Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Spicy Sausage, White Bean and Vegetable Soup


If you like cream of tomato soup and a bit of spice, then you will want to try this recipe. Layering the flavors is the best way to create a great bowl of soup. You can serve this with garlic bread to help absorb the creamy broth.


Olive Oil
Spicy Ground Sausage (no casing and about a 1 lb)
1 White Onion Diced
1 1/2 Cup Diced Zucchini
1 1/2 Cup Diced Carrot
1 Cup Diced Celery
2 Garlic Cloves Minced
1 Can Diced Tomatoes
2 tbsp Tomato Paste
2 Cans Cannellini (white beans) Rinsed and Drained
1/2 tsp Italian Season
Salt and Pepper for Seasoning
Chicken Stock/Broth (or Vegetable)
Half and Half (about 1/3 cup or less depending on preference)

Heat a dutch oven or heavy large stock pot over medium-high heat. Drizzle with olive oil. Crumble and sauté sausage until browned. Add onion and garlic. Sauté until onion begin to become opaque. Add carrots. Season with salt and pepper. Sauté for about 5 to 10 minutes. Add celery and zucchini and sauté for about 5 to 10 minutes. Add diced tomatoes and season with salt and pepper. Sauté for another 5 minutes or so. Add beans, Italian seasoning and add broth/stock. This is where you can decide how thick you would like your soup. Add the tomato paste. Let simmer on a light boil for about 15 minutes before you taste for seasoning (you want all the flavors to marry). At that point add more salt and pepper if needed. Continue to simmer for an additional 15 minutes. Turn off heat and rest for 5 minutes. Then drizzle in the half and half and stir until fully mixed. Serve and ENJOY!!!!!

Wine pairing.......Chianti, Merlot, Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.

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