This hearty fennel soup recipe is a delightful medley of flavors that promises to invigorate your taste buds. The hint of sweet Italian sausage blended with the distinctive taste of fennel creates a savory base for the soup. Meanwhile, the gouda croutons provide a delightful crunch and a layer of complexity to this satisfying dish.
Photos of Hearty Fennel Soup with Sausage and Gouda Croutons Recipe
This recipe calls for a few ingredients that might not be regular staples in your kitchen, such as fennel bulbs and sweet Italian sausage. Fennel, with its mild licorice flavor, is a unique vegetable that can be found in the fresh produce section of your local supermarket. Sweet Italian sausage is a type of pork sausage that is seasoned with fennel or anise. You can typically find it in the meat or deli section.
Fennel Soup with Sausage and Gouda Croutons Ingredients
Extra virgin olive oil: An essential ingredient in Mediterranean cooking, it adds a depth of flavor and is used for sautéing the sausage and vegetables.
Sweet Italian sausage links: They add a hearty, meaty flavor to the soup.
Onion: Adds a sweet and savory depth to the soup.
Fennel bulbs: Their unique flavor brings a fresh taste to the soup.
Thyme: This herb adds an earthy and slightly floral flavor.
Chicken stock: It forms the base of the soup, providing a rich, savory flavor.
Zucchini: Adds a slight sweetness and texture to the soup.
Baguette: Used to make croutons, it provides a delightful crunch.
Gouda cheese: This cheese melts beautifully on the croutons, adding a creamy and nutty flavor.
One reader, Bailey Currier says:
This hearty fennel soup with sausage and gouda croutons recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are so rich and comforting. The sausage adds a lovely depth, and the gouda croutons are a delightful surprise. It's a must-try for anyone who loves a warm, satisfying bowl of soup.
Techniques Required for Making This Hearty Fennel Soup Recipe
How to cook sausage links: Cook the sausage links over moderate heat until golden brown and just cooked through, about 10 minutes.
How to puree the soup: Working in 2 batches, puree the soup in a food processor until smooth.
How to make ahead: The soup can be refrigerated overnight, and the plain toasts can be stored in an airtight container overnight.
How to serve: Ladle the soup into shallow bowls and top with the cheese-topped toasts. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on the soup and serve.
How to preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 500°F before arranging the baguette toasts on a baking sheet and topping them with cheese.
How to discard thyme sprigs: After simmering, discard the thyme sprigs from the soup before pureeing it.
How to season the soup: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
How to pair with wine: This soup pairs well with a fruity wine with up-front acidity, like a new world sauvignon blanc. For example, the 2003 Mulderbosch Sauvignon Blanc from South Africa has grapefruit and lime notes that complement the flavors of the soup.
How To Make Hearty Fennel Soup with Sausage and Gouda Croutons
This fennel soup comes with the warm, pureed goodness of boiled zucchini. It’s mixed with browned sausage, plus cheesy toasted baguette to finish.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2tbspextra virgin olive oil
- ¾lbsweet Italian sausage links
- 1medium onion
- 3medium fennel bulbs
- 2sprigsthyme
- 6cupschicken stock,or low sodium broth
- 1medium zucchini
- salt and freshly ground pepper
- 6baguette,slices
- 6ozmedium aged gouda cheese,(such as Prima Donna)
Instructions
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Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy saucepan.
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Add the sausage links and cook them over moderate heat for about 10 minutes until golden brown and just cooked through. Transfer the sausage links to a plate.
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Add the onion to the saucepan and cook over moderate heat for about 4 minutes until softened.
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Add the fennel and thyme and cook, stirring for about 5 minutes until softened.
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Add the stock and simmer over moderately low heat for about 45 minutes until the fennel is very tender.
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Add the zucchini, cover, and simmer over moderate heat for about 2 minutes until barely tender. Discard the thyme sprigs.
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Working in 2 batches, puree the soup in a food processor.
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Return the soup to the saucepan.
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Thinly slice the sausage and add to the soup. Season with salt and pepper and keep warm.
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Arrange the baguette toasts on a baking sheet and top them with half of the cheese. Bake for 1 minute or until the cheese melts.
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Ladle the soup into shallow bowls and top with the toasts.
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Sprinkle the remaining cheese on the soup and serve.
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Make-Ahead: The soup can be refrigerated overnight. The plain toasts can be stored in an airtight container overnight
Nutrition
- Calories: 1183.77kcal
- Fat: 27.64g
- Saturated Fat: 10.00g
- Trans Fat: 0.01g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 10.12g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 4.28g
- Carbohydrates: 178.98g
- Fiber: 11.61g
- Sugar: 24.49g
- Protein: 56.87g
- Cholesterol: 56.53mg
- Sodium: 2769.41mg
- Calcium: 457.30mg
- Potassium: 1381.68mg
- Iron: 14.42mg
- Vitamin A: 111.63µg
- Vitamin C: 23.44mg
Technique Tip for Preparing Hearty Fennel Soup with Sausage and Gouda Croutons
When pureeing the soup in a food processor, ensure not to fill the processor more than halfway. Hot liquids can splatter out of the food processor and cause burns. Also, it's best to remove the center piece of the lid and cover the food processor with a kitchen towel while blending - this will allow the heat to escape and prevent the lid from popping off.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Hearty Fennel Soup with Sausage and Gouda Croutons
Prep ahead: Chop and measure all ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.
