Zucchini Sausage Soup: A Hearty and Flavorful Meal

Zucchini sausage soup is a hearty and comforting dish that’s perfect for any time of the year. This soup combines savory pork sausage with fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs, creating a delicious and nutritious meal. Follow these steps to make a flavorful zucchini sausage soup that’s sure to satisfy.

Ingredients

  • 16 oz pork sausage
  • ½ cup onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, sliced
  • 2 stalks celery, sliced
  • 2 cups zucchini, diced
  • 14.5 oz diced tomatoes (canned)
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • ½ tsp ground sage
  • ½ tsp thyme
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese, for topping

Instructions

  1. Cook the Sausage:
    • In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the pork sausage over medium heat until it is browned and cooked through. Use a spoon to break the sausage into small pieces as it cooks. Once cooked, transfer the sausage to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess fat.
  2. Sauté the Vegetables:
    • In the same pot, add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and sliced celery. Cook over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  3. Add the Zucchini:
    • Add the diced zucchini to the pot and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, until the zucchini starts to soften.
  4. Combine the Ingredients:
    • Return the cooked sausage to the pot with the vegetables. Add the diced tomatoes (with their juices), beef broth, ground sage, and thyme.
    • Mix thoroughly to ensure all the ingredients are well combined, achieving a uniform mixture.
  5. Simmer the Soup:
    • Heat the soup over medium-high heat until it reaches a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat to a simmer and let it cook gently for about 20-25 minutes. This simmering time allows the flavors to blend and develop fully.
  6. Season and Serve:
    • Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
    • When ready to serve, ladle the hot soup into bowls and generously top each with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor and richness.
  7. Optional Garnishes:
    • For an extra burst of flavor, garnish the soup with fresh herbs such as parsley or basil, or a drizzle of olive oil.

Conclusion

Zucchini sausage soup is a delicious and hearty dish that’s perfect for a cozy meal. With its combination of savory sausage, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs, this soup is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy it with a slice of crusty bread or a simple salad for a complete and satisfying meal. Bon appétit!