Savory Italian Sausage and Spinach Soup
Discover the rich flavors of this hearty Italian Sausage and Spinach Soup, inspired by the beloved Bertucci's original. This comforting dish is perfect for chilly evenings and family gatherings, featuring high-quality Italian sausage, vibrant spinach, and wholesome rice in a savory tomato broth. With a medley of simple ingredients that come together beautifully, this soup is not only delicious but also nutritious. Serve it with a sprinkle of grated mozzarella to elevate each bowl with a creamy finish.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Italian sausage meat
1 lb (broken up)
Canned diced tomatoes
28 ounces (plain or with Italian herbs)
Tomato paste
6 ounces (none)
Frozen spinach
6 ounces (or equivalent amount of canned or fresh)
White rice
1/2 cup (none)
Medium onion
1 (chopped)
Olive oil
1 tablespoon (none)
Butter
1/2 tablespoon (none)
Water
8 cups (none)
Salt and black pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat until melted and fragrant.
2
Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until soft and translucent.
3
Incorporate the broken-up Italian sausage meat into the pot, cooking it until it is browned and no longer pink, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
4
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for an additional 2 minutes, mixing well to combine the flavors.
5
Pour in the water and increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil.
6
Once boiling, add the canned diced tomatoes along with their juices and the rice. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
7
Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the sausage is cooked through.
8
If using frozen spinach, stir it in now and break apart until well integrated. For fresh or canned spinach, add it in the last few minutes of cooking to preserve its flavor and texture.
9
Season the soup to taste with salt and black pepper.
10
Serve hot, garnished with a generous sprinkle of grated mozzarella on top.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Italian Sausage and Spinach Soup?
It is a hearty, comforting dish featuring high-quality Italian sausage, vibrant spinach, and rice in a savory tomato broth, inspired by Bertucci's original recipe.
What kind of sausage is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of Italian sausage meat, broken up and browned until no longer pink.
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh, frozen, or canned spinach. Add fresh or canned spinach in the last few minutes of cooking to preserve its texture.
How much spinach do I need?
The recipe requires 6 ounces of spinach.
What type of rice should I use?
The recipe specifies 1/2 cup of white rice.
How long does the soup need to simmer?
The soup should simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the sausage is fully cooked.
Should I drain the canned diced tomatoes?
No, add the 28 ounces of diced tomatoes along with their juices to the pot.
What is the purpose of the tomato paste?
The 6 ounces of tomato paste add richness and deep flavor to the savory broth.
How much water is needed for the broth?
The recipe calls for 8 cups of water.
Can I substitute the water with broth?
While the recipe uses water, you can use chicken or vegetable broth for an even richer flavor profile.
What is the first step in making this soup?
Begin by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1/2 tablespoon of butter in a large pot over medium heat.
How do I prepare the onion?
Chop one medium onion and sauté it for about 5 minutes until it is soft and translucent.
When should I add the sausage?
Add the broken-up Italian sausage meat after the onions have softened.
How long should I cook the tomato paste?
Stir in the tomato paste after browning the sausage and cook it for an additional 2 minutes.
What cheese is recommended for garnish?
The soup is best served with a generous sprinkle of grated mozzarella on top.
Is this soup spicy?
The spiciness depends on whether you choose sweet or hot Italian sausage meat.
Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Yes, but keep in mind that brown rice takes significantly longer to cook and may require more liquid.
How do I handle frozen spinach in this recipe?
Stir in the frozen spinach and break it apart until it is well integrated into the simmering soup.
Is this recipe dairy-free?
No, it contains butter and mozzarella garnish, but these can be omitted or replaced with plant-based alternatives.
How many ingredients are in this soup?
This recipe features 10 simple ingredients, including the seasonings.
Is this a good meal for families?
Yes, it is described as a hearty and nutritious meal perfect for family gatherings and chilly evenings.
When do I add the rice?
Add the white rice once the water has been brought to a boil along with the diced tomatoes.
Can I add other vegetables?
While the recipe focuses on spinach and tomatoes, you could easily add carrots or celery during the onion sautéing phase.
What is the total cook time for the rice?
The rice typically cooks through during the 15-20 minute simmering period.
How should I season the soup?
Season the soup to taste with salt and black pepper just before serving.
Does this soup store well?
Yes, though the rice may continue to absorb liquid as it sits, so you might need to add a little water when reheating.
What inspired this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the beloved original Italian sausage and spinach soup served at Bertucci's.
Is this soup gluten-free?
The main ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check the labels on your sausage and tomato paste to be certain.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, brown the sausage and onions first, then combine everything except the spinach and mozzarella in a slow cooker on low for 4-6 hours.
What makes this soup nutritious?
It provides protein from the sausage, iron and vitamins from the spinach, and lycopene from the tomatoes.