Sausage Potato Soup
Sausage potato soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining savory sausage with tender potatoes in a creamy broth. This hearty dish warms the soul and satisfies the appetite, making it perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time. Dive into this recipe and treat yourself to a bowl of warmth and flavor!
Ingredients
– 1 lb sausage (smoked or fresh)
– 4 medium potatoes, cubed
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 carrots, sliced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh herbs (parsley or thyme) for garnish
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe makes 6 servings. Preparation time is 15 minutes, and cooking time is approximately 30 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 bowl) contains approximately 350 calories, 20g fat, 30g carbohydrates, and 15g protein. This is a hearty and filling dish that provides a good balance of nutrients.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. In a large pot, brown the sausage over medium heat until cooked through.
2. Remove the sausage and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pot.
3. Add diced onions and carrots to the pot; sauté until softened.
4. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
5. Add cubed potatoes to the pot, stirring to combine with the vegetables.
6. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
7. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
8. Return the sausage to the pot, mixing well.
9. Stir in the heavy cream, heating through without boiling.
10. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and garnish with fresh herbs.
Alternative Ingredients
Feel free to substitute turkey sausage for a leaner option, or use vegetable broth and omit the sausage for a vegetarian version. You can also add other vegetables, like spinach or corn, for extra flavor and nutrition.
Serving and Pairings
This sausage potato soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a fresh garden salad. It’s also delightful with a sprinkle of cheese on top or served alongside crackers for a crunchy contrast.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if it thickens. This soup can be frozen for up to 3 months; just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Cooking Mistakes
- Not browning the sausage properly can lead to a lack of flavor.
- Overcooking the potatoes may cause them to disintegrate.
- Adding cream too early can curdle it if the soup is too hot.
- Neglecting to season well can make the soup bland.
- Using too much broth can thin the soup excessively.
Helpful Tips
- For a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes before adding the cream.
- Use a variety of potatoes for different textures and flavors.
- Fresh herbs enhance the final taste; add them just before serving.
- Consider adding a splash of hot sauce for a kick.
FAQs
Can I make sausage potato soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Simply brown the sausage and sauté the vegetables before adding them to the slow cooker with the broth and potatoes. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, then stir in the cream before serving.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, this sausage potato soup can be made gluten-free by ensuring that the sausage and broth are certified gluten-free.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate vegetables like spinach, corn, or green beans for added nutrition and flavor.
How do I make it spicier?
To make the soup spicier, you can add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños while sautéing the vegetables or mix in hot sauce just before serving.
What type of sausage works best?
Smoked sausage adds great flavor, but you can use fresh sausage or even chicken sausage for a lighter option. Choose your favorite based on your taste preferences.
Conclusion
Sausage potato soup is a delightful dish that brings warmth and comfort to your table. With its hearty ingredients and simple preparation, it’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy a bowl of this creamy goodness and experience the joy it brings to your meal!
Sausage Potato Soup
Ingredients
- 1 lb sausage smoked or fresh
- 4 medium potatoes cubed
- 1 onion diced
- 2 carrots sliced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs parsley or thyme for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot, brown the sausage over medium heat until cooked through.
- Remove the sausage and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pot.
- Add diced onions and carrots to the pot; sauté until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add cubed potatoes to the pot, stirring to combine with the vegetables.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
- Return the sausage to the pot, mixing well.
- Stir in the heavy cream, heating through without boiling.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, and garnish with fresh herbs.
