Low Carb Sausage and Pepper Soup

This hearty and comforting sausage and pepper soup gets a low carb makeover that's perfect for keto and low carb diets. By trading starchy potatoes for fiber-rich cauliflower, the carbs come down without losing any of the classic flavor. Packed with Italian sausage, vibrant bell peppers and tomatoes simmered in a rich herby broth, this soup satisfies. Read on for the simple recipe and tips for how to make this new favorite low carb soup.

Ingredients

Serves 4

• 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
• 1 head cauliflower, chopped
• 1 (28oz) can diced tomatoes
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Chopped parsley for garnish

Tips for Ingredients

Feel free to use half hot and half sweet Italian sausage. Remove casings for easy crumbling.

Cook the Sausage

In a large soup pot over medium heat:

1. Add sausage and cook for 5-6 minutes, breaking up chunks with a wooden spoon as it browns.
2. Remove cooked sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside.

Sausage Tips

Browning the sausage builds great flavor. Drain excess grease if needed.

Sauté the Veggies

Next, build flavor with the aromatics:

1. In the same pot, add onion, peppers and garlic. Sauté 5 minutes.
2. Stir in cauliflower and sauté 3 minutes more.

Veggie Tips

Onion, garlic and peppers create an aromatic base. Cauliflower gives body once simmered.

Simmer the Soup

Now to bring it all together:

1. Return browned sausage to the pot.
2. Add tomatoes, chicken broth and seasonings.
3. Simmer 20 minutes until cauliflower is tender.
4. Adjust seasonings to taste.

Simmering Tips

Letting the soup simmer develops the flavors. Add broth as needed if becoming too thick.

How to Serve

Top ways to enjoy this flavorful low carb soup:

• Garnished with parsley and Parmesan cheese
• With crusty low carb bread for dipping
• Ladled into bread bowls
• With a side salad for a heartier meal

It's also perfect served with garlic bread made with low carb bagels, tortillas or cloud bread.

Storing Leftovers

Refrigerate leftover soup up to 5 days. The flavors continue to develop as it sits. Reheat gently before serving.

To freeze, let cool completely then transfer to freezer bags. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Nutrition

1 serving provides:

• Calories: 345
• Fat: 21g
• Net carbs: 14g
• Protein: 23g

Packed with protein and low carbs, it makes a very filling keto-friendly meal.

Substitutions

Try these ingredient swaps:

• Kale or spinach instead of cauliflower
• Chorizo or kielbasa for the sausage
• Cubed chicken or turkey meatballs
• Roasted red peppers instead of yellow

Soup Tips

Handy tips for making this soup:

• Brown sausage well for deep flavor
• Chop veggies small for faster cooking
• Add broth as needed for desired consistency
• Simmer at least 20 minutes for best flavor

More Delicious Low Carb Soups

If you love hearty soups, try these other low carb winners:

• Taco soup
• Broccoli cheddar
• Creamy cauliflower
• Zuppa toscana
• Chicken tortilla

There are so many options for flavorful low carb soups and stews!

Conclusion

This easy low carb sausage and pepper soup proves you can still enjoy deliciously comforting soups on a keto diet. Swapping starchy potatoes for fiber-filled cauliflower cuts the carbs without sacrificing heartiness. Packed with protein from Italian sausage and simmered until piping hot, it makes a perfectly satisfying meal any time of year. Customize it with your favorite herbs, spices and add-ins. Whip up a batch of this new favorite low carb soup soon!

FAQs

What goes well served with this soup?

A side salad or low carb bread is perfect alongside the soup. Cheesy garlic bread is delicious too.

Can I use chicken broth instead?

Yes, you can use chicken broth if you don't have vegetable broth. The flavor will be a bit different.

How do I make this soup more spicy?

Add extra red pepper flakes or a diced chili pepper when cooking the aromatics.

Can I use frozen cauliflower?

It's best to use fresh cauliflower florets for the best texture, but frozen works in a pinch.

Should I remove sausage casing?

Yes, remove casings before cooking so the sausage can crumble nicely into the soup.