Sausage Potato Soup

Ingredients

Seasonings

1 teaspoon dried basil

½ teaspoon dried parsley

½ teaspoon dried oregano

½ teaspoon mustard powder

¼ teaspoon pepper

Soup

1 lb. ground Italian sausage, hot or mild

2 tablespoons butter

1 yellow onion, diced

½ cup diced carrots

2 ribs celery, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

3 tablespoons flour

1 teaspoon soy Sauce

1 teaspoon hot sauce

5 cups chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

1 ¼ lbs. red potatoes, about 6 small potatoes

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, optional

To Garnish

Red pepper flakes

Fresh Parsley

Instructions:

Step 1: Cook the Sausage:

Remove the casings from the sausage if you purchased links.

Preheat a large pot over medium heat.

Add the sausage and cook and crumble to break it apart.

Once cooked halfway through, cover partially and continue to heat, stirring occasionally, until cooked through.

It’ll take around 10-12 minutes total.

Set the sausage aside and reserve 1 tablespoon drippings. (Butter can be used if you don’t have drippings.)

Step 2:

Add the drippings to the pot along with 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat.

Add the diced onions, celery, and carrots and cook for 5 minutes.

Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.

Step 3:

Add the flour and cook for 2 minutes.

Add the chicken broth in splashes, and use a silicone spatula to “clean” the bottom of the pot to add more flavor the soup.

Slowly stir in the heavy cream, hot sauce, soy sauce, and seasonings.

Step 4:

Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.

Clean the potatoes and pat them dry.

Cut into 1-inch cubes and add them to the soup.

Simmer, uncovered, until the potatoes are fork tender, about 20-25 minutes.

Add the sausage back and stir to combine.

Step 5:

Reduce heat to low and stir in the cheddar cheese (if desired).

Garnish with red pepper flakes and parsley. Serve!

Notes:

Flavorful Seasonings: This soup recipe uses a delightful blend of dried basil, parsley, oregano, mustard powder, and pepper to enhance the savory profile of the dish. These herbs and spices contribute to the robust flavor of the soup.

Hearty Ingredients: The soup features ground Italian sausage as the primary protein, which adds a rich and savory taste. The addition of diced onions, carrots, celery, and garlic provides a medley of flavors and textures, complementing the sausage and potatoes.

Creamy and Rich Base: The soup base is made creamy and indulgent with the addition of heavy cream, which adds a luscious texture to the broth. This creaminess pairs beautifully with the savory sausage and tender potatoes.

Thickening Agent: Flour is used to create a roux, providing a thick and velvety consistency to the soup. This helps bind the ingredients together and gives the soup a satisfying texture.

Red Potatoes: Red potatoes are chosen for this recipe due to their waxy texture, which holds up well during cooking and adds substance to the soup. They become tender and flavorful as they simmer in the broth.

Optional Cheesy Finish: The addition of shredded cheddar cheese is optional but highly recommended for those seeking an extra layer of richness and flavor. The cheese melts into the soup, adding a creamy and cheesy element.

Customizable Garnishes: Red pepper flakes and fresh parsley are suggested garnishes that add color and brightness to the finished dish. These garnishes can be adjusted based on personal preference or omitted if desired.

Cooking Technique: The recipe employs a layering technique of adding ingredients gradually, ensuring optimal flavor development. Cooking the sausage first, followed by sautéing vegetables and creating a roux, allows each component to contribute to the overall depth of flavor.

Serve and Enjoy: This Sausage Potato Soup is a comforting and satisfying meal on its own, perfect for chilly days. It can be garnished creatively and paired with crusty bread or a simple side salad for a complete meal.

Make Ahead and Freeze: This soup can be made ahead of time and freezes well. It’s ideal for meal prepping or serving for a crowd. Adjustments can be made to suit dietary preferences or spice tolerance.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 6 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use different types of sausage for this soup?

Yes, you can use either hot or mild ground Italian sausage based on your preference for spiciness.

Is the cheddar cheese necessary for this recipe?

No, the shredded cheddar cheese is optional.

It adds richness and flavor to the soup, but you can omit it if desired.

Can I substitute the heavy cream with a lighter alternative?

Yes, you can use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter version of the soup.

How can I adjust the spice level of this soup?

You can adjust the amount of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to increase or decrease the spiciness according to your taste.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this soup ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve.

The flavors tend to meld together even better when reheated.

Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, this soup freezes well. Store it in airtight containers or freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What can I serve with this soup?

This soup pairs well with crusty bread, garlic bread, or a side salad for a complete meal.

How can I make this soup vegetarian?

You can omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make a delicious vegetarian version of this soup.

Can I use different types of potatoes?

Yes, you can use Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes instead of red potatoes.

Adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the potato variety.

What’s the purpose of mustard powder in this recipe?

Mustard powder adds a subtle tangy flavor and depth to the soup.

It complements the other spices and ingredients well, enhancing the overall taste.