Italian Sausage and Potato Soup Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 4 cups water
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Special equipment needed: None

Step-by-step instructions:

1. In a large pot, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add the onion and garlic to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the chicken broth, water, potatoes, carrots, celery, diced tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
4. Stir in the heavy cream and chopped parsley. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
5. Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers.

45 minutes
Temperature: Medium heat
Serving size: 6-8 servings

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 27g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Protein: 17g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Italian sausage: You can use ground beef, ground turkey, or ground chicken instead.
- Heavy cream: You can use half-and-half or milk instead.

Variations:
- Add chopped kale or spinach to the soup for extra nutrition.
- Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a different flavor.
- Add a can of white beans for extra protein and fiber.
- Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version.

Tips and tricks:
- To make the soup thicker, mash some of the potatoes with a fork before adding the heavy cream.
- If you like your soup spicy, add some red pepper flakes or hot sauce to taste.
- You can make this soup in advance and reheat it when ready to serve.

Storage instructions:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the soup in a pot over medium heat until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the soup in individual bowls with a sprinkle of chopped parsley on top.

Garnishes:
- Chopped parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, or croutons.

Pairings:
- Serve with crusty bread or crackers.

Suggested side dishes:
- A simple green salad or garlic bread.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the soup is too thick, add more water or broth to thin it out.
- If the soup is too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to reduce the liquid.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure the sausage is cooked through before adding the other ingredients.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.

Food history:
- Italian sausage and potato soup is a classic Italian-American dish that originated in the Northeastern United States.

Flavor profiles:
- Savory, hearty, and comforting.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the soup as a main course for lunch or dinner.

Related Categories

Cooking Method: N/A

Course Type: N/A

Dietary: N/A

Ingredient: N/A

Meal type: N/A

Occassion: N/A

Region: Italian

Taste: Savory, Herby, Rich, Hearty, Spicy