Soup season welcomes a new champion to the table. This Italian sausage and gnocchi creation combines tender potato dumplings with a velvety broth that carries just the right amount of heat. The process begins with browning spicy sausage, creating a foundation of flavor that supports the pillowy gnocchi. Cream transforms the simple soup into something extraordinary. The initial spoonful merely hints at what waits beneath the surface.
Spicy Sausage Broth Recipe
This spicy sausage broth forms the flavorful foundation of a hearty Italian soup that warms you from the inside out. The rich combination of browned Italian sausage, aromatic vegetables, and savory broth creates a depth of flavor that can stand alone or serve as the perfect base for additions like gnocchi, beans, or leafy greens.
What makes this broth special is the careful layering of flavors – starting with properly caramelized sausage that renders its fat and spices, followed by slowly softened onions and garlic that release their sweetness into the mix. The addition of red pepper flakes provides a customizable heat level, while tomatoes contribute acidity and richness that balances the savory elements perfectly.
Ingredients
- 1 pound hot Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-2 teaspoons red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat, then add the sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon and browning it thoroughly for about 5-7 minutes until no pink remains.
Reduce heat to medium, add the diced onions to the rendered sausage fat and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes, then add garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to caramelize slightly, then add diced tomatoes with their juice, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, bay leaf, salt, and pepper; bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes to allow flavors to meld together and the broth to slightly reduce.
For the best flavor development, prepare this broth a day ahead and refrigerate overnight, allowing the spices and seasonings to fully infuse.
If you prefer a less chunky broth, you can use an immersion blender to partially blend some of the vegetables and sausage, creating a thicker consistency while maintaining some texture. This soul-warming soup is especially perfect for cold winter days when you need something rich and comforting.
The spice level can be easily adjusted by varying the amount of red pepper flakes or substituting mild Italian sausage for a gentler heat profile that’s more family-friendly. Unlike diminished taste perception that occurs during air travel, this spicy soup’s robust flavors remain potent and satisfying when enjoyed on the ground.
Gnocchi Selection Guide
Selecting the right gnocchi can dramatically improve your soup from good to exceptional, especially when paired with a robust sausage broth. For traditional flavor, potato gnocchi offers pillowy texture that absorbs the soup’s richness without becoming mushy.
In a time crunch, store-bought varieties work well, but check the ingredient list for minimal additives. This type of gnocchi is often sold under modified atmospheric packaging for extended shelf life. Look for packages with a short ingredient list as this typically indicates higher quality and more authentic flavor.
For something unique, consider ricotta gnocchi (gnudi) for a lighter, more delicate addition to your soup. They’re particularly good for creamier broths.
Alternatively, semolina gnocchetti sardi provides more chew and substance, standing up beautifully to heartier, spiced sausage broths.
When cooking, keep in mind that fresh gnocchi floats to the surface when done – typically in just 2-3 minutes. Pre-packaged versions may need slightly longer, around 3-4 minutes.
Creamy Consistency Makes Magic
While traditional soups rely on roux or heavy starches, the magic of a truly memorable Italian sausage and gnocchi soup lies in its silky, luxurious consistency.
Modern techniques eliminate the need for flour-based thickeners, instead harnessing the natural creaminess of vegetables like potatoes or cauliflower.
The secret to perfection is methodical blending and temperature control. Using an immersion blender in batches guarantees smoothness, while straining through a fine-mesh sieve removes any unwanted particles. Batch blending prevents unwanted lumps that would compromise the velvety texture.
After adding cream or dairy alternatives like coconut milk, maintain a gentle simmer to prevent separation.
For maximum flavor development, layer aromatics from the start—sautéed onions and garlic build a foundation, while a splash of acid from tomatoes or lemon brightens the rich base.
This balance transforms simple ingredients into a comforting masterpiece that pairs wonderfully with a subscription-delivered artisan whiskey for an elevated dining experience.
