Italian sausage is a favorite among sausage lovers. It has a
distinctly different taste form traditional smoked sausages. It is
typically a pork product. One thing that gives it its unique flavor are
the spices anise and fennel included in the product.
One traditional was to cook Italian sausage is on the grill, and another
is to brown it in a skillet. However, another great way to enjoy this
tasty sausage is in soup. Like most hot and hearty soups, this one is
good in cool weather, but don’t wait until then to try it. It’s too good
to pass up.
Homemade Italian Sausage Soup
2 cups of water
½ cup of uncooked wild rice
1 pound of Italian sausage
1 teaspoon of olive oil
1 cup chopped onion
2 teaspoons of garlic powder
3 cups of water
3 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
3 x 450g cans chicken broth
1 can (400g or so) stewed tomatoes, drained and diced
1 pound sliced mushrooms
3 large green bell peppers sliced in large chunks
Salt and pepper to taste (at least ¼ teaspoon each)
Grated fresh parmesan cheese
In a medium saucepan, bring 1 ½ cups of water to a boil. Add the rice
then reduce the heat and cover. Simmer 1 hour or until rice is tender.
Set aside.
Over medium high heat, brown the Italian sausage in a large heavy pot,
then remove the sausage and cut into small bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
Next, in the same heavy pot, add the olive oil and heat over medium high
heat, then add the onion and sauté until transparent (about 3 minutes).
Add the garlic and sauté another minute, then add the sausage, 3 cups of
water, tomato paste, oregano, basil, chicken broth, mushrooms and bell
peppers. Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer for about 20 minutes.
Stir in the rice and salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot and sprinkle
the parmesan cheese over the soup.
This is a good hearty soup and would go well served with garlic bread or
cheese toast.
