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If you are craving a bowl of comfort that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, then you must try this Harvest Italian Sausage and Vegetable Soup Recipe. Bursting with hearty Italian sausage, vibrant vegetables, and fresh kale, this soup is a wonderful celebration of autumn’s bounty and savory flavors. With every spoonful, you’ll experience a perfect harmony of tender potatoes, earthy mushrooms, and fragrant herbs, making it an irresistible meal that’s both nourishing and deeply satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting your hands on the right ingredients is what makes this soup shine. Each element plays its role, bringing in texture, flavor, and beautiful color all while keeping things approachable and simple enough for anyone to make at home.
- 12 ounces pre-cooked mild or hot Italian sausage: Sliced into rounds, this adds a rich, savory depth and a satisfying protein punch.
- Cooking spray: Keeps your pot coated evenly without extra calories or grease buildup.
- 2 teaspoons olive oil: Adds a pleasant fruitiness and helps soften the veggies gently.
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced (1 ½ cups): The base of your flavor, onions bring a subtle sweetness and aroma when cooked down.
- 2 large carrots, peeled and thinly sliced (1 cup): Carrots contribute a natural sweetness plus vibrant orange color.
- 2 large celery ribs, diced or thinly sliced (½ cup): Celery adds a refreshing crispness that balances the sausage’s richness.
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced: Earthy and meaty, mushrooms deepen the soup’s umami notes perfectly.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced: Garlic brings warmth and bright aromatics that tie all the flavors together.
- 12 ounces small red potatoes, quartered or cut into ½-inch pieces: Potatoes create a hearty, creamy texture when tender.
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that infuse the soup with classic Mediterranean flair.
- ½ teaspoon fine salt, plus more to taste: Enhances all the flavors without overwhelming.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and rounds out the seasoning.
- 4 cups chicken broth: The flavorful cooking liquid that ties every ingredient together into a luscious broth.
- 3 cups kale, stems removed and torn into bite-sized pieces: Adds a punch of color, nutrients, and a slight bitterness that beautifully contrasts the sausage.
- Optional for serving: Chopped fresh parsley, shaved Parmesan, and crusty bread offer fresh, cheesy, and crunchy accompaniments that turn this soup into a full experience.
How to Make Harvest Italian Sausage and Vegetable Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cooking Base
Start by heating a large pot over medium-high heat, then spray it with cooking spray and swirl in olive oil to coat the bottom evenly. This combination prevents sticking while imparting subtle richness to the vegetables as they cook.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the diced onions, carrots, celery, and sliced mushrooms to the pot. Let them cook gently, stirring every so often, until the onions become translucent and the mushrooms release their juices—about 8 minutes. This step layers in sweetness and earthiness that will form the heart of the soup’s flavor.
Step 3: Infuse Aromatics and Seasonings
Stir in the minced garlic, dried Italian seasoning, and black pepper, letting them cook for 30 seconds so their aroma blooms vividly. Garlic’s pungency and the herb mix create a fragrant foundation that promises a complex, Italian-inspired taste.
Step 4: Build the Broth
Pour in the chicken broth, then add the quartered red potatoes. Crank up the heat just enough to bring everything to a gentle boil. The potatoes will absorb flavor as they cook and provide body and comfort to the soup, so don’t rush this crucial stage.
Step 5: Simmer to Tenderness
Cover your pot and reduce the heat to low to let the soup simmer for 25-30 minutes. This slow cooking softens the potatoes and carrots until they’re tender and pleasingly melt-in-your-mouth, while the broth deepens in flavor with each passing minute.
Step 6: Add Sausage and Kale
Now stir in the pre-cooked sausage slices and torn kale leaves, allowing the soup to simmer uncovered for 3 more minutes. The sausage briefly warms through releasing savory flavor, while the kale gently wilts, adding freshness, vibrant green color, and a nutritious boost.
Step 7: Final Seasoning and Serve
Give your soup a taste and adjust with additional salt or pepper as desired. Remove from heat, ladle into bowls, and prepare to delight your senses with this hearty, savory masterpiece.
Step 8: Store Wisely
Once cooled, transfer any leftovers to airtight containers to keep everything fresh for days to come, or prepare for freezing to enjoy later. This soup maintains its deliciousness and texture beautifully after proper storage.
How to Serve Harvest Italian Sausage and Vegetable Soup Recipe
Garnishes
To really elevate your Harvest Italian Sausage and Vegetable Soup Recipe, fresh garnishes make all the difference. A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley adds a burst of color and a subtle herbaceous note, while shaved or shredded Parmesan cheese introduces a nutty creaminess that melts into the warm broth, making every sip extra indulgent.
Side Dishes
This soup is wonderfully satisfying on its own, but pairing it with crusty bread is pure magic. Whether you opt for a rustic baguette, a warm focaccia, or garlic toasts, dipping the bread into the rich broth offers such a cozy experience that’s hard to beat. A light side salad with lemon vinaigrette can also balance the meal if you want some extra greens on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve the soup in bread bowls for a rustic, fun presentation that doubles as an edible side. You can also offer a small parmesan crisp on top or swirl in a dollop of ricotta cheese for extra creaminess. Adding a few drops of chili oil or a dash of freshly crushed red pepper flakes can spice things up beautifully depending on your mood.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Harvest Italian Sausage and Vegetable Soup Recipe keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store it in airtight containers to preserve the flavors and textures. When you’re ready for a quick meal, just reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Freezing
This soup freezes like a dream! Divide it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving a little room for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping ahead.
Reheating
Reheating is best done slowly on the stove over medium-low heat to keep the sausage tender and the kale vibrant. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator or use a gentle defrost setting on your microwave to avoid overcooking the vegetables.
FAQs
Can I substitute another type of sausage in the soup?
Absolutely! While Italian sausage offers a great flavor profile, you can substitute with other pre-cooked sausages like chorizo, bratwurst, or even turkey sausage depending on your preference. Just keep the seasoning in mind and adjust accordingly.
Is this soup spicy?
The spice level depends on the sausage you choose. Mild Italian sausage makes this soup gentle and comforting, while hot Italian sausage adds a spicy kick. You can also adjust heat by adding red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you want more punch.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
You can easily adapt the recipe by omitting the sausage and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For added protein and texture, try adding cooked beans or lentils, and consider sautéing extra mushrooms or some smoked paprika for a meaty depth of flavor.
What’s the best type of kale to use?
Curly kale or dinosaur kale (Lacinato) both work well here. Just remove the tough stems and tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces so they cook quickly and soften nicely in the broth without becoming mushy.
Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the vegetables and garlic on the stovetop first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Add broth, potatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, and let it cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. Add sausage and kale in the last 15 minutes so the kale stays bright and the sausage warms through without drying out.
Final Thoughts
This Harvest Italian Sausage and Vegetable Soup Recipe has a special place in my heart because it manages to be both simple and extraordinary—a bowl full of vibrant, comforting flavors that feel like home. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or yourself, this soup is an easy way to celebrate seasonal produce while indulging in the savory goodness of Italian sausage. Give it a try and I promise it will quickly become one of your go-to recipes for cozy nights!
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