Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting dish that warms your heart and fills your belly, this Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage is just the ticket! This soup is rich and brothy, packed with wholesome vegetables and a kick from the spicy sausage. It’s a delightful way to enjoy a bowl of goodness on busy weeknights or during family gatherings when everyone needs a little extra love. Trust me, once you taste it, you’ll want to make it again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to prepare: This soup comes together quickly, making it perfect for those hectic evenings when you still want something homemade.
• Family-friendly: The flavors are mild enough for kids but spicy enough to satisfy adults, making it a hit for everyone at the table.
• Make-ahead convenience: You can easily whip up a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week. It gets even better as the flavors meld!
• Nutritious and hearty: With plenty of veggies and protein, this soup is both healthy and filling – ideal for keeping hunger at bay.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to bring this delicious Italian vegetable soup to life! These items are easy to find in most grocery stores and are sure to create a delightful meal.

For the Soup

• 1 (16 ounce) package gnocchi (optional)
• 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

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! You can customize it based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.

• Swap the protein: If spicy sausage isn’t your thing or you want to keep it vegetarian, try using plant-based sausage or simply omit it altogether.
• Add different veggies: Feel free to toss in whatever veggies you love or have in your fridge – zucchini or bell peppers would be delightful additions.
• Change the beans: Navy beans are great here, but chickpeas or cannellini beans could also work beautifully.
• Make it spicier: If you crave more heat, add red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage instead!

How to Make Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage

Step 1: Cook the Gnocchi

If you’re adding gnocchi to the soup for extra heartiness, cook them according to the package instructions. This step ensures they’ll be tender yet firm enough not to fall apart in your lovely broth. Once they’re done cooking, set them aside while you prepare the rest of the soup.

Step 2: Sauté the Sausage and Vegetables

Place a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Drizzle in about 2 tablespoons of oil; once it’s hot and shimmering, crumble in the spicy Italian sausage. Browning the sausage adds so much flavor! After a few minutes of cooking until golden brown, add in your leeks, fennel, parsnip, carrot, and celery. A pinch of salt and pepper will enhance their natural flavors while sautéing until they become tender.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Tomatoes

Once your veggie mixture is smelling divine—thank you garlic!—stir in the pressed garlic cloves. After about a minute when it’s fragrant but not burnt (burnt garlic is not our friend!), add in those juicy chopped tomatoes along with navy beans. Pour in six cups of chicken stock/broth; this will be our hearty base. Stir everything well so that all ingredients mingle beautifully.

Step 4: Simmer Away

Cover the pot and let everything simmer for about 20 minutes. This allows all those amazing flavors to blend together while ensuring that all veggies become perfectly tender. After simmering away happily together, turn off the heat before stirring in kale for added nutrition along with parsley and that refreshing squeeze of lemon juice. It brightens everything up!

Step 5: Serve Up Your Bowl of Goodness

To serve this deliciously warm soup, add a small handful of cooked gnocchi into each bowl before ladling on some steaming hot soup. Finish off with an extra drizzle of olive oil and sprinkle parmesan cheese if desired—because who doesn’t love cheese? Enjoy every comforting spoonful with your loved ones!

Pro Tips for Making Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage

Making a delicious soup is all about the details, and I’m here to share some tips that will elevate your Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage to the next level!

• Use fresh vegetables: Fresh produce not only enhances flavor but also adds vibrant colors and nutrients to your soup. Opt for seasonal veggies for the best taste.

• Adjust spice levels: Feel free to customize the heat of your sausage by choosing mild or extra spicy varieties. This way, you can cater to the preferences of your family or guests.

• Let it simmer longer: For deeper flavors, allow the soup to simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes. The longer cooking time helps meld the ingredients together beautifully.

• Experiment with herbs: Don’t hesitate to add other herbs like thyme or basil. Fresh herbs can brighten up the dish and deepen its aromatic profile.

• Make it a meal prep star: This soup freezes wonderfully! Make a big batch and store individual portions in airtight containers for quick, nourishing meals later on.

How to Serve Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage

Serving this hearty soup is just as delightful as making it! Here are some fun ideas to present your Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage.

Garnishes

• Fresh basil or parsley: A sprinkle of fresh herbs adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens each bowl.
• A drizzle of good quality olive oil: This adds richness and depth, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the soup.
• Cracked black pepper: A final touch of freshly cracked pepper can elevate each spoonful and provide an extra kick.

Side Dishes

• Crusty bread: Perfect for dipping! A warm loaf of crusty bread complements the broth beautifully and soaks up all those wonderful flavors.

• Mixed green salad: A light salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup, adding a refreshing crunch.

• Garlic knots: Soft, buttery garlic knots are irresistible alongside this comforting soup. They make each bite even more indulgent!

• Cheesy polenta: Creamy polenta can be a delightful side that pairs well with the hearty broth, adding another layer of flavor to your meal.

Now that you have all these tips and serving suggestions, I hope you feel inspired to whip up this tasty Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage! Enjoy every comforting spoonful!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week. Here’s how to store, freeze, and reheat your delicious soup.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the soup to cool to room temperature before storing.
• Transfer it to an airtight container or divide it into individual portions.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

• Let the soup cool completely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. For best flavor, consume within 1-2 months.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Heat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
• If using a microwave, heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until hot.

FAQs

Have questions about making this delicious soup? Here are some common queries!

Can I use other vegetables in Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage?

Absolutely! This recipe is versatile. Feel free to add any seasonal vegetables you have on hand like zucchini or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.

How can I make Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage vegetarian?

To make this soup vegetarian, simply omit the spicy sausage and replace it with a plant-based sausage alternative. You can also add more beans or lentils for protein!

What type of broth should I use for this Italian Vegetable Soup?

For a rich flavor, use low-sodium vegetable broth instead of chicken stock. It complements all the veggies beautifully while keeping it plant-based!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage as much as I do! It’s not just hearty and flavorful but also a wonderful way to incorporate healthy vegetables into your meals. Whether you’re enjoying it on a cozy night in or preparing for lunches during the week, this soup is sure to warm your heart. Happy cooking, and don’t hesitate to share your experiences or variations with me!