Sausage Soup

Here’s a simple and delicious recipe for sausage soup:Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 4 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 cups fresh spinach leaves, chopped
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
• Crusty bread, for serving (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Sausage:
   • In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat, breaking it up into smaller pieces with a wooden spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat from the pot.
2. Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables:
   • Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, diced celery, and diced bell pepper to the pot with the cooked sausage. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
3. Add Broth, Tomatoes, and Beans:
   • Pour in the chicken broth or vegetable broth, diced tomatoes (undrained), and cannellini beans (drained and rinsed) into the pot.
   • Stir in the dried oregano and dried basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Simmer:
   • Bring the soup to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. Add Spinach:
   • Once the soup has simmered and the vegetables are tender, add the chopped fresh spinach leaves to the pot. Stir until the spinach wilts and is incorporated into the soup.
6. Taste and Adjust Seasonings:
   • Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
7. Serve:
   • Ladle the sausage soup into bowls.
   • Optionally, sprinkle each serving with grated Parmesan cheese.
   • Serve hot with crusty bread on the side for dipping or alongside the soup.

This sausage soup is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a cozy meal on a chilly day. Feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or add-ins. Enjoy!