Creamy Potato and Sausage Soup

Creamy Potato and Sausage Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound (450g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
• 4 slices of bacon, chopped
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 medium carrots, grated
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Meat:
   • Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
   • Add sausage and cook until browned. Remove sausage from the pot and set aside.
   • In the same pot, cook chopped bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside with the sausage.
2. Sauté Vegetables:
   • In the bacon drippings, sauté onion, celery, and garlic until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
3. Cook the Soup Base:
   • Add potatoes and carrots to the pot, stirring to combine.
   • Pour in the chicken broth and add thyme, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using).
   • Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender (about 10–12 minutes).
4. Add Creaminess:
   • Stir in the heavy cream and return the cooked sausage and bacon to the pot.
   • Simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
   • Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
5. Serve:
   • Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.