Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps for perfect results

Ingredients

0/11 checked
6
servings
2 tbsp

Extra-virgin olive oil

0.75 pound

Sweet Italian sausage links

1 unit

Onion

thinly sliced

3 unit

Fennel bulb

halved, cored and thinly sliced

2 unit

Thyme sprigs

6 cup

Chicken stock

1 unit

Zucchini

thinly sliced

1 pinch

Salt

1 pinch

Pepper

freshly ground

6 slice

Baguette slices

lightly toasted

6 unit

Gouda cheese

finely shredded

Step 1
~5 min

Heat olive oil in a large, heavy saucepan.

Step 2
~5 min

Add sausage links and cook over moderate heat until golden brown and cooked through (about 10 minutes).

Step 3
~5 min

Transfer sausage to a plate.

Step 4
~5 min

Add onion to the saucepan and cook over moderate heat until softened (about 4 minutes).

Step 5
~5 min

Add fennel and thyme and cook, stirring, until softened (about 5 minutes).

Step 6
~5 min

Add chicken stock and simmer over moderately low heat until fennel is very tender (about 45 minutes).

Step 7
~5 min

Add zucchini, cover and simmer until barely tender (about 2 minutes).

Step 8
~5 min

Discard thyme sprigs.

Step 9
~5 min

Puree the soup in batches using a food processor.

Step 10
~5 min

Return the soup to the saucepan.

Step 11
~5 min

Thinly slice the sausage and add to the soup.

Step 12
~5 min

Season with salt and pepper and keep warm.

Step 13
~5 min

Preheat oven to 500°F.

Step 14
~5 min

Arrange baguette toasts on a baking sheet and top with half of the shredded Gouda cheese.

Key Technique: Baking
Step 15
~5 min

Bake for 1 minute, or until the cheese melts.

Step 16
~5 min

Ladle the soup into bowls and top with the cheesy toasts.

Step 17
~5 min

Sprinkle the remaining cheese on the soup and serve.

Pro Tips & Suggestions

Expert advice for the best results

For a spicier soup, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Garnish with fresh parsley or fennel fronds.

Use a high-quality chicken stock for the best flavor.

Cooking Experience

Everything you need to know before you start

Time & Preparation

Cleanup Time

20 minutes

Batch Cooking
Friendly
Make Ahead

Soup can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Freezable
Kid Friendly

Cooking Environment

Messiness Level
Medium
Smell Intensity
Medium
Noise Level
Low
Elder Friendly
Suitable for seniors

Plating & Presentation

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a side salad.

Serve with crusty bread.

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

Grilled cheese sandwich
Caprese salad

Drink Pairings

Cultural Heritage

Discover the story behind this recipe

Origin & Tradition

Region of Origin

Italy

Cultural Significance

Comfort food, often enjoyed during colder months.

Style

Occasions & Celebrations

Festive Uses

Christmas
Thanksgiving

Occasion Tags

Weeknight dinner
Holiday meal
Cozy night in

Popularity Score

75/100

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