Description
Hearty Tuscan minestrone soup delivers rustic Italian comfort through rich vegetable medleys and savory herbs. Warming bowls promise delightful nourishment that connects you with traditional Mediterranean culinary warmth.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 4 links (3.5 ounces) Italian sausage, sliced
- 8 cups chicken stock
Vegetables and Herbs:
- 2 tablespoons chopped onion
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
Cooking and Finishing Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups uncooked white rice
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Warm olive oil in a spacious pot over medium heat, gently sautéing minced garlic and diced onions until they become translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Introduce sliced Italian sausage to the pot, allowing each piece to develop a rich, golden-brown exterior by cooking for 5-6 minutes, ensuring even caramelization.
- Pour in rich chicken stock, then sprinkle dried oregano, fresh basil, and chopped parsley. Elevate temperature to achieve a robust boil, then reduce heat and let the liquid simmer gently for 45-50 minutes, allowing flavors to meld harmoniously.
- Incorporate uncooked rice into the simmering soup, continuing to cook for an additional 25-30 minutes until rice becomes tender and absorbs the aromatic liquid.
- Swirl heavy cream into the soup, creating a luxurious, silky texture. Remove from heat and allow the soup to rest for 3-4 minutes, enabling final flavor integration before ladling into warm bowls.
Notes
- Swap out traditional pork sausage for turkey or chicken sausage to reduce fat and create a lighter version of the soup.
- Add extra vegetables like chopped kale or spinach during the last 15 minutes of simmering to boost nutritional value and create more texture.
- Use short-grain brown rice instead of white rice for a higher fiber and more nutrient-dense option that adds a nutty flavor to the soup.
- Opt for a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream or cashew cream to make the recipe suitable for lactose-intolerant or vegan diners while maintaining a rich, creamy consistency.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 275 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 19 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg