A Cozy Winter Evening
My Favorite is Hearty Italian Sausage Soup and On a chilly winter night, as the first snowflakes began to drift gently outside my window, I found myself yearning for something warm and comforting. I remembered a recipe I had been eager to try: Hearty Italian Sausage Soup. With its promise of robust flavors and wholesome ingredients, it seemed like the perfect antidote to the frosty air. I gathered my ingredients—Italian chicken sausage, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs—and set to work, excited about the cozy meal ahead.
The Magic of Sautéing
As I sautéed the chicken sausage and onion in my Dutch oven, the kitchen quickly filled with the mouthwatering aroma of savory sausage and sweet onions. The golden-brown bits of sausage and translucent onions made me realize just how comforting and satisfying this soup would be. I added minced garlic and watched as it transformed the already tantalizing scent into something even more enticing. The preparation was simple, yet the smell promised a meal that would warm not just my body but my soul.
Simmering to Perfection
Once the vegetables and beans joined the pot, and the broth and pesto melded together, I let the soup simmer. I could hardly wait as the rich, hearty aroma wafted through my kitchen. It was fascinating to see how the zucchini, mushrooms, and tomatoes softened and released their flavors into the broth. The soup simmered gently, turning a blend of ingredients into a comforting masterpiece. With every stir, the soup became more vibrant and inviting, a true testament to Italian home cooking.
A Heartwarming Meal
Finally, when the soup was ready, I ladled it into bowls and sprinkled the top with grated Parmesan cheese. The rich broth, tender vegetables, and savory sausage looked just as delightful as they tasted. I served it with a side of crusty bread, and with each spoonful, I felt the warmth spread through me. This Hearty Italian Sausage Soup wasn’t just a meal; it was a comforting embrace on a cold winter’s night. The combination of fresh ingredients and simple preparation made it a family favorite that I knew I would return to again and again.
Table of Contents
Chef’s Notes-Hearty Italian Sausage Soup
- To deepen the soup’s flavor, add a bay leaf while simmering and remove it before serving. This will infuse a subtle, earthy note.
- Feel free to include additional vegetables like spinach, kale, or bell peppers. Add these towards the end of cooking to maintain their texture and nutrients.
- For a richer flavor, consider roasting the vegetables before adding them to the soup. This will caramelize their natural sugars and enhance their taste.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, mash some of the beans with a fork before adding them, or use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup base.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze the soup in individual portions for up to three months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Hearty Chicken Barley Soup
4
servings10
minutes1
hour262
kcal1
hour10
minutesWarm up your chilly days with this delicious Hearty Chicken Barley Soup! Packed with tender chicken, wholesome barley, and fresh vegetables, this soup is both nutritious and comforting. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a quick lunch, this recipe is easy to make and full of flavor. Get ready to enjoy a bowl of goodness that will keep you coming back for more!
Ingredients
- Vegetables
1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
1 cup diced carrots
1 cup chopped yellow onions
1/2 cup sliced celery stalks
2 cloves minced garlic
- Chicken and Broth
1-1/2 lbs skinless bone-in chicken breasts (yields about 14 oz cooked)
7 cups low-sodium chicken stock
- Seasonings and Grains
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
2/3 cup uncooked pearl barley
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Alternative Ingredients:
Olive oil can be replaced with avocado oil.
Chicken breasts can be substituted with turkey breast.
Pearl barley can be replaced with quinoa or farro.
Fresh parsley can be substituted with dried parsley use half the amount.
Low-sodium chicken stock can be replaced with vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
Directions
- Sauté Vegetables – Heat a large dutch oven over medium heat. Pour in the olive oil and add the diced carrots, chopped onions, sliced celery, and minced garlic. Stir occasionally until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
- Simmer Chicken and Broth – Add the skinless bone-in chicken breasts to the pot along with the low-sodium chicken stock, chopped parsley, and bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
- Shred Chicken and Cook Barley – Carefully remove the chicken breasts from the pot and place them on a cutting board. Shred or chop the meat into bite-sized pieces and discard the bones. Return the shredded chicken to the pot along with the uncooked pearl barley. Adjust seasoning with salt if needed and add freshly ground black pepper to taste. Continue to simmer for another 30 minutes until the barley is fully cooked.
- Final Touches – Discard the bay leaves from the soup before serving. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired.
Equipment
- chef’s knife
- cutting board
- Dutch Oven
- measuring cups and spoons
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 262kcal
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 83mg
- Sodium: 744mg
- Potassium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 31g
- Vitamin A: 5000IU
- Vitamin C: 10mg
- Calcium: 50mg
- Iron: 2mg
FAQ-Hearty Italian Sausage Soup
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes, you can substitute turkey sausage or plant-based sausage if you prefer. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.
What can I use instead of red wine?
If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute with additional chicken broth or grape juice for a non-alcoholic option.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, this soup is naturally gluten-free. Just make sure all the ingredients you use, especially the sausage and broth, are gluten-free.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. It also freezes well, making it a great option for meal prep.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make the soup vegetarian, use a plant-based sausage and vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Also, use a dairy-free pesto or omit it if preferred.
