Immerse yourself in the rich, culinary traditions of Sicily with this hearty and flavorful Italian Sausage Soup. This is a recipe that captures the essence of Sicilian comfort food, combining the robust flavors of Italian sausage with the earthy, delicate sweetness of broad beans.
Every spoonful delivers a melody of flavors and textures, with succulent sausage, tender broad beans, and a beautifully seasoned broth that is both comforting and invigorating. It’s a dish that’s perfect for the colder months, as it’s warming as it is nourishing.
Any type of Sicilian sausage would be suitable for this recipe. Preference should be given to those without cheese to maintain the dish’s authentic flavors. These sausages tend to have a balanced blend of seasonings that infuse the soup with a unique depth of flavor while not overpowering the other components.
In Italy, what we know as “Italian sausage” in English is typically referred to by more specific regional names, based on their area of origin or specific ingredients. For example, the general Italian name for sausage is “salsiccia”. However, the exact type, flavorings, and preparation methods can greatly vary from region to region within Italy.
Italian sausage and dinner sausage can differ in their flavor profiles and uses. Italian sausage typically refers to a style of pork sausage noted for its flavorful seasoning mix, including fennel and/or anise. It usually comes in two types, sweet (or mild) and hot, depending on the addition of spicy red pepper flakes.
Dinner sausage, on the other hand, is a broad term that encompasses many types of sausages from various cuisines, including Italian. The flavors and seasonings of dinner sausages can range widely, depending on their country or region of origin.
Absolutely, you can use canned broad beans in this recipe. In fact, they can be a convenient alternative if you’re short on time or fresh ones are not available. Just ensure that you drain and rinse them thoroughly before adding them into the soup to remove any excess salt or starch.
This soup is quite versatile and can accommodate a variety of vegetables. Leafy greens like spinach or kale add a nice color contrast and an extra dose of nutrients. More hearty vegetables like potatoes and carrots can also be added for a chunkier texture and added flavor complexity.
Soup with sausage generally lasts for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. It’s important to cool the soup properly before refrigerating it, in order to maintain its quality and safety. Store the soup in airtight containers to keep it fresh. If you’re unsure, always give it a smell and a quick taste to ensure it’s still good to eat.
While the essence of this soup lies in the rich flavors of the Italian sausage, it can be attempted with vegetarian sausage substitutes. The important factor is to choose a substitute that can mimic the robust taste and texture of traditional sausage to maintain the overall flavor profile of the soup. Another option would be to replace the sausage with dry mushrooms, as the latter can be very flavourful.
Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to enjoy the soup again, reheat it in the microwave. Make sure to stir the soup halfway through reheating to ensure even warming.
This hearty Sicilian soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, perfect for dunking and soaking up all the tasty broth. Alternatively, you can even cook small pasta in the soup itself. This not only adds extra body to the soup but also turns it into a more filling meal.
While it is technically possible to freeze this soup, it is not typically recommended. Freezing and thawing could alter the texture of the sausage and beans, potentially compromising the overall quality and enjoyment of the soup.
The soup does not require specific herbs as Italian sausage usually contains a mix of seasonings. However, if you want to enhance the flavors that complement your sausage, you can consider adding common Italian herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or fennel. These can offer an additional fragrant note to your soup.
In Sicily, this hearty soup is traditionally served with bread. The bread not only complements the flavors of the soup but also helps to absorb the flavorful broth, creating a satisfying and complete meal.
While it’s possible to replace the Italian sausage with a cut of beef, it may not deliver the same level of flavor. Italian sausage has a unique taste profile that lends this soup its distinctive character and robustness. Using beef might result in a less flavorful soup but could still make for an interesting variation, particularly for those seeking to experiment.
When pairing wine with Italian Sausage Soup, you’d want a wine that can stand up to its robust flavors. A medium to full-bodied red wine, like Chianti or Sangiovese, could be a great match. These wines have a nice balance of fruitiness, acidity, and tannins that can complement the savoury sausage and the earthiness of the broad beans without being overwhelmed.
Now that we have answered all the questions you might have, you should be ready to get cooking.
As usual, feel free to follow the recipe card instructions on screen or print it out.
PS: Make sure you are using high quality ingredients – including a great Italian sausage, good broad beans and the best EVOO you can find. Have you tried our Belmorso EVOO? It’s great to use every day. for cooking but also drizzling.
It comes in all these sizes: half litre, 1 litre, 5 litre.
