Why Make This Recipe
Zucchini Tomato Italian Sausage Soup is a hearty dish perfect for any time of the year. It is full of flavor and packed with nutritious ingredients. This soup is easy to make and can be a comforting meal on a chilly day. The combination of zucchini, tomatoes, and savory Italian sausage makes each bowl satisfying. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up summer zucchinis from your garden!
How to Make Zucchini Tomato Italian Sausage Soup
Ingredients:
- 2 medium zucchinis, diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound Italian sausage (your choice of hot or mild)
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for sautéing
- Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
Directions:
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned.
- Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are soft.
- Stir in the zucchinis, diced tomatoes, broth, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat and simmer for about 15 minutes, until the zucchinis are tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil if desired.
How to Serve Zucchini Tomato Italian Sausage Soup
Serve this soup hot in bowls. You can add a sprinkle of fresh basil on top for flavor and a nice presentation. It goes well with crusty bread or a fresh side salad. This way, you have a complete meal that’s comforting and delicious!
How to Store Zucchini Tomato Italian Sausage Soup
To store leftovers, let the soup cool completely, then place it in an airtight container. It will last in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the soup. Just make sure to leave some space in the container since the soup will expand when frozen. It can last in the freezer for about 2 to 3 months.
Tips to Make Zucchini Tomato Italian Sausage Soup
- For a thicker soup, you can blend a portion of it after cooking and then mix it back in.
- If you prefer a spicier flavor, use hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes.
- Fresh herbs like parsley or oregano can be added for extra flavor.
Variation
You can easily customize this soup by adding other vegetables like carrots or spinach. For a healthy twist, try using turkey sausage instead of pork sausage. You can also replace the Italian seasoning with fresh herbs for a brighter flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace the Italian sausage with a plant-based sausage or omit it altogether. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
2. Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free Italian sausage and check that your broth is gluten-free, this soup can be gluten-free.
3. How can I make this soup spicier?
Add hot Italian sausage or mix in some crushed red pepper flakes when you sauté the vegetables. You can also stir in some hot sauce before serving if you like extra heat!
Zucchini Tomato Italian Sausage Soup
Ingredients
Method
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned.
- Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are soft.
- Stir in the zucchinis, diced tomatoes, broth, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat and simmer for about 15 minutes, until the zucchinis are tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil if desired.