Hot Sausage Soup Recipe

Let’s talk about comfort food, shall we? The kind that warms your soul and fills your home with delicious, hearty aromas. Hot sausage soup is the epitome of a cozy, satisfying meal, perfect for chilly evenings, family gatherings, or just when you’re craving something a little more substantial than your average soup. It’s a dish that checks all the boxes-savory, hearty, and just a little bit spicy, which makes it so irresistibly comforting.

This recipe for hot sausage soup is all about simple ingredients that come together to create a warming, flavorful bowl of goodness. With its combination of spicy sausage, tender vegetables, and rich broth, this soup is sure to become a staple in your cooking repertoire. So, let’s dive into the details and break it all down step by step, shall we?

Hot Sausage Soup Recipe

The great thing about this hot sausage soup is that it’s one of those recipes that doesn’t require a ton of fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. You’re working with fresh, flavorful elements that create layers of taste without any fuss. Plus, it’s a great one-pot meal, which means less mess and more time to relax. Whether you’re serving it for dinner, meal prepping for the week, or simply craving a hot, spicy dish, this recipe has got you covered.

Here’s how you make it:

Ingredients Needed

Before we start cooking, let’s gather everything you’ll need. This is a simple list, but each ingredient plays a crucial role in building flavor, so don’t skip anything!

• 1 lb ground sausage: Choose your sausage wisely. Hot Italian sausage gives a nice kick, but you can always go milder if you prefer less spice.
• 1 medium onion, diced: Adds a nice base flavor.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic is essential for depth and aroma.
• 2 medium carrots, sliced: Sweetness to balance the spice and a bit of texture.
• 2 celery stalks, chopped: For crunch and freshness.
• 4 cups chicken broth: You can also use vegetable broth for a slightly lighter flavor.
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes: Adds acidity and a bit of sweetness.
• 1 ½ cups potatoes, cubed: Potatoes soak up all the savory flavors while adding heartiness to the soup.
• 1 cup frozen peas: These add color, texture, and sweetness to cut through the richness of the sausage.
• 1-2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes: For that extra kick of heat.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Always adjust to your liking.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing the vegetables and sausage.
• Fresh parsley or basil (optional): For garnish and an herbal note.

Cooking Instructions

Ready to cook? Here’s how to pull it all together:

1. Sauté The Sausage

   • In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add the ground sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until it’s browned and crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
   • Once cooked, remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside. Leave any remaining fat in the pot.

2. Cook The Vegetables

   • In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

3. Add The Broth And Tomatoes

   • Return the cooked sausage to the pot. Add the chicken broth and diced tomatoes (with their juices).
   • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

4. Add Potatoes And Simmer

   • Stir in the cubed potatoes and continue to simmer for another 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

5. Finish And Serve

   • Stir in the frozen peas and let them heat through for about 3 minutes.
   • Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to your desired spice level.
   • Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Ingredient Insights

Now that you know the steps, let’s dive deeper into why these ingredients work so well together:

• Sausage: Sausage is the backbone of this soup. The fat and seasoning from the sausage infuse the broth, making it rich and flavorful. Opting for a hot Italian sausage gives it that extra punch, but it’s all about balancing heat with the other ingredients.
• Broth: Chicken broth is a great base because it’s light yet savory, allowing the flavors from the sausage and vegetables to shine. You can always switch to vegetable broth if you’re going for a lighter, vegetarian version.
• Tomatoes: The acidity from the tomatoes balances out the richness of the sausage, making the soup feel bright and lively. Plus, the tomatoes bring a natural sweetness that complements the heat from the sausage.
• Potatoes: These starchy little gems thicken the soup, making it more filling and comforting. They also act as a sponge for all the flavors, so every bite is packed with taste.
• Red Pepper Flakes: These are a simple way to dial up the heat. If you’re not into spicy food, feel free to skip them or adjust the amount according to your preference.

Expert Tips

• Browning the Sausage: Don’t rush this step. Allow the sausage to get nice and crispy on the edges before you remove it. This caramelization adds a ton of flavor to the soup.
• Adjust the Spice Level: Taste as you go and adjust the level of heat by adding more or less red pepper flakes. You can always add a dash of hot sauce at the end for extra kick.
• Use Fresh Herbs: Garnishing with fresh parsley or basil adds a fresh pop of color and a slight herbal note that brightens the rich flavors of the soup.
• Make It a One-Pot Meal: To keep things simple, cook everything in the same pot. If you want a heartier meal, serve with crusty bread or a side salad.

Recipe Variations

This soup is pretty versatile, so feel free to make some swaps or additions depending on what you like or what you have on hand. Here are a few variations:

• Vegetarian Version: Swap the sausage for plant-based sausage or use mushrooms for a meaty texture. Use vegetable broth to keep it vegetarian.
• Add Greens: Throw in some spinach or kale during the last 5 minutes of cooking for an extra boost of nutrients.
• Spicy Kick: If you love spice, add some sliced jalapeños or a splash of sriracha to the soup to really ramp up the heat.
• Cheesy: Stir in some grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor, or top each bowl with a generous sprinkle of cheese.

Final Words

This hot sausage soup is the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out. It’s spicy, savory, and just plain satisfying. The great thing about it is that it’s customizable. Want more veggies? Go for it. Need it milder or spicier? Adjust as you go. This soup is all about creating something you love.