Healthy Italian Soup

Healthy Italian Soup

I wasn't really sure what to call this soup. I wanted to make something pretty healthy but that I could also play around with and add whatever sounded good at the time. I'm kind of picky and don't love a lot of vegetables but like everyone else I feel like after all of the sweets and comfort food from the holidays it's time to eat a little less and a bit healthier. I thought soup would be a great lunch option. My husband doesn't like soup so I choose to make it for lunch and make it exactly as I like it, so in a way it works out. I will definitely make it again and I'm sure I will make it a little bit different every time just to mix things up a bit. It was really good and I think its a great start to eating better. 

Start by heating some oil in a pot and saute an onion and some celery. Add a dash of salt and pepper.  I also added a small amount of red chili flakes but that is completely optional.  

I then added half a pound or half a tube of breakfast turkey sausage. If you want it more meaty then by all means use the whole lb. Once the sausage was cooked through I added some garlic and mushrooms. 

Let that cook for a couple minutes to soften the mushrooms, in the mean time slice up a couple of potatoes. 

Add 3 1/2 cups of chicken broth (or vegetable broth) to the pan along with a can of diced italian tomatoes. I blended my tomatoes in a small food processor first. I wanted the tomatoes to be broken up a bit plus I think it makes the broth a prettier color. I used the tomatoes that had garlic, basil and oregano added to them but you could use any variety that you want.  Add 1 tsp of dried oregano and some salt and pepper.

Once the liquid begins to boil add your potatoes and cook until nearly tender, about 20-25 minutes. Throw in some chopped kale and cook until wilted then add some fresh parsley. Make sure you taste it to see if it needs more salt and/or pepper. 

I grated some parmesan cheese on top for a little added yumminess. I absolutely love parmesan and its very rare for me to not have some in my fridge at all times. 

Eat and feel a little healthier and lighter. You can get so creative with this soup so let your imagination run wild. Cater it to what you like or what your family likes. 

Healthy Italian Soup

1 tbs Olive Oil

1/2 medium onion, diced

2 stalks celery, diced 

1/4 tsp red chili flakes (optional)

1/2 lb turkey sausage

2 gloves garlic, minced

1 container sliced fresh mushrooms (approx 2-3 cups)

3 1/2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)

1 14.5 oz can Italian style diced tomatoes (or Italian stewed tomatoes)

1 tsp. dried oregano

2 medium potatoes, sliced

1 1/2 cups chopped kale (about 3 stems)

2 Tbs fresh parsley, chopped 
Parmesan cheese

In a large pot saute onion and celery in olive oil. Add salt and pepper and if desired red chili flakes. Cook until translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Add sausage and cook through. Add in mushrooms and garlic and cook for 3-5 minutes until mushrooms have started to soften. Blend tomatoes in a blender or food processor. Add to pot along with broth. Add oregano and bring to a boil. Add sliced potatoes and cook until nearly tender. Add chopped kale and cook for 5 minutes or until both kale and potatoes are tender. Add fresh parsley and taste to see if it needs more salt or pepper. Serve and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese. 

Yields: 4-5 servings

Trying Adding/Substituting:

Spinach 

Crimini or portabello mushrooms

Carrots

Green Beans

Small noodles such as macaroni 

Tortellini

Cannellini Beans 

Brocolli