We have had an actual "winter" this year. It has been refreshing and invigorating! It has also been colder than we're used to. I guess we've become wimps. That's okay because I have found some fabulous soup recipes to play with.
I don't normally like soups. I often leave the table still feeling hungry. I have had to find ways to make our soups more hardy so we feel like we've eaten enough and don't end up snacking all night. I found this recipe and after adding a protein and adjusting the liquid measurements, it hit the spot.
It has been so popular my daughter requested it as her birthday dinner! Rock on. I've also been able to send it in her lunchbox a couple times and she's a happy girl.
It's also a really flexible recipe. I have added Italian sausage here, but I bet it would be great with chicken (ground or shredded). Different pastas would work too, just don't go too big or thick. Maybe a small shell or elbow noodle? Something to try.
It also is amazing with a great bread like this focaccia I just posted recently. You need something to soak up all that yummy broth.
Sausage Ditalini Parmesan Soup
1lb ground Italian sausage
2T butter
4 garlic cloves
3c chicken broth
2c water
2c ditalini pasta
1/2c shredded parmesan
parsley for garnish
salt and pepper, to taste
Heat your stock pot and the butter. Once melted, add the sausage and brown, 2-3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and let cook for 30 seconds more. Add the broth, water and pasta. Allow to cook for about 15 minutes, long enough for the pasta to soften to desired texture. Add salt and pepper to taste and then add the parmesan cheese. Only cook until cheese is melted and mixed throughout. Serve and enjoy!
Kudos to this recipe for being my inspiration.
