With a couple of Italian sausages, a little onion, a few mushrooms, and a head of broccoli, you’re well on your way to a nourishing soup. This hearty combination of simple ingredients is the perfect thing to warm up a winter’s afternoon or evening. Select an Italian sausage with plenty of fennel to flavour this soup.
Up the spice
If you want a spicier soup, select a spicy Italian sausage, or use one hot and one mild for a medium-spiced version.
Sausage, Broccoli, and Barley Soup
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp (30 mL) extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 2 mild Italian Sausages, about 200 g total, casing removed and cut into small pieces
- 2 cups (500 mL) finely diced cremini mushrooms
- 1 cup (250 mL) pot barley, rinsed
- 4 cups (1 L) low-sodium chicken broth
- 10 oz (284 g) chopped broccoli florets
- 2 oz (56 g) grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
01
In large saucepan, heat 1Tbsp (15 mL) olive oil on medium-high heat. Add sausage and sauté until brown, for 5 to 7 minutes. Use slotted spoon to remove to a plate. Add onions and sauté for 2 minutes. Add mushrooms and sauté for a further 4 minutes. Add barley and stir 30 seconds to incorporate before adding small amount of chicken stock. Increase heat to high and, with wooden spoon, scrape up any brown bits from pan. Pour in remaining stock and bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 30 minutes, until barley is tender. Add broccoli and cook for a further 5 to 7 minutes, until broccoli is just tender.
02
Ladle into bowls and garnish with Parmesan cheese.
