The Spicy Ingredient That Takes Canned Tomato Soup From Bland To Bold

Having a pantry backstock of canned tomato soup is the key to quick no-fuss dinners. Paired with grilled cheese (and the best bread for that sandwich), it can mean a practically gourmet meal is always in reach. Plus, the convenient appeal of canned soup is a no-brainer. From cupboard to pot, a warm cozy bowl of soup is the closest thing you can get to good quality and instant gratification. But let's face it: even the best of the best canned soups lack that certain something special — which is why we're always on the hunt to find a simple ingredient, like infused oil, that will upgrade its flavor.

One easy way to take canned tomato soup from bland to bold is to add spicy sausage. Adding this hearty, meaty ingredient will bring more texture, protein, taste, and flavor to simple tomato soup. With so many different types of spicy sausage available, you can also experiment with different varieties from all over the world. From spicy Italian sausage to andouille, to Spanish or Mexican chorizo, customizing canned tomato soup just got a whole lot more worldly.

Elevating canned tomato soup with spicy sausage is simple, yes, but there's more than one way to do it. First you'll need to select which type of sausage you want to add. Italian sausage has a rich, peppery pork flavor with strong notes of red pepper flakes and fennel. Andouille sausage is seasoned heavily with Cajun spices and has a very distinct smoky flavor. Spanish chorizo is seasoned with paprika which gives it that characteristic red color and rich, smoky taste. Mexican chorizo uses chili peppers, vinegar, and garlic and has more of a spicy kick to it than its Spanish counterpart. 

To infuse your soup with bold flavors, consider one of two approaches. One is to sauté the spicy sausage of your choice in the pot before adding canned soup. The oils from the sausage will infuse with the liquid and bring a spicy richness that'll add more depth to every spoonful. Alternatively, you can pan-fry or grill whole sausage links until they are brown and crispy. Once cooked, slice them into thick discs and use them as a zesty topping. With these simple techniques and choices, you can easily elevate a humble bowl of canned tomato soup into a satisfying and flavorful meal.