Cozy Sweet Potato and Sausage Tortellini Soup

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Cozy Sweet Potato and Sausage Tortellini Soup

Introduction

This rustic Sweet Potato and Sausage Tortellini Soup combines the comfort of traditional Italian flavors with a modern twist. Born from the tradition of minestrone but elevated with cheese-filled tortellini and the subtle sweetness of sweet potatoes, this hearty soup represents the perfect marriage of Old World charm and contemporary cooking. Originally crafted as a way to utilize seasonal ingredients, this soup has evolved into a beloved family favorite that brings warmth to any dinner table, especially during cooler months.

Ingredients

For 6-8 servings:

  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
  • 1 large onion, diced (about 200g/7 oz)
  • 3 celery stalks, diced (about 180g/6.3 oz)
  • 2 carrots, diced (about 200g/7 oz)
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced (about 6g/0.2 oz)
  • ½ teaspoon (2.5g) salt
  • ¼ teaspoon (1g) black pepper
  • 1 pound (450g) Italian sausage
  • 2 tablespoons (30g) tomato paste
  • 1 sweet potato, peeled & cubed (about 300g/10.5 oz)
  • 24 ounces (680g) tomato sauce
  • 6 cups (1.4L) chicken broth
  • 1 fresh rosemary sprig
  • 12 ounces (340g) tortellini
  • 2 cups (60g) fresh spinach
  • ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat until shimmering.
  2. Add diced onion, celery, carrots, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables begin to soften and become fragrant.
  3. Incorporate Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces using a wooden spoon. Cook for approximately 7 minutes until thoroughly browned and no pink remains.
  4. Add tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to coat the vegetables and meat.
  5. Introduce cubed sweet potato, tomato sauce, chicken broth, and rosemary sprig. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  6. Maintain a gentle simmer for 15 minutes, or until sweet potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
  7. Remove excess fat if desired by gently laying paper towels on the surface.
  8. Add tortellini to the simmering soup and cook according to package instructions (typically 7-9 minutes for frozen, 3-5 minutes for fresh).
  9. Once tortellini is tender, fold in fresh spinach and grated Parmesan cheese.
  10. Remove rosemary sprig before serving.

Timing and Nutritional Information

Total Time: 45 minutes

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes

Nutritional Information (per serving):

  • Calories: 425
  • Protein: 23g
  • Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Fat: 21g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Sodium: 1280mg

Cooking Tips and Tricks

  1. For enhanced flavor, use a combination of sweet and hot Italian sausage.
  2. Cut vegetables in uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.
  3. Toast the tomato paste until it darkens slightly to develop a deeper flavor.
  4. For a thicker soup, mash some sweet potato pieces against the side of the pot.
  5. Reserve some Parmesan for garnishing individual servings.

Variations and Substitutions

  1. Protein Options:
  • Turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter version
  • Plant-based sausage for vegetarian preparation
  • Ground beef or pork as alternatives
  1. Pasta Variations:
  • Regular cheese ravioli
  • Small shell pasta
  • Gnocchi
  1. Vegetable Substitutions:
  • Butternut squash instead of sweet potato
  • Kale or Swiss chard in place of spinach
  • Add mushrooms for extra umami
  1. Broth Options:
  • Vegetable broth for vegetarian version
  • Bone broth for added nutrition
  • Low-sodium broth to reduce salt content

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A: Yes, prepare the soup without adding the tortellini, spinach, and Parmesan. Add these ingredients when reheating to serve.

Q: Can I freeze this soup?
A: Freeze the base soup without tortellini and spinach for up to 3 months. Add fresh pasta and greens when reheating.

Q: How can I make this soup less spicy?
A: Use mild Italian sausage and reduce the black pepper. You can also add a splash of cream to mellow the heat.

Q: Is there a gluten-free version?
A: Replace regular tortellini with gluten-free pasta or additional vegetables. Ensure your sausage is gluten-free.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Storage Instructions:

  • Refrigerate for up to 4 days in an airtight container
  • Store pasta separately if making ahead
  • Cool completely before refrigerating

Make-Ahead Tips:

  1. Prepare vegetable base up to 2 days ahead
  2. Cook pasta fresh when serving to prevent over-softening
  3. For meal prep, portion into individual containers without pasta
  4. Reheat gently on stovetop or microwave, adding fresh spinach when serving
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