Rustic Italian Sausage & Zucchini Bliss Soup
This Rustic Italian Sausage & Zucchini Bliss Soup has become a cherished family favorite, especially when zucchini is in season. With its delicate balance of sweet Italian sausage and fresh vegetables, this soup offers a comforting yet vibrant flavor that transports you straight to Italy. Its rich tomato base harmonizes beautifully with the aromatic herbs like basil and oregano, creating an inviting bowl of goodness. Perfect for gatherings or cozy dinners at home, it's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser; my family and friends consistently rave about it. Enjoy this award-winning recipe that showcases the best of garden-fresh zucchini and heritage cooking, and serve it alongside some crusty Italian bread for a truly wholesome experience!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Sweet Italian sausage
1 1/2-2 lbs (Remove casings and crumble)
Diced tomatoes
1 (28 ounce) can (Add directly to the pot)
Beef broth
2 (14 ounce) cans (Add directly to the pot)
Onion
1-2 (Chopped)
Green pepper
1 (Chopped)
Zucchini
2-3 (Thinly sliced (unpeeled))
Garlic
2 cloves (Minced)
Dried parsley
1 tablespoon (Chopped)
Dry basil
1 teaspoon (Add directly to the pot)
Dry oregano
1 teaspoon (Add directly to the pot)
Water
1-2 cups (Add gradually as needed)
Instructions
1
In a large soup pot, heat over medium heat and add the sweet Italian sausage. Cook until browned, breaking it into smaller pieces while it cooks. Drain excess fat.
2
Stir in the chopped onions and green peppers, cooking for about 5 minutes until softened.
3
Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
4
Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and beef broth, stirring to combine.
5
Add the sliced zucchini, dried parsley, basil, oregano, and salt to taste. Mix well.
6
Gradually add water, starting with 2 cups; you can adjust based on the desired thickness of your soup later.
7
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Allow the soup to simmer for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini is tender and flavors have melded together.
8
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. If the soup appears too thick, add more water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
9
Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot with freshly baked crusty Italian bread or buttery garlic bread on the side.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this soup recipe?
The recipe is called Rustic Italian Sausage & Zucchini Bliss Soup.
What type of sausage is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses sweet Italian sausage.
How much sausage is required?
You will need 1 1/2 to 2 pounds of sweet Italian sausage.
Should I remove the sausage casings?
Yes, remove the casings and crumble the sausage while browning.
What size can of diced tomatoes is needed?
One 28-ounce can of diced tomatoes is required.
Should I drain the diced tomatoes?
No, add the diced tomatoes with their juices directly into the pot.
What type of broth is used as the base?
The recipe calls for beef broth.
How many cans of beef broth are needed?
You need two 14-ounce cans of beef broth.
How many zucchinis are used in the soup?
The recipe uses 2 to 3 zucchinis.
Do I need to peel the zucchini?
No, the zucchini should be thinly sliced and unpeeled.
How many onions are required?
The recipe uses 1 to 2 chopped onions.
How many green peppers are included?
One chopped green pepper is used.
How much garlic is used?
Two minced cloves of garlic are added for fragrance and flavor.
What dried herbs are used for seasoning?
The soup is seasoned with dried parsley, dry basil, and dry oregano.
How much dried parsley is added?
One tablespoon of dried parsley is used.
How much dry basil and oregano are needed?
One teaspoon of dry basil and one teaspoon of dry oregano are required.
How much water should I start with?
Gradually add water starting with 2 cups, then adjust as needed.
How long does the soup need to simmer?
The soup should simmer for 2 to 3 hours.
What is the first step in the instructions?
Brown the sweet Italian sausage in a large soup pot and drain the excess fat.
How long should the onions and green peppers cook?
Cook them for about 5 minutes until they have softened.
When should the garlic be added to the pot?
Add the garlic after the onions and peppers are soft and cook for one additional minute.
What heat level should I use for simmering?
After bringing the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.
How can I adjust the thickness of the soup?
If the soup is too thick, add more water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
What are the serving suggestions for this soup?
Ladle the soup into bowls and serve with crusty Italian bread or buttery garlic bread.
Is this recipe considered award-winning?
Yes, the description notes this is an award-winning recipe.
What makes this soup a good choice for summer or fall?
It is a great way to showcase the best of garden-fresh zucchini when it is in season.
What is the texture of the zucchini after cooking?
The zucchini becomes tender after simmering for 2 to 3 hours.
Does the recipe require salt?
Yes, salt is added to taste along with the other seasonings.
What is the primary protein in this dish?
The primary protein is sweet Italian sausage.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include soup, Italian, zucchini, sausage, comfort food, and family recipe.