great way to use up leftovers!
• Nutrient-Packed: Loaded with veggies like kale, carrots, and parsnips, this soup is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients.

Tools and Preparation

To make the Italian vegetable soup with spicy sausage, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large soup pot
• Garlic press
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Ladle

Importance of Each Tool

• Large soup pot: Ideal for cooking large batches of soup evenly without spilling.
• Garlic press: Helps release maximum flavor from garlic quickly, enhancing the overall taste of the soup.

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Ingredients

This Italian vegetable soup with spicy sausage is deliciously rich and brothy, made extra hearty with a spoonful of tender gnocchi!

For the Gnocchi (Optional)

• 1 (16 ounce) package gnocchi

For the Soup

• Olive or avocado oil
• 2 links spicy Italian sausage, casings removed and crumbled
• 2 leeks (white part only), washed, halved, and sliced thinly
• 1 fennel bulb, quartered, core removed, and sliced thinly
• 1 large parsnip, peeled and diced
• 1 medium carrot, peeled and diced
• 1 rib celery, diced
• Salt
• Black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 4 cloves garlic, pressed through garlic press
• 1 (28 ounce) can whole tomatoes, drained of juice and roughly chopped into large chunks
• 1 (15 ounce) can navy beans, drained and rinsed
• 6 cups chicken stock/broth
• 1 cup chopped kale
• 1 tablespoon chopped Italian flat-leaf parsley
• Squeeze of lemon (about 1 teaspoon)
• Shaved or grated parmesan cheese as garnish, if desired

How to Make Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage

Step 1: Prepare the Gnocchi

If preparing the gnocchi:
1. Cook them according to the package instructions.
2. Set aside while keeping them warm.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

1. Place a large soup pot over medium-high heat.
2. Drizzle in about 2 tablespoons of oil.
3. Once hot, crumble in the spicy Italian sausage.
4. Brown for a few minutes until cooked through.

Step 3: Sauté Vegetables

1. Add leeks, fennel, parsnip, carrot, and celery to the pot.
2. Stir together; add a pinch of salt and pepper along with the Italian seasoning.
3. Sauté everything for several minutes until veggies become tender.

Step 4: Add Garlic and Tomatoes

1. Stir in the pressed garlic until aromatic.
2. Add chopped tomatoes and navy beans to the pot.
3. Pour in chicken stock/broth; stir to combine.

Step 5: Simmer

1. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 20 minutes until veggies are tender.
2. After cooking time is up, turn off heat; stir in kale, parsley, and squeeze of lemon juice.
3. Taste for additional seasoning if needed.

Step 6: Serve

1. In a bowl, add some cooked gnocchi.
2. Ladle hot soup over the gnocchi.
3. Drizzle with olive oil; sprinkle with parmesan if desired. Enjoy!

How to Serve Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage

Serving your Italian vegetable soup with spicy sausage can elevate the meal and enhance the flavors. Here are some delicious ideas to complement your soup and create a well-rounded dining experience.

With Crusty Bread

• Serve slices of warm, crusty bread for dipping. This classic combination is perfect for soaking up the rich broth.

Over Cooked Gnocchi

• Add a small amount of cooked gnocchi to your bowl before ladling in the soup. The gnocchi adds a hearty texture that makes each bite satisfying.

Topped with Cheese

• Garnish each bowl with shaved or grated parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor. The salty cheese melts slightly into the warm soup, enhancing its richness.

Drizzled with Olive Oil

• A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil right before serving adds a fruity note and enriches the dish’s overall flavor profile.

With Fresh Herbs

• Sprinkle some additional chopped parsley or fresh basil on top for a vibrant finish. Fresh herbs brighten up the dish and add a pop of color.

Accompanied by Salad

• Pair your soup with a light salad, such as mixed greens or a Caesar salad, to balance the heartiness of the soup with freshness.

How to Perfect Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage

To achieve an exceptional Italian vegetable soup with spicy sausage, consider these helpful tips for perfecting your recipe.

• Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and high-quality sausage will significantly impact the flavor of your soup. Choose seasonal produce for optimal taste.

• Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer less heat, opt for mild sausage or reduce the quantity used. You can always add more spice later if desired.

• Add More Vegetables: Feel free to throw in other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor variety.

• Simmer Longer: Allowing the soup to simmer longer can deepen its flavors. Just be sure not to overcook the vegetables; they should remain tender but not mushy.

• Store Properly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors often improve after a day, making it even tastier when reheated.

Best Side Dishes for Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage

Pairing side dishes with your Italian vegetable soup enhances your meal experience. Here are some fantastic options to consider.

1. Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the savory broth while adding delightful flavor.
2. Caprese Salad: A fresh tomato and mozzarella salad drizzled with balsamic glaze provides brightness that complements the richness of the soup.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add depth and a caramelized sweetness that pairs well with the spices in your soup.
4. Cheese Toasts: Toasts topped with melted cheese bring a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the soft gnocchi.
5. Pasta Salad: A chilled pasta salad tossed in vinaigrette offers a refreshing counterpoint to the warmth of your soup.
6. Stuffed Peppers: These hearty bites provide additional protein and flavor variety, making them an excellent companion to your meal.
7. Quinoa Salad: Light yet filling, a quinoa salad mixed with herbs and citrus can add another layer of healthiness to your dinner.
8. Bruschetta: Topped with tomatoes and basil, bruschetta adds a fresh twist that brightens up each spoonful of soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Italian vegetable soup with spicy sausage can be simple, but there are common pitfalls. Here’s what to avoid:

• Overcooking Vegetables: Cooking the vegetables for too long can make them mushy. Aim for tender-crisp vegetables by sautéing just until they soften.

• Skipping Seasoning: Not seasoning your soup adequately can lead to bland flavors. Use salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning generously to enhance the taste.

• Using Cold Ingredients: Adding cold ingredients to the pot can lower the temperature of your soup. Bring all components to room temperature before cooking.

• Neglecting the Gnocchi: If you choose to add gnocchi, overcooking it will result in a gummy texture. Follow package instructions carefully and add it just before serving.

• Not Adjusting Consistency: A soup that is too thick or too thin can disrupt the overall experience. Adjust with extra broth or let it simmer longer as needed.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in airtight containers.
• Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.

Freezing Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage

• Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags and label them with dates.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat for about 20-25 minutes.

• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

• Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through (about 5-10 minutes).

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Italian vegetable soup with spicy sausage.

Can I use different types of sausage?

Yes! You can substitute any flavorful sausage like chicken or turkey sausage based on your preference.

How do I make this soup vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the sausage and add more vegetables or legumes for protein.

What vegetables work best in Italian Vegetable Soup?

Feel free to experiment! Zucchini, bell peppers, and green beans are excellent additions that complement the existing flavors.

How long does it take to make Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage?

The total time is about 45 minutes from prep to finish, making it a quick option for dinner.

Final Thoughts

This Italian vegetable soup with spicy sausage is not only hearty and nutritious but also versatile. You can adjust ingredients based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences. Enjoy customizing this recipe while savoring its rich flavors!