Sicilian Soup
A hearty Sicilian-inspired soup featuring Italian sausage, tomatoes, and tiny pasta, perfect for warming up and satisfying in a comforting, flavorful bowl.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the sausage and minced onion in a pot.
- Drain the excess fat and liquid.
- Add Italian tomatoes, sugar, chicken broth, basil, salt, and pepper to the pot. Bring to a boil.
- Add the tiny pasta (orzo) to the boiling mixture.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring frequently.
- If the soup becomes too thick, add more broth as needed.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth, consider using spicy Italian sausage for a kick. If you don't have orzo, any small pasta like ditalini or even rice can work in a pinch. Fresh basil can replace dried basil for a more vibrant flavor, just remember to adjust the quantity as fresh herbs are more potent. This soup can also be enhanced with a splash of red wine during cooking for a richer taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty Sicilian soup with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top and a slice of crusty bread for dipping. A fresh green salad on the side complements the meal well. For an Italian-inspired feast, pair this with Chicken Breasts Cacciatore or a light pasta dish. A glass of Chianti would also be a delightful accompaniment.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Sicilian soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if it has thickened. This soup also freezes well; store it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sicilian Soup contains roughly 212 calories, with 8g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (95% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (36% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1861mg per serving (81% 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 different types of meat in this soup?
Yes, you can substitute the Italian sausage with ground turkey, chicken, or even beef if you prefer a different flavor profile. Just adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the meat is fully cooked.
What can I add to make the soup more nutritious?
Adding vegetables like spinach, kale, or zucchini can boost the nutritional value of your soup. Stir them in during the last 10 minutes of cooking to ensure they retain their texture and color.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Absolutely! Replace the Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or omit it entirely and add more vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it vegetarian-friendly.
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).