Multi-task: While the soup simmers, prepare the gouda croutons and sausage to save time.
Use pre-made broth: Opt for store-bought chicken stock to skip the step of making homemade broth.
One-pot cooking: Consider using a pressure cooker or slow cooker for a hands-off approach to making the soup.
Freeze leftovers: Make a double batch and freeze the extra soup for a quick and easy meal on a busy day.
Substitute Ingredients For Hearty Fennel Soup with Sausage and Gouda Croutons Recipe
extra virgin olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar mild flavor and high smoke point, making it a suitable substitute for extra virgin olive oil in this recipe.
sweet italian sausage links - Substitute with turkey sausage: Turkey sausage offers a leaner option with a similar savory flavor, and it complements the other ingredients in the soup.
medium onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a milder, slightly sweeter flavor compared to onions, adding a delicate touch to the soup.
medium fennel bulbs - Substitute with celery root: Celery root, also known as celeriac, offers a similar subtle celery-like flavor and can provide a comparable texture to fennel in the soup.
thyme - Substitute with marjoram: Marjoram shares a similar earthy and slightly sweet flavor profile with thyme, making it a suitable replacement in the soup.
chicken stock - Substitute with vegetable stock: Vegetable stock can be used as a substitute to make the soup vegetarian-friendly while still providing a flavorful base.
zucchini - Substitute with yellow squash: Yellow squash can be used as an alternative to zucchini, offering a similar texture and mild flavor to complement the soup.
baguette - Substitute with sourdough bread: Sourdough bread can be used to make delicious croutons with a tangy flavor that pairs well with the soup.
medium aged gouda cheese - Substitute with gruyère cheese: Gruyère cheese offers a nutty and slightly sweet flavor, similar to gouda, and melts beautifully for the croutons.
Best Way to Present This Hearty Fennel Soup
Elevate the soup with a stunning presentation: When plating the hearty fennel soup, ensure that the bowl is warmed and carefully ladle the soup into the center. Garnish with a sprig of fresh thyme or a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil for a touch of elegance.
Create a harmonious balance of flavors and textures: Arrange the gouda croutons on top of the soup, allowing them to slightly soften while still retaining their crunch. This will provide a delightful contrast to the velvety texture of the soup and add a rich, savory element to each spoonful.
Highlight the sausage: Thinly slice the sweet Italian sausage and arrange it in a visually appealing manner on top of the soup. This will not only showcase the delicious sausage but also add a rustic, artisanal touch to the presentation.
Incorporate artistic drizzles: Use a small squeeze bottle to create a delicate drizzle of high-quality olive oil around the edge of the bowl. This not only adds a pop of color but also imparts a subtle, fruity aroma that enhances the overall sensory experience.
Consider the vessel: Select a shallow, wide-rimmed bowl to serve the soup. This will allow the vibrant colors of the dish to shine and provide ample space for the gouda croutons and sausage to be showcased beautifully.
Emphasize attention to detail: Before serving, ensure that the rims of the bowls are meticulously wiped clean to maintain a polished presentation. Attention to detail is key when presenting a dish of this caliber.
Utilize fresh herbs for a finishing touch: Just before serving, sprinkle a few delicate fennel fronds over the soup. This not only adds a pop of green but also signals to diners that the dish is made with fresh, high-quality ingredients.
Craft a visually appealing arrangement: When presenting the dish, consider the overall composition on the plate. Aim for a balanced and visually striking arrangement that showcases the various components of the soup, croutons, and sausage in an artful manner.
Essential Tools for Making Hearty Fennel Soup with Sausage and Gouda Croutons
Large, heavy saucepan: A large, heavy saucepan is essential for cooking the soup and simmering the ingredients over moderate heat.
Food processor: A food processor is used to puree the soup in batches, creating a smooth and creamy texture.
Baking sheet: A baking sheet is used to arrange the baguette toasts and melt the cheese in the oven.
Spatula: A spatula is helpful for stirring the ingredients in the saucepan and transferring the sausage links to a plate.
Chef's knife: A chef's knife is necessary for chopping the onion, fennel, and zucchini, as well as slicing the sausage links.
Cutting board: A cutting board provides a stable surface for chopping and preparing the vegetables and sausage.
Ladle: A ladle is used to portion and serve the hearty fennel soup into shallow bowls.
Oven: The oven is used to bake the baguette toasts with gouda cheese until the cheese melts and becomes golden brown.
Plate: Plates are needed for serving the soup with the gouda croutons.
Tongs: Tongs are useful for handling the sausage links while cooking and transferring the baguette toasts in and out of the oven.
