Italian sausage and peppers are one of my favorite things to slap inside some buns. We are creating that same vibe in this soup and loading it with delicious in-season vegetables. We have this small but vibrant vegetable garden in my backyard that I’ve been wanting to do something with and that’s how this soup started.

It all started last spring when we took on the project of transforming this neglected patch to a garden. It took a few weeks to build and lots of mistakes, but we eventually built the cutest garden space. I wandered through my garden during the late summer just marveling at my ripe tomatoes, firm zucchini, and glistening peppers. I can’t believe I GREW that. This inspired me to create a hearty garden soup. I gathered all the ingredients I liked: green and red peppers, crisp celery, earthy onions, garlic, and zucchini. With a basket brimming with produce let’s transform these treasures into a delicious soup.

I start by browning a pound of Italian sausage in a large pot, adding a cup of chopped onion and minced garlic. The kitchen filled with their savory aroma. Next, I diced and added the celery and peppers, creating a vibrant medley. I stirred in Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, a can of fire-roasted tomatoes, and six cups of chicken stock. As the soup simmered, the fragrant blend of spices and fresh vegetables filled the house. After 30 minutes, I added the diced zucchini, letting it simmer for an additional 10 minutes. Ladling the steaming soup into bowls, I sprinkled grated Parmesan cheese on top. We gathered around the table, savoring each spoonful—a celebration of our garden’s bounty and a testament to the joy of homegrown food.

Enjoy this soup with a big piece of bread to soak up all that delicious broth and a big bowl of shaved parmesan cheese.