“Italian Sausage and Chickpea Soup 

“Italian Sausage and Chickpea Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Italian sausage, removed from casings
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 1 stalk celery, diced
• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup small pasta (e.g., ditalini or shells)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped for garnish

Instructions:

Preparing the Base:

1. Cook the Sausage: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside.
2. Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until the vegetables start to soften, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Building the Soup:

3. Combine Ingredients: Return the sausage to the pot along with chickpeas, diced tomatoes, and broth. Stir in the Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer.
4. Add Pasta: Add the pasta to the soup and continue to simmer until the pasta is tender, about 10 minutes, depending on the type of pasta used.

Finishing Touches:

5. Add Cream: Stir in the heavy cream and heat through, being careful not to boil the soup.
6. Garnish and Serve: Serve the soup hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley or basil.

Conclusion:

This Italian sausage and chickpea soup is a wonderfully comforting meal that’s perfect for any season. It’s packed with flavors and textures—from the spiciness of the sausage to the creaminess of the broth and the heartiness of chickpeas and vegetables. Each spoonful offers a delightful taste of Italy, making it a satisfying choice for a family dinner or a cozy meal. Enjoy the process of creating this delicious soup and the warmth it brings to your table!