How To Store and Freeze This Hearty Fennel Soup Recipe
Here are the detailed storing and freezing guidelines for the hearty fennel soup with sausage and gouda croutons:
- Allow the soup to cool completely before storing or freezing. Transfer the cooled soup to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag, leaving about an inch of space at the top for expansion during freezing.
- If storing in the refrigerator, the soup will keep well for up to 4 days. Be sure to label the container with the date and contents.
- When ready to reheat, transfer the desired portion to a saucepan and heat gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a splash of chicken stock or water to thin the soup if it has thickened during storage.
- For longer storage, freeze the soup for up to 3 months. To freeze, transfer the cooled soup to a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing.
- Pro tip: Freeze the soup in individual portions for easy reheating later. Use ice cube trays or muffin tins to freeze smaller portions, then transfer the frozen cubes to a freezer bag for compact storage.
- When ready to enjoy the frozen soup, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat the thawed soup gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If the soup seems too thick, add a little chicken stock or water to achieve the desired consistency.
- For best results, prepare the gouda croutons fresh when serving the reheated soup. The baguette toasts can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, but the cheese should be melted on top just before serving for optimal taste and texture.
How To Reheat Leftover Hearty Fennel Soup
The best way to reheat leftover hearty fennel soup with sausage is to place it in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until it's heated through. This method ensures that the sausage and fennel flavors remain intact and the soup doesn't become too watery.
If you're short on time, you can also reheat the soup in the microwave. Transfer the desired portion to a microwave-safe bowl and heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until it's hot throughout. Be careful not to overheat the soup, as it may cause the sausage to become tough and rubbery.
For a crispy texture, reheat the gouda croutons separately in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place the croutons on a baking sheet, and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until they're crisp and warm. This will help maintain their crunchy texture and prevent them from becoming soggy in the soup.
If you find that the soup has thickened too much during storage, you can thin it out by adding a little chicken stock or water while reheating. Start with a small amount and gradually add more until you reach your desired consistency.
To enhance the flavors of the reheated soup, consider garnishing it with fresh herbs like thyme or parsley, a sprinkle of grated gouda cheese, or a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil just before serving.
Random Fact About Hearty Fennel Soup with Sausage and Gouda Croutons
The fennel in this soup is a versatile vegetable that is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. It is a great source of fiber, vitamin C, potassium, and other essential nutrients. Fennel is also known for its potential health benefits, including improved digestion, reduced inflammation, and better heart health. So, not only does this soup taste amazing, but it also provides a healthy dose of nutrients and potential health benefits.
Is Making This Hearty Fennel Soup Economical for Home Cooking?
This hearty fennel soup with sausage and gouda croutons recipe is moderately cost-effective for a household. The use of sweet Italian sausage and gouda cheese may increase the overall cost, but the recipe yields a substantial amount of soup, making it suitable for multiple servings. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $25-$30. The rich flavors and hearty nature of the soup make it a satisfying meal. Overall Verdict: 8.
Is This Hearty Fennel Soup Healthy or Unhealthy?
This hearty fennel soup with sausage and gouda croutons recipe has both healthy and unhealthy elements. On the positive side, fennel is a nutritious vegetable rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It also contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. The addition of zucchini further boosts the vegetable content of the soup. Chicken stock provides a flavorful base while keeping the soup relatively low in calories.
However, the recipe also includes some less healthy ingredients. Italian sausage, while adding flavor and protein, is often high in saturated fat and sodium. The gouda cheese croutons, while delicious, contribute additional saturated fat and calories to the dish. The use of extra virgin olive oil is a healthier choice compared to other oils, but the overall fat content of the recipe may still be relatively high.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Use a leaner protein source, such as chicken or turkey sausage, to reduce the saturated fat content
- Reduce the amount of cheese used in the croutons or opt for a lower-fat cheese like part-skim mozzarella
- Increase the proportion of vegetables in the soup by adding more fennel, zucchini, or other nutrient-dense options like carrots or spinach
- Use a reduced-sodium chicken stock to control the salt content of the dish
- Serve the soup with a side salad or additional steamed vegetables to boost the overall nutrient profile of the meal
Editor's Thoughts on This Hearty Fennel Soup Recipe
The combination of sweet Italian sausage, tender fennel, and nutty gouda croutons in this hearty soup creates a symphony of flavors. The use of thyme adds a subtle earthiness, while the zucchini provides a refreshing contrast. The recipe's methodical approach to layering flavors and textures results in a well-balanced and satisfying dish. The wine recommendation of a fruity sauvignon blanc is spot on, as it complements the soup's complex flavors. Overall, this recipe is a culinary masterpiece that promises to delight the senses and impress any discerning palate.
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Why trust this Hearty Fennel Soup with Sausage and Gouda Croutons Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, featuring sweet Italian sausage and medium aged gouda cheese that add richness and depth to the soup. The use of fennel bulbs and thyme infuses the dish with aromatic and earthy notes, creating a truly comforting and satisfying meal. The step-by-step instructions ensure a seamless cooking experience, while the make-ahead option allows for convenient meal planning. Trust in the quality and balance of ingredients, as well as the thoughtful wine pairing recommendation, to elevate your dining experience.
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