Description
Hearty zucchini tomato Italian sausage soup delivers comfort straight from Mediterranean kitchens with rich, robust flavors. Simmering ingredients blend seamlessly, promising warmth and satisfaction in each spoonful you’ll savor.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein Base:
- 1 pound (450 grams) Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casing removed
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium zucchinis, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
Liquid and Seasoning Components:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
- 1 (14.5 ounces) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 (14.5 ounces) can tomato sauce
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional, for a creamy version)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil or parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot and warm it over medium flame.
- Crumble Italian sausage into the heated vessel, sizzling and breaking the meat into smaller fragments until it develops a rich golden-brown color and releases its savory essence.
- Remove any accumulated grease by carefully tilting the pot and draining excess fat, ensuring a clean cooking surface.
- Introduce finely chopped onions to the meat, stirring and allowing them to become translucent and softened, releasing their aromatic sweetness.
- Mince garlic and sprinkle into the meat mixture, quickly sautéing to prevent burning and develop a fragrant base.
- Pour in chicken broth, creating a flavorful liquid foundation for the soup’s character.
- Add diced zucchini and sliced Roma tomatoes, gently incorporating them into the broth to begin absorbing the surrounding flavors.
- Season the emerging soup with dried basil, oregano, salt, and cracked black pepper, stirring to distribute the spices evenly.
- Allow the soup to simmer gently, letting the ingredients meld and vegetables tenderize, approximately 15-20 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasonings, ensuring a balanced and harmonious blend of flavors.
- Ladle the steaming soup into serving bowls, garnishing with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Pat zucchini dry before adding to prevent watery soup texture and maintain vegetable’s firm consistency.
- Use sweet or spicy Italian sausage depending on personal heat preference, allowing customization of flavor profile.
- Remove sausage casings before cooking for smoother meat integration and easier consumption throughout soup.
- Consider adding fresh basil or oregano at end for authentic Italian herb enhancement and bright flavor boost.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg