This hearty smoked sausage and vegetable soup blends rich flavors of smoked turkey kielbasa, farm fresh vegetables, and a savory broth. It's a cozy, comforting dish perfect for cool weather.
You'll find most ingredients for this recipe in your pantry or local supermarket. However, be aware of smoked turkey kielbasa sausage. It's a type of smoked sausage made from turkey and unique spice blend, providing the signature taste to this recipe. If you can't find it, you may substitute it with other smoked sausages.
Ingredients for Smoked Sausage and Vegetable Soup
Olive oil: Used to sauté the vegetables and brown the sausage.
Smoked turkey kielbasa sausage: It's the main protein source in this soup.
Vegetables (Onion, Carrots, Celery, Bell pepper, Zucchini, Spinach): They add a healthy dose of vitamins and fiber.
Garlic: Adds a pungent, warming flavor.
Chicken broth: Forms the base of the soup.
Tomatoes: They add acidity and a hint of sweetness.
Potatoes: They thicken the soup and make it heartier.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that complements the other ingredients.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: For seasoning.
Parsley: Adds a fresh, herby note at the end.
Parmesan: Serves as a salty, umami garnish.
One reader, Kacie Ogden says:
This smoked sausage and vegetable soup recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are rich and comforting, and the combination of sausage and veggies is simply divine. It's easy to make and perfect for a cozy night in. I highly recommend trying it - you won't be disappointed!
Techniques Required for Making This Soup Recipe
How to brown sausage: In a large pot over medium-high heat, add the sausage and let it brown for about 2 minutes. Toss and let it cook for 2 minutes longer.
How to sauté vegetables: In the same pot, after removing the sausage, add the remaining olive oil and sauté the onions, carrots, and celery for 3 minutes. Then add the bell pepper and garlic, and sauté for an additional 2 minutes.
How to simmer soup: After adding the broth, tomatoes, potatoes, Italian seasoning, and seasoning with salt and pepper, bring the mixture to a boil. Then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
How to cook zucchini: Stir in the zucchini and cook for 10 minutes longer, or until the vegetables are tender.
How to serve: Serve the soup warm with Parmesan cheese and enjoy!
How To Make Smoked Sausage and Vegetable Soup
A bowl of this meaty vegetable soup is a filling meal, loaded with a savory broth, tender kielbasa sausage, bell peppers, and crunchy zucchini!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2tbspolive oil,divided
- 12ozsmoked turkey kielbasa sausage,quartered through the length, sliced
- 1½cupsyellow onion,(1 medium), chopped
- 1cupcarrots,(2 medium), diced
- 1cupcelery,(2 stalks), diced
- 1½cupsyellow bell pepper,(1 medium), chopped
- 1½tbspgarlic,(4 cloves), minced
- 6cupschicken broth,low-sodium
- 14.5oztomatoes,(1 can), petite diced
- 1½cupspotatoes,russet or red potatoes, diced into ½-inch pieces
- 1tbspdried Italian seasoning
- salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1cupsmall zucchini,diced
- 2cupsspinach,chopped
- 2tbspfresh parsley,minced
- parmesan,finely shredded, for serving, optional
Instructions
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Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
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Add in sausage and let brown for about 2 minutes, then toss and let cook for 2 minutes longer. Transfer to a plate while leaving about 1 tablespoon of oil in the pan.
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Add the remaining olive oil, then add onions, carrots and celery. Sauté 3 minutes.
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Add bell pepper and garlic, then saute 2 minutes longer.
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Pour in broth, tomatoes, potatoes, Italian seasoning and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the sausage.
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Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Stir in the zucchini and cook for 10 minutes longer, or until the vegetables are tender.
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Stir in the spinach and parsley, then let warm through.
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Serve warm with parmesan cheese, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 302.35kcal
- Fat: 12.49g
- Saturated Fat: 2.63g
- Trans Fat: 0.20g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 6.22g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.51g
- Carbohydrates: 28.54g
- Fiber: 4.41g
- Sugar: 9.25g
- Protein: 19.89g
- Cholesterol: 49.72mg
- Sodium: 1251.87mg
- Calcium: 88.48mg
- Potassium: 1073.80mg
- Iron: 3.11mg
- Vitamin A: 269.40µg
- Vitamin C: 73.60mg
Technique Tip for Enhancing the Flavor of This Soup
When sautéing the vegetables, make sure to cut them into uniform sizes. This ensures that they cook evenly and at the same rate. Also, remember to add the vegetables that take longer to cook first, like carrots and onions, and add those that cook quicker, like zucchini and spinach, towards the end. This way, all the vegetables will be perfectly cooked at the same time.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Soup
Prep ahead: Chop and store vegetables and sausage in advance to save time during the cooking process.
Use pre-cut vegetables: Opt for pre-cut vegetables to minimize prep time and make the recipe more convenient.
One-pot cooking: Consider using a pressure cooker or slow cooker for a hands-off approach to cooking the soup.
Frozen vegetables: Utilize frozen vegetables as a time-saving alternative to fresh ones, without compromising on flavor.
Multi-task: While the soup simmers, use the time to prepare other components of the meal or clean up the kitchen.
Substitute Ingredients For Smoked Sausage and Vegetable Soup Recipe
smoked turkey kielbasa sausage - Substitute with smoked pork kielbasa sausage: If you prefer a pork-based sausage, smoked pork kielbasa can be used as a substitute for the smoked turkey kielbasa sausage, providing a similar smoky flavor and texture.
yellow bell pepper - Substitute with red bell pepper: Red bell peppers can be used as a substitute for yellow bell peppers, offering a slightly sweeter flavor and vibrant color to the soup.
chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used as a substitute for chicken broth, providing a lighter and slightly different flavor profile to the soup.
potatoes - Substitute with sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes can be used as a substitute for regular potatoes, adding a hint of sweetness and a different texture to the soup.
zucchini - Substitute with yellow squash: Yellow squash can be used as a substitute for zucchini, offering a similar texture and mild flavor to the soup.
spinach - Substitute with kale: Kale can be used as a substitute for spinach, providing a heartier texture and a slightly different flavor to the soup.
Best Way to Present This Hearty Soup
Elevate the plating: When presenting the smoked sausage and vegetable soup, focus on creating a visually appealing arrangement. Consider using a wide-rimmed bowl to showcase the vibrant colors and textures of the soup and vegetables.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Add a touch of sophistication by garnishing the soup with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a burst of fresh flavor to the dish.
Incorporate a drizzle of olive oil: Before serving, delicately drizzle a high-quality olive oil over the soup. This adds a luxurious sheen and a hint of richness to the overall presentation.
Accompany with crusty artisan bread: Serve the smoked sausage and vegetable soup alongside a slice of warm, crusty artisan bread. This adds a rustic and comforting element to the presentation, inviting guests to indulge in a hearty and satisfying meal.
Consider the placement of the parmesan: Instead of simply sprinkling parmesan over the soup, consider presenting it in a separate dish or elegantly shaving it over the soup at the table for a dramatic and indulgent touch.
Essential Tools for Making Smoked Sausage and Vegetable Soup
- Large pot: A large, heavy-bottomed pot is essential for cooking soups, stews, and stocks. It allows for even heat distribution and ample space for ingredients to simmer and meld together.
- Sauté pan: A sauté pan is perfect for browning the sausage and sautéing the vegetables. Its wide, flat base provides ample surface area for even cooking and browning.
- Cutting board: A sturdy cutting board is necessary for prepping the vegetables and sausage. Look for one with a groove around the edges to catch any juices and prevent spills.
- Chef's knife: A sharp chef's knife is indispensable for chopping and dicing the vegetables and sausage. It provides precision and control for clean, even cuts.
- Wooden spoon: A wooden spoon is ideal for stirring the soup as it simmers, ensuring that nothing sticks to the bottom of the pot and that the flavors are well-distributed.
- Soup ladle: A soup ladle is essential for serving the finished soup. Look for one with a deep bowl and a long handle for easy scooping and serving.
How To Store and Freeze Leftover Soup
- Let the smoked sausage and vegetable soup cool completely before storing or freezing.
- Transfer the cooled soup to an airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag.
