Description
Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage is a hearty and nutritious dish that warms both the body and soul. This delightful soup combines an array of fresh, vibrant vegetables with flavorful spicy sausage, creating a meal that’s perfect for chilly days or cozy gatherings. The addition of tender gnocchi brings a satisfying texture, making it filling enough for lunch or dinner. Not only is this recipe easy to prepare in under an hour, but it’s also versatile—feel free to swap out veggies based on what you have on hand! Packed with nutrients from kale, carrots, and parsnips, this comforting stew will impress family and friends alike.
Ingredients
- Olive or avocado oil
- 2 links spicy Italian chicken or turkey 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)
- 1 (16 ounce) package gnocchi (optional)
Instructions
- If using gnocchi, cook according to package instructions and set aside.
- In a large soup pot over medium-high heat, add oil and brown the crumbled spicy sausage.
- Add sliced leeks, fennel, parsnip, carrot, and celery; sauté until tender.
- Stir in pressed garlic, chopped tomatoes, navy beans, and chicken broth; combine well.
- Cover and simmer for 20 minutes until veggies are soft.
- Stir in kale and parsley; finish with lemon juice. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot over cooked gnocchi with a drizzle of olive oil.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (350g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and increase the vegetable variety or add legumes. Enhance flavor by using seasonal vegetables for freshness.