Are you craving a comforting bowl of warmth on a chilly evening? Look no further! This Bertucci's inspired sausage soup recipe is the perfect answer. It's a delicious, hearty, and surprisingly easy-to-make meal that's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend gathering. Forget takeout – this homemade version captures all the flavors you love from the restaurant, allowing you to enjoy a truly satisfying and delicious dish from the comfort of your own kitchen. Let's dive in and create some culinary magic!
Ingredients: A Symphony of Flavors
This recipe provides generous servings of this flavorful soup. Feel free to adjust the quantities according to your needs.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or hot, your choice!), casings removed
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup small pasta (ditalini, elbow macaroni, or your favorite)
- ½ cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Step-by-Step Instructions: Your Culinary Journey
Get Started:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
Building the Flavor Base:
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. This step unlocks the garlic's full flavor potential.
Adding the Sausage:
- Crumble the Italian sausage into the pot and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. This is where the delicious heartiness begins!
The Flavor Infusion:
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, diced tomatoes (undrained), carrots, and celery. Add the oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Simmering to Perfection:
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 20 minutes, or up to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavors become.
Pasta Time:
- Stir in the pasta and continue to simmer until the pasta is cooked through, about 8-10 minutes, depending on the type of pasta you use.
Finishing Touches:
- Stir in the fresh parsley just before serving. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese.
Cooking Tips for Success
- For a deeper flavor, brown the sausage in batches to ensure it's evenly cooked and nicely browned.
- Don't be afraid to adjust the seasonings to your liking. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, you can simmer it uncovered for a longer period to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
Variations: Customize Your Culinary Creation
- Spicy Sausage Soup: Use hot Italian sausage for a spicier kick. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Vegetarian Sausage Soup: Substitute the Italian sausage with plant-based sausage crumbles for a vegetarian-friendly version.
- White Bean Sausage Soup: Stir in a can of cannellini beans during the last 15 minutes of cooking for added heartiness and protein.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 20-25g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
This hearty and flavorful sausage soup is a perfect example of easy recipes and healthy meals that can be whipped up quickly. It's a fantastic addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and delicious dishes. Enjoy!