Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb. Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 large fennel bulb, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp. dried oregano
- 1 tsp. dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Special equipment needed:
- Large soup pot
- Immersion blender (optional)
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large soup pot, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
2. Add the fennel, onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
3. Add the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to the pot. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
4. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth, if desired. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup to a blender in batches and puree until smooth.
5. Stir in the chopped parsley and serve hot.
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 35 minutes
Temperature:
- Medium heat for cooking sausage and vegetables
- Bring soup to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer
Serving size:
- 4-6 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Protein: 18g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground pork or turkey can be used instead of Italian sausage
- Anise or celery can be used instead of fennel
- Vegetable broth can be used instead of chicken broth
Variations:
- Add cooked pasta or rice to the soup for a heartier meal
- Top with grated Parmesan cheese or croutons for added texture and flavor
- Use different herbs and spices to change the flavor profile of the soup
Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to remove the casings from the Italian sausage before cooking
- Chop the vegetables into small, bite-sized pieces for even cooking
- Use an immersion blender for a smoother soup texture
Storage instructions:
- Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat soup in a pot over medium heat until heated through
Presentation ideas:
- Serve soup in individual bowls with a sprinkle of chopped parsley on top
Garnishes:
- Chopped parsley
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Croutons
Pairings:
- Crusty bread
- Salad
Suggested side dishes:
- Garlic bread
- Roasted vegetables
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the soup is too thick, add more broth or water to thin it out
- If the soup is too thin, simmer it for a longer period of time to reduce and thicken the broth
Food safety advice:
- Be sure to cook the sausage to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure it is fully cooked
Food history:
- Fennel is a popular ingredient in Italian cuisine, and is often used in soups and stews
Flavor profiles:
- The soup has a savory, slightly sweet flavor from the sausage and fennel, with a hint of tomato and herbs
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the soup as a main course with a side of bread and salad
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Region: Italian