Description
Hearty Italian sausage, vegetable, and rice soup delivers comfort in a bowl, blending robust flavors from savory ingredients. Simmering with Mediterranean warmth, this soul-satisfying soup invites you to savor each spoonful of rustic goodness.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
Vegetables:
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- 1 bell pepper (any color), chopped
- 1 (14.5 ounces/411 grams) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale (optional)
Seasonings and Liquids:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ¾ cup uncooked long grain white rice
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Create a flavorful base by sizzling ground Italian sausage in olive oil over medium heat, methodically breaking the meat into crumbly texture.
- Infuse aromatic depth by incorporating minced onions and garlic, allowing them to release their fragrant essence and soften slightly.
- Introduce a colorful medley of diced carrots, celery, bell peppers, and zucchini, stirring to distribute evenly and develop their natural sweetness.
- Amplify the soup’s robust profile by adding diced tomatoes and rich chicken broth, complemented with a harmonious blend of Italian seasoning, fresh basil, salt, and pepper.
- Elevate the liquid to a gentle boil, then carefully fold in uncooked rice, reducing heat and covering to allow gentle simmering until grains become perfectly tender.
- During the final moments of cooking, delicately fold fresh spinach or kale into the soup, letting the verdant greens wilt and integrate their nutritional richness.
- Remove from heat and let the soup rest momentarily, allowing flavors to meld and intensify before serving in warm bowls.
Notes
- Customize the protein by swapping Italian sausage with ground turkey or plant-based sausage for a lighter, healthier alternative.
- Ensure rice doesn’t become mushy by using long-grain varieties like basmati or jasmine, which hold their shape better during cooking.
- Make the soup gluten-free by confirming chicken broth is certified gluten-free and using gluten-free Italian seasoning blend.
- Boost nutrition by adding extra vegetables like diced butternut squash or chopped kale for increased fiber and vitamins.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 68g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 54g
- Cholesterol: 180mg