Imagine a bowl filled with the rich flavors of spicy Italian sausage, tender vegetables, and the subtle bitterness of kale, all simmered in a savory broth that warms your belly and soul. This Spicy Sausage Soup is more than just a meal; it’s a cultural fusion of Italian tradition and modern comfort food. The spicy kick from the sausage is balanced by the freshness of kale and the sweetness of diced tomatoes, creating a dish that is both nourishing and delicious. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a hearty meal to share with friends, this soup is sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. spicy Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 bell peppers (any color), chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 15 oz can diced tomatoes
- 1 16 oz jar chunky salsa
- 1 12 oz bag mixed frozen vegetables (corn, green beans, carrots)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups baby kale leaves, chopped
- Optional: heavy cream or half-and-half for a creamier soup
Instructions
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Cook Sausage and Veggies: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the spicy Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. This should take about 5 minutes.
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Soften Onions and Bell Peppers: Add the chopped onion and bell peppers to the pot. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until the onion is translucent and the peppers have softened slightly.
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Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute to allow the flavors to meld together.
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Simmer Soup: Add the beef broth, diced tomatoes, chunky salsa, mixed frozen vegetables, Worcestershire sauce, and Italian seasoning to the pot. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
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Add Kale: Stir in the chopped kale leaves and continue to simmer for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the kale to wilt into the soup.
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Season and Serve: Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If desired, add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half to give the soup a creamy texture. Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy!
Top Tips
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Use High-Quality Sausage: The quality of the sausage can greatly impact the flavor of your soup. Choose a spicy Italian sausage that you enjoy.
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Adjust Spice Level: If you prefer a milder soup, use regular Italian sausage or reduce the amount of salsa. For a spicier soup, add more salsa or red pepper flakes.
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Add More Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like celery, asparagus, or carrots to enhance the nutritional value and flavor of your soup.
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Make it Creamy: For a creamier soup, add a splash of heavy cream, half-and-half, or coconut milk towards the end of cooking.
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Use Leftovers: This soup freezes well, so consider making a large batch and freezing some for future meals.
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Experiment with Seasonings: Italian seasoning is a great starting point, but you can also add other herbs like thyme or oregano to give your soup a unique twist.
Variations
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Meatless Option: Replace the Italian sausage with ground turkey, chicken, or beans for a meatless version.
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Creamy Tomato Soup: Add more diced tomatoes and a splash of heavy cream to create a creamy tomato soup.
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Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to increase the heat level of your soup.
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Pasta Addition: Mix in some small pasta shapes like orzo, macaroni, or ditalini to make the soup more filling.
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Greek Twist: Add some feta cheese and a sprinkle of oregano to give your soup a Greek-inspired flavor.
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Vegan Version: Replace the beef broth with vegetable broth and use vegan-friendly alternatives like vegan sausage or tofu.
Nutritional Guide
| Nutritional Information (per serving) |
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| Servings |
| Calories |
| Fat |
| Carbohydrates |
| Protein |
Estimated Nutritional Information:
- Servings: 6-8
- Calories: approximately 350-450 per serving
- Fat: 20-25g (mostly from sausage and cream)
- Carbohydrates: 30-40g (from tomatoes, vegetables, and pasta)
- Protein: 25-30g (from sausage, vegetables, and broth)
Additional Nutritional Notes:
This Spicy Sausage Soup is a nutrient-rich meal that combines the protein and iron from the sausage with the vitamins and minerals from the vegetables. The kale adds a boost of vitamins A, C, and K, while the tomatoes provide lycopene, an antioxidant. If you choose to add pasta or cream, the nutritional content will slightly increase, but the dish remains a balanced and satisfying meal.
