Description
A hearty and flavorful Pepper Soup featuring spicy Italian sausage, sautéed peppers, garlic, and a rich tomato base simmered with rice and fresh herbs. This comforting soup is perfect for a cozy meal and is finished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra savory touch.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb hot Italian sausage
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 4-6 garlic cloves, minced
Tomatoes and Rice
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (14.5 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 3/4 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
Liquids and Seasonings
- 6 cups low-sodium beef broth
- Fresh herbs (basil, oregano, parsley), to taste
- Red pepper flakes, to taste
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Finishing Touches
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for stirring in
- Shredded mozzarella cheese, for topping
Instructions
- Brown the sausage and onion: In a large soup pot over medium-high heat, brown the hot Italian sausage together with the chopped yellow onion. Cook and stir for about 4 minutes until the sausage is cooked through and the onion is softened.
- Sauté the peppers and garlic: Add the chopped red and green bell peppers, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes to the pot. Continue to sauté for 2–3 minutes until the peppers begin to soften and the garlic is fragrant.
- Add tomatoes, rice, herbs, and broth: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, uncooked long-grain white rice, fresh herbs (such as basil, oregano, and parsley), and low-sodium beef broth. Stir well to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Simmer the soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer. Let the soup cook uncovered for 8–12 minutes, or until the rice is tender and fully cooked through.
- Finish and serve: Stir freshly grated Parmesan cheese into the soup to enhance richness and seasoning. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Serve the soup topped with shredded mozzarella cheese for a creamy finish.
Notes
- Use hot Italian sausage for a spicy kick, or substitute with mild sausage if preferred.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your preferred spice level.
- Fire-roasted diced tomatoes add a smoky depth to the soup, but you can use regular diced tomatoes if unavailable.
- Do not overcook the rice to prevent it from becoming mushy; monitor closely after 8 minutes.
- Fresh herbs can be adjusted or swapped according to availability and preference.
