Oh, soup lovers, gather around! There’s something profoundly comforting about a warm bowl of soup, especially when it’s loaded with hearty vegetables and rich, savory sausage. Sausage vegetable soup isn’t just a meal-it’s an experience. Imagine walking into your kitchen on a crisp, chilly day, the aroma of sizzling sausage mingling with simmering vegetables, and knowing that in just a little while, you’ll be wrapped in a cozy, flavor-packed hug from a bowl of soup. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between robust meaty flavor and the freshness of garden vegetables. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner, yet comforting enough to impress guests or family alike.
Sausage Vegetable Soup Recipe
This is a soul-warming soup that marries the hearty richness of sausage with the nutritious goodness of vegetables. Each spoonful offers a symphony of flavors-savory, slightly spicy, earthy, and satisfying. It’s versatile, forgiving for beginners, and can easily be adapted to whatever vegetables you have on hand.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s your shopping list for this delightful soup:
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Protein
- 1 pound of Italian sausage (spicy or sweet depending on preference)
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Vegetables
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and chopped
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
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Liquids & Broth
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 cups water
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Seasonings & Herbs
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat
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Extras
- 1 cup cooked pasta, rice, or quinoa (optional, for added heartiness)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Cooking Instructions
Here’s the step-by-step method to make this soup a star at your table:
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Brown The Sausage
- Heat a large soup pot over medium heat.
- Add the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
- Cook until nicely browned, about 6-8 minutes.
- Remove the sausage and set aside, leaving the flavorful drippings in the pot.
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Sauté The Aromatics
- In the same pot, add onion, carrots, and celery.
- Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook another minute until fragrant.
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Add The Liquids And Veggies
- Pour in the broth and water.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, zucchini, bell pepper, and green beans.
- Return the cooked sausage to the pot.
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Season And Simmer
- Add thyme, basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 25-30 minutes.
- Vegetables should be tender, and flavors well blended.
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Optional Additions
- Stir in cooked pasta, rice, or quinoa during the last 5 minutes of cooking for a heartier meal.
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Serve And Enjoy
- Ladle into bowls and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
- Serve with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Ingredient Insights
- Sausage: Using Italian sausage gives a natural depth of flavor. Spicy sausage adds a gentle heat that contrasts beautifully with the vegetables.
- Carrots & Celery: Classic soup base vegetables (mirepoix) add natural sweetness and aromatics.
- Zucchini & Bell Pepper: Provide freshness and a slight crunch, balancing the richness of the sausage.
- Herbs: Thyme, basil, and oregano bring an earthy, Mediterranean essence that elevates the soup beyond the ordinary.
- Broth: Homemade broth is ideal, but store-bought works perfectly when you’re short on time.
Expert Tips
- Brown your sausage thoroughly-it creates a rich base and adds a caramelized depth of flavor.
- Don’t overcook delicate vegetables like zucchini; add them toward the end to retain texture.
- Taste as you go! Adjust salt, pepper, or herbs gradually.
- Soup often tastes better the next day as flavors continue to meld, making it perfect for leftovers.
- Freeze in portions for quick future meals; it reheats beautifully without losing texture.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian version: Replace sausage with plant-based sausage or extra beans (cannellini or chickpeas) for protein.
- Spicy kick: Add chopped jalapeño or a teaspoon of smoked paprika.
- Creamy version: Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end for a silky texture.
- Grain upgrade: Replace pasta with barley or farro for added fiber and chewiness.
Final Words
Sausage vegetable soup is not just food; it’s comfort, nutrition, and flavor all wrapped in one bowl. It’s flexible enough for whatever your pantry or fridge holds, and it’s quick enough to be a weeknight hero yet satisfying enough for a leisurely weekend dinner. With just a few fresh ingredients, a little patience, and love in the kitchen, you can create a dish that warms the heart as much as it does the stomach.
FAQs
What Ingredients Are Needed For A Sausage Vegetable Soup?
A typical sausage vegetable soup includes sausages (pork, chicken, or turkey), onions, garlic, carrots, celery, potatoes, bell peppers, tomatoes, green beans, corn, vegetable or chicken broth, olive oil, and seasonings such as salt, pepper, thyme, and bay leaves.
Can I Use Different Types Of Sausage For This Soup?
Yes, you can use various types of sausage, including Italian sausage, smoked sausage, or chorizo. The flavor will vary depending on the type of sausage used, so choose according to your taste preference.
Is It Possible To Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by substituting sausage with plant-based sausage or omitting it entirely and adding more vegetables or legumes for protein, such as lentils or beans.
How Long Does It Take To Prepare And Cook Sausage Vegetable Soup?
Preparation usually takes around 15-20 minutes, including chopping vegetables and browning sausage. Cooking time is typically 30-40 minutes to allow flavors to meld and vegetables to soften.
Can I Make This Soup In A Slow Cooker?
Yes, after browning the sausage and sautéing the vegetables, you can combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
How Can I Make The Soup Thicker?
You can thicken the soup by mashing some of the potatoes in the broth, adding a small amount of cornstarch or flour slurry, or incorporating beans that will naturally thicken the liquid as they cook.
Can This Soup Be Frozen For Later Use?
Yes, sausage vegetable soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then store in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in a microwave.
What Herbs And Spices Work Best In This Soup?
Common herbs and spices include thyme, rosemary, parsley, bay leaves, black pepper, paprika, and sometimes crushed red pepper for a mild heat. Fresh herbs added at the end enhance flavor.
Is This Soup Suitable For Meal Prep?
Yes, this soup is excellent for meal prep. It can be portioned into containers and stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or frozen for longer storage. Flavors often improve after a day.
Can I Substitute Fresh Vegetables With Frozen Ones?
Absolutely. Frozen vegetables are convenient and often retain most nutrients. Adjust cooking time slightly, as frozen vegetables may release more water and cook faster than fresh ones.