Minestrone Soup with Italian Sausage

Italian Sausage Makes This Minestrone Soup Special!

This is a yummy soup, loaded with veggies. You can use mild, medium, or spicy Italian sausage, it’s up to you. If you have extra soup, freeze it for another day.

Minestrone Soup with Italian Sausage

Serves 6

2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 pound chopped Italian sausage meat, casings removed and crumbled
1 medium onion, finely diced
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 cup each chopped celery, carrot and red bell pepper
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 bay leaf
1 can 28 fl oz chopped tomatoes
4 cups chicken stock
1 cup green cabbage, shredded
1 cup canned kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup elbow macaroni
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:
In a large heavy saucepan, heat oil. 

Add sausage and brown lightly. Add onion, garlic, celery, carrot, and red pepper. Cook until veggies are soft and meat is cooked, about 6-8 minutes.

 
Stir in basil, oregano, bay leaf, tomatoes, and stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover to simmer for 10 minutes.

 
Add cabbage and beans. Cover and cook 20 more minutes. Add macaroni and cook another 10 minutes.
Serve with fresh Parmesan cheese to sprinkle on top.