"Knife And Fork" Soup
A hearty, flavorful soup with smoked sausage, vegetables, and savory onion soup mix, perfect for warming up and satisfying family cravings on chilly days.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb smoked sausage links ⓘ
- 1 cup thinly sliced carrots ⓘ
- 1 cup sliced celery
- 1 1/2 oz dry onion soup mix ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp sugar ⓘ
- 1 tsp salt ⓘ
- 6 cups boiling water ⓘ
- 1 large can tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 (28 oz) package dehydrated hash browns with onions ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz) package frozen sliced okra or green beans ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp oregano leaves ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp hot pepper sauce ⓘ
Instructions
- In a 4 to 6 quart Dutch oven, combine sausage, carrots, celery, onion soup mix, sugar, and salt.
- Add boiling water; stir to combine.
- Heat to boiling; reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 10 minutes.
- Add tomatoes, breaking them up; then stir in hash browns, okra, oregano, and hot pepper sauce.
- Heat to boiling again.
- Reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 30 to 40 minutes or until vegetables are tender, stirring once or twice.
- Ladle the thick soup into large bowls.
- Serve with crusty bread and mustard.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider sautéing the sausage and vegetables before adding water. You can substitute the smoked sausage with turkey sausage for a lighter option. If you want a thicker soup, reduce the amount of boiling water. Adding a bay leaf during simmering can enhance the taste. This soup is versatile; feel free to throw in leftover vegetables or beans for a unique twist.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread and a side salad for a complete meal. For a delightful contrast, serve with a dollop of mustard on the side. You can also enjoy it alongside a slice of Delicious Brisket for a satisfying dinner. Garnishing with fresh herbs can elevate the presentation and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simmer on the stove until warmed through, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen it up. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of "Knife And Fork" Soup contains roughly 1982 calories, with 43g protein, 401g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (351% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (154% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2428mg per serving (106% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh vegetables can be used in place of frozen. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as fresh vegetables may cook faster. Carrots and celery should still be sliced thinly for even cooking. This flexibility allows you to customize the dish based on what you have on hand.
Is this soup suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This soup is perfect for meal prep. It can be made in advance and stored in the fridge or freezer. Just remember to leave some space in the container when freezing, as the soup may expand. When reheating, add a bit of water if it thickens too much.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the sausage and sauté the vegetables in a pan first for added flavor, then transfer everything to the slow cooker with the boiling water and remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the vegetables are tender.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).