Mediterranean Italian sausage potato soup with carrots & spinach

🥣 Mediterranean Italian Sausage Potato Soup with Carrots & Spinach

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 3 medium carrots, sliced into rounds

• 4 medium potatoes, diced (Yukon Gold or red work well)

• 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth

• 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) diced tomatoes (optional, for a Mediterranean touch)

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1 tsp dried basil

• ½ tsp smoked paprika

• Salt & black pepper to taste

• 2 cups fresh spinach leaves

• ½ cup grated Parmesan (for serving)

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Brown the Sausage

   • In a large soup pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.

   • Add sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, and cook until browned.

   • Remove sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

   • In the same pot, add onion, carrots, and garlic.

   • Cook 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant.

3. Add Potatoes & Seasoning

   • Stir in potatoes, oregano, basil, paprika, salt, and pepper.

   • Toss well to coat the vegetables with the seasonings.

4. Build the Soup Base

   • Pour in broth and diced tomatoes (if using).

   • Return sausage to the pot.

   • Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 20–25 minutes, until potatoes are tender.

5. Add Spinach

   • Stir in fresh spinach and simmer for 2–3 minutes until wilted.

6. Serve

   • Ladle soup into bowls.

   • Top with grated Parmesan and fresh parsley.

   • Serve hot with crusty bread.

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🌿 Tips & Variations

• For extra creaminess, stir in ½ cup heavy cream or coconut milk at the end.

• Add zucchini or bell peppers for more Mediterranean veggies.

• Swap sausage with chicken sausage or turkey for a lighter version.

• For spice lovers, add red pepper flakes.