- If using a container, make sure to leave about an inch of space at the top to allow for expansion during freezing.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
- Store the soup in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- When ready to enjoy, thaw the frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator.
- Reheat the soup in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- If the soup appears too thick after freezing and reheating, add a little chicken broth or water to achieve the desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed before serving.
- For best results, consider adding fresh spinach and parsley when reheating the soup to brighten up the flavors.
How To Reheat Leftover Soup
Reheat the leftover smoked sausage and vegetable soup in a pot on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it reaches the desired temperature. This method allows you to control the heat and ensure that the vegetables and sausage are evenly heated throughout.
If you're short on time, you can reheat the soup in the microwave. Transfer the desired portion to a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a damp paper towel to prevent splatters. Heat the soup in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval, until it's heated through.
For a quick and easy lunch, reheat the leftover smoked sausage and vegetable soup in a slow cooker or crockpot on low heat for 1-2 hours. This method is perfect if you want to come home to a warm and comforting meal after a long day at work.
If you want to add some extra flavor to your leftover soup, try reheating it with a splash of chicken broth or a dollop of sour cream. You can also sprinkle some fresh parsley or parmesan cheese on top for a burst of freshness.
To reheat the soup in the oven, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the desired portion to an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil, and bake for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. This method is great if you want to reheat a large batch of soup for a family dinner.
Random Fact About Smoked Sausage and Vegetable Soup
Smoked sausage and vegetable soup is a hearty and nutritious dish that can be easily customized with different vegetables and seasonings. It is a great way to incorporate a variety of nutrients into your diet in a delicious and comforting way.
Is This Soup Recipe Economical for Home Cooking?
The smoked sausage and vegetable soup recipe is cost-effective for a household. The combination of smoked turkey kielbasa sausage, vegetables, and chicken broth provides a hearty and satisfying meal. The ingredients are reasonably priced and readily available, making it an affordable option for families. The estimated cost for a household of 4 people is approximately $20. The overall verdict rating for this recipe is 9 out of 10 for its affordability, nutritional value, and delicious flavor.
Is This Soup Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
This smoked sausage and vegetable soup recipe is a nutritious and well-balanced meal. It contains a variety of vegetables, including onions, carrots, celery, bell peppers, zucchini, and spinach, which provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The smoked turkey kielbasa sausage adds protein and flavor to the dish, while the chicken broth and tomatoes create a flavorful and comforting base. The use of olive oil and parmesan cheese in moderation adds healthy fats and a savory touch to the soup.
To make this recipe even healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Use a low-sodium chicken broth to reduce the overall salt content of the dish
- Opt for a leaner sausage, such as chicken or turkey sausage, to decrease the saturated fat content
- Increase the variety and quantity of vegetables in the soup, such as adding kale, green beans, or mushrooms, to boost the nutrient density
- Replace the potatoes with a lower-carb alternative, such as cauliflower or turnips, for those watching their carbohydrate intake
- Use whole-grain pasta or quinoa instead of potatoes to increase the fiber content and add a different texture to the soup
- Experiment with different herbs and spices, such as rosemary, thyme, or smoked paprika, to enhance the flavor without relying on added salt
Editor's Thoughts on This Delicious Soup Recipe
This smoked sausage and vegetable soup recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The smoky kielbasa sausage adds depth to the soup, while the variety of vegetables brings a wonderful balance. The use of Italian seasoning and fresh parsley elevates the dish, and the addition of parmesan cheese at the end ties everything together beautifully. It's a hearty and comforting soup that is perfect for a cozy night in. The recipe is well-structured and easy to follow, making it a great choice for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
Enhance Your Smoked Sausage and Vegetable Soup Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Smoked Sausage and Vegetable Soup Recipe:
This recipe features smoked turkey kielbasa sausage that adds a rich, smoky flavor, while the combination of carrots, celery, and bell pepper provides a colorful and nutritious base. The addition of spinach and zucchini brings a fresh and vibrant touch, enhancing the overall nutritional value. With a blend of Italian seasoning and fresh parsley, this soup promises a burst of aromatic flavors. The use of chicken broth and tomatoes ensures a hearty and comforting base. This recipe is a wholesome and flavorful choice for a satisfying meal.
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