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Zucchini Tomato Italian Sausage Soup Recipe

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★★★★★

4.3 from 43 reviews

A hearty and flavorful zucchini tomato Italian sausage soup combining sweet Italian sausage, fresh vegetables, and Parmesan cheese, simmered together to create a comforting and nutritious meal perfect for any season.

Ingredients

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Main Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 pound Italian sweet sausage, removed from casings
  • 1 cup diced celery
  • 2 cups chopped onion
  • 2 cups red bell pepper, diced (about one large pepper)
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • A pinch red pepper flakes
  • ¼ cup tomato paste
  • 2 pounds zucchini, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 5 fresh plum tomatoes, diced
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 quarts (2 liters) low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup coarsely grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon Parmesan rind (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
  • 1 fresh thyme sprig
  • 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Brown the Sausage: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sweet sausage meat and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon until browned, approximately 5 minutes.
  2. Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, diced celery, and red bell pepper to the pot and sauté together with the sausage for about 4 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
  3. Add Garlic and Tomato Paste: Push the meat and vegetables to the sides of the pot and lower the heat to medium. If the pot is not large enough, transfer the meat and vegetables to a bowl temporarily. Place the garlic, red pepper flakes, and tomato paste in the center of the pot and cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally to combine and release flavors.
  4. Add Remaining Ingredients: Return the meat and vegetables to the pot if removed. Add diced plum tomatoes, zucchini, black pepper, chicken broth, Parmesan rind (if using), grated Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, and fresh thyme sprig. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
  5. Simmer the Soup: Bring the soup to a gentle simmer, then cover and cook until the vegetables are tender, about 10 to 15 minutes.
  6. Finish and Serve: Remove the pot from heat. Take out the Parmesan rind and thyme sprig. Serve the soup immediately, garnished with additional fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your warm and comforting zucchini tomato Italian sausage soup!

Notes

  • Removing the Parmesan rind after cooking infuses the soup with a rich umami flavor without overpowering the dish.
  • If you prefer a spicier soup, increase the pinch of red pepper flakes according to your taste.
  • Vegetarian option: Substitute Italian sausage with plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth.
  • This soup reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
  • Use fresh herbs for the best flavor, but dried herbs can be substituted if necessary—use about one-third the amount of dried herbs.

Keywords: Zucchini soup, Italian sausage soup, tomato soup, healthy soup, Italian cuisine, easy weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://epicrecipebox.com/zucchini-tomato-italian-sausage-soup-recipe/