Italian Sausage Soup

Ingredients

• 1 pound Italian sausage, mild or hot
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 stalks celery, diced
• 1 large carrot, diced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Directions

1. In a large soup pot, cook the Italian sausage over medium-high heat until fully cooked, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from the pot and drain off any excess fat.
2. Add the onion, garlic, and olive oil to the pot and cook until the onion is softened, about 5 minutes. Add the celery and carrot and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the tomato paste, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes.
5. Add the cooked sausage and parsley to the pot and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
6. Serve hot.

Interesting Facts

• Italian sausage is typically made with pork, but can also be made with beef, chicken, or turkey.
• The red pepper flakes provide a subtle kick to the soup.
• This soup is perfect served with a crusty bread or a side salad.