Portuguese Sausage Soup
A hearty Portuguese sausage soup with tomatoes, herbs, and noodles, offering rich flavors and comforting warmth, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 3 stalks celery, sliced ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 tsp olive oil ⓘ
- 2 cans stewed tomatoes
- 1/2 green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 cup tomato puree ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped Italian sausage ⓘ
- 6 cups chicken broth ⓘ
- 3 bay leaves ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp thyme ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp oregano ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped parsley ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 cup noodles ⓘ
- 1/2 cup red wine ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute onion, celery, and garlic in olive oil until transparent.
- Add stewed tomatoes, tomato puree, chopped Italian sausage, sugar, green pepper, red wine, and chicken broth.
- Simmer for 20 minutes.
- Remove bay leaves and add noodles and chopped parsley.
- Cook until noodles are tender, then serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier soup, consider adding diced potatoes or carrots along with the other ingredients. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can substitute the Italian sausage with chicken sausage. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can enhance the taste; just remember to adjust the amounts since dried herbs are more concentrated. If you want a bit of spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Portuguese Sausage Soup with crusty bread for a comforting meal. A side salad or a simple dish of Greek Lemon Rice Soup pairs beautifully with this hearty soup, balancing flavors and textures. Top individual servings with additional parsley for a fresh garnish, and consider offering grated Parmesan cheese for those who enjoy a cheesy finish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it's too thick. For longer storage, freeze the soup in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Portuguese Sausage Soup contains roughly 1742 calories, with 43g protein, 326g carbohydrates, and 68g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (421% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (357% of the Daily Value), and iron (222% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 639mg per serving (28% 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 a different type of sausage for this recipe?
Yes, you can definitely use different types of sausage. While Italian sausage gives it a nice flavor, you could try using chorizo for a spicier kick or chicken sausage for a lighter option. Adjust the seasoning accordingly to complement the sausage you choose.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and replace chicken broth with vegetable broth. You can add beans for protein and extra vegetables like zucchini or spinach for texture. Adjust the seasonings to ensure robust flavor without the meat.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To add some heat to the soup, consider including diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes during the sautéing step. You could also use a spicy Italian sausage or add a few dashes of hot sauce to the pot. Taste as you go to achieve your desired level of spiciness.
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).