Description
Hearty Italian sausage soup brings comfort to cold winter nights with rich, creamy broth packed with spicy sausage, tender vegetables, and aromatic herbs. Warm bowls promise delicious satisfaction that wraps you in Italian culinary warmth.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 16 ounces (454 grams) Italian sausage
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) half-and-half
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- ½ medium onion, chopped small
- 2 sticks celery, chopped small
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound (454 grams) Russet potatoes, peeled and diced small
Seasonings, Liquids, and Thickeners:
- ¼ cup (57 grams) butter
- 6 tablespoons flour
- 4 cups (960 milliliters) low sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the sausage by heating a large pot over medium-high heat. Crumble the Italian sausage and cook until it develops a deep golden-brown color, ensuring even browning and breaking into small, uniform pieces.
- Remove the cooked sausage using a slotted spoon, allowing excess fat to drain on paper towels while maintaining a thin layer of fat in the pot for subsequent cooking.
- Melt butter in the same pot, then introduce chopped onions and celery. Sauté the vegetables until they become translucent and release their aromatic flavors, carefully scraping any caramelized bits from the pot’s bottom.
- Introduce minced garlic and sprinkle flour over the vegetables. Stir continuously for a few minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste and create a smooth, flavor-rich base.
- Gradually pour chicken broth into the pot, whisking consistently to prevent lumps and create a silky, uniform liquid foundation for the soup.
- Incorporate half-and-half, Worcestershire sauce, red pepper flakes, diced potatoes, and the reserved sausage. Elevate the heat to bring the mixture to a vigorous boil, allowing the ingredients to harmonize.
- Reduce heat to a gentle simmer, partially covering the pot. Let the soup cook for approximately 15 minutes, stirring intermittently to prevent scorching and ensure even potato tenderness.
- Carefully taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, balancing the flavors to your preference.
- Ladle the creamy, rich soup into warm bowls, optionally garnishing with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of complexity.
Notes
- Comfort in a bowl captures the essence of hearty home cooking with robust Italian sausage and creamy texture.
- Versatile soup adapts easily to personal preferences by adjusting spice levels or adding extra vegetables for nutritional boost.
- Freezer-friendly recipe allows convenient meal preparation, storing well for up to three months when sealed properly in airtight containers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 472
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 690 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg