Panamanian Sausage Soup

Ingredients

• 4 Panamanian sausages, sliced (400g) 4 Panamanian sausages, sliced (400g)
• 1 onion, diced 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced 2 carrots, diced
• 2 potatoes, peeled and diced 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
• 4 cups (950ml) chicken or vegetable broth 4 cups (950ml) chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 bay leaf 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 7g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 20g, 4g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, heat a drizzle of oil over medium heat. Add the sliced sausages and cook until browned. Remove the sausages from the pot and set aside.
2. 2.
   In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, and potatoes. Sauté for a few minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
3. 3.
   Add the minced garlic, ground cumin, and paprika to the pot. Stir well to coat the vegetables with the spices.
4. 4.
   Return the sausages to the pot and pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. Add the bay leaf and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. 5.
   Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
6. 6.
   Remove the bay leaf from the soup. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
7. 7.
   Serve the Sopa de salchichon hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Panamanian sausages — Look for authentic Panamanian sausages at specialty stores or Latin American markets. If unavailable, you can substitute with a smoky sausage variety.
• Fresh cilantro — If you're not a fan of cilantro, you can replace it with fresh parsley for a milder herb flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of flavor, you can add a splash of hot sauce or a pinch of chili flakes to the soup.
• If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the cooked potatoes with a fork before serving.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to develop even more, making it even tastier the next day.

Serving advice

Serve the Panamanian Sausage Soup as a main course, accompanied by a side of crusty bread or steamed rice. It pairs well with a fresh green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

Garnish each bowl of soup with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro to add a pop of color. Serve it in rustic bowls or soup tureens to showcase the homemade charm of this traditional Panamanian dish.