Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage

This Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage is a hearty, flavorful dish that warms the soul. Perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings, this recipe features a rich broth filled with vibrant vegetables and a kick from spicy sausage. Plus, with the addition of tender gnocchi, it transforms into a comforting meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or as a delightful starter, this soup brings everyone together around the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and Satisfying: The combination of spicy sausage and gnocchi makes for a filling meal that keeps you energized.
• Packed with Flavor: Fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs create a deliciously rich broth that will warm your heart.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making this soup is a breeze for cooks of all skill levels.
• Versatile Meal: You can easily adjust the ingredients based on what you have on hand, making it perfect for any season.
• Great for Meal Prep: This soup stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it an excellent option for leftovers or future meals.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, it’s essential to have the right tools on hand. This will streamline your preparation and ensure everything goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large soup pot
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Garlic press
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large soup pot: Ideal for holding all your ingredients while allowing them to simmer together beautifully.
• Garlic press: Helps to easily crush garlic cloves, releasing their aromatic oils for better flavor integration.
• Knife and cutting board: Essential for chopping vegetables safely and efficiently, ensuring even cooking throughout.

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 Base

• 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, cook them according to the package instructions. Once cooked, set them aside while keeping them warm.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

Place a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Drizzle in about 2 tablespoons of oil. Once hot:
1. Crumble in the spicy Italian sausage.
2. Brown for a few minutes until it starts to cook through.

Step 3: Add Vegetables

Add in the sliced leeks, fennel, parsnip, carrot, and celery:
– Stir together to combine.
– Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper along with the Italian seasoning.
– Sauté everything for several minutes until veggies become tender.

Step 4: Incorporate Garlic & Tomatoes

Stir in the pressed garlic:
– Cook until fragrant.
– Add in chopped tomatoes and navy beans.
– Pour in chicken stock/broth; stir to combine.

Step 5: Simmer & Finish

Cover pot:
– Simmer for about 20 minutes until veggies are tender.
– Turn off heat; stir in kale, flat-leaf parsley, and squeeze of lemon.
– Taste; adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 6: Serve

In bowls:
– Add a small amount of cooked gnocchi.
– Ladle hot soup over it.
– Drizzle with olive oil; sprinkle parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy!

How to Serve Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage

Italian vegetable soup with spicy sausage is not only hearty but also versatile when it comes to serving. You can elevate the experience by pairing it with various accompaniments or garnishes.

Garnish Ideas

• Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley or basil on top for a burst of freshness.
• Grated Cheese: Add shaved or grated parmesan cheese for a rich, savory finish.

Bread Pairings

• Crusty Bread: Serve with a slice of rustic bread to soak up the broth.
• Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread adds a delightful crunch and flavor contrast.

Additional Toppings

• Olive Oil Drizzle: A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil enhances the soup’s richness.
• Chili Flakes: For those who enjoy extra heat, sprinkle some chili flakes on top.

How to Perfect Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage

To ensure your Italian vegetable soup turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Bold seasoning: Adjust salt and pepper to taste as you go along for balanced flavors.
• Use fresh vegetables: Fresh produce will enhance the overall taste and texture of your soup.
• Simmer longer: Allowing the soup to simmer for an additional 10 minutes can deepen the flavors.
• Customize ingredients: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers based on your preference.
• Pre-cook gnocchi separately: This keeps them from becoming mushy in the broth.

Best Side Dishes for Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage

Complementing your Italian vegetable soup with spicy sausage is easy when you have tasty side dishes in mind. Here are some great options:

1. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic reduction offer a refreshing contrast.
2. Focaccia Bread: Soft, flavorful focaccia pairs perfectly for dipping into the soup.
3. Mixed Green Salad: A simple salad with vinaigrette adds a crunchy texture alongside the soup.
4. Stuffed Peppers: Colorful bell peppers filled with rice and vegetables provide an extra hearty option.
5. Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes and garlic makes for a delightful starter.
6. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add depth and complement the flavors of the soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage, it’s easy to overlook some important details. Here are common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Using the wrong vegetables: Not all vegetables will complement the soup. Stick to the recommended vegetables like leeks and fennel for flavor.
• Overcooking the sausage: Browning the sausage too long can make it tough. Cook just until browned and then add your vegetables.
• Neglecting seasoning: Under-seasoning can lead to bland soup. Always taste and adjust salt and pepper before serving.
• Ignoring broth quality: A poor-quality broth will affect the overall flavor. Use a good chicken stock or homemade broth for depth.
• Skipping fresh herbs: Fresh parsley adds brightness. Don’t skip this step; it elevates the dish significantly.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

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 minutes.
• Microwave: Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot, about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage.

Can I use different types of sausage?

Yes! You can substitute spicy Italian sausage with turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option while still retaining flavor.

What can I add to customize this Italian Vegetable Soup?

Feel free to add additional vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini, or even throw in some cooked pasta for more heartiness.

How do I make this soup vegetarian?

To make it vegetarian, simply omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock. Add more legumes or mushrooms for protein.

Can I use frozen vegetables?

Absolutely! Frozen vegetables can be used in place of fresh ones. Just remember they may cook faster, so adjust cooking time accordingly.

Final Thoughts

This Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage is a comforting and versatile dish perfect for any meal. With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, it’s easy to customize based on your preferences. Try it out today!