Welcome to a culinary adventure that will transport your taste buds straight to Italy! This Italian Sausage and Pepper Soup is not just a dish; it's a warm embrace in a bowl, brimming with robust flavors and heartiness that will make your kitchen feel like an Italian trattoria. With just 10 minutes of prep and 40 minutes of cooking, you can whip up a comforting meal that serves four and is perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings. Are you ready to savor a bowl of deliciousness that’s as easy to make as it is delightful to eat? Let’s dive into the recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 bell peppers, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by slicing Italian sausage into bite-sized pieces, thinly slicing onions and bell peppers, and mincing garlic cloves.
- Heat a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add sliced Italian sausage and cook until browned and slightly crispy, approximately 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove sausage from pot and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan for cooking vegetables.
- In the same pot, add sliced onions and bell peppers. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften and develop slight caramelization.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Return browned sausage to the pot and stir to combine with vegetables.
- Pour in chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Stir ingredients thoroughly to integrate.
- Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Remove from heat and let soup rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh chopped basil leaves and serve hot with crusty bread if desired.
Tips
- Sauté for Flavor: Don’t rush the browning of the sausage; letting it get crispy adds depth to the flavor of the soup.
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use fresh bell peppers and basil for a vibrant taste and aroma that dried herbs simply can’t replicate.
- Adjust the Heat: If you like a bit of spice, consider using spicy Italian sausage or adding red pepper flakes to the mix for an extra kick.
- Let It Simmer: Allowing the soup to simmer helps the flavors meld beautifully, so resist the urge to skip this step!
- Serve with Style: Pair your soup with crusty bread or a side salad to make it a complete meal. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top can also elevate the dish!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 65mg
