Hearty minestrone

6 servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
1poundsHot or Mild Italian Sausage
2tablespoonsOlive oil
1eachLarge onion, chopped
3eachesLarge cloves garlic, chopped
5cupsChicken stock
1can28 oz tomatoes, chopped
1pack10 oz frozen spinach, chop
cupSliced carrots
cupFrozen cut beans
teaspoonDried basil
½teaspoonDried Marjoram
1pinchHot Pepper Flakes
1can19 oz Romano beans
¾cupSmall shell pasta

Directions

Prick the skins of the sausages; place in a saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil, cover and let simmer for 15 minutes or until cooked. Drain; cut into slices. In a large saucepan or dutch kettle, heat oil and lightly brown the sausage slices. Add the onions and garlic; cook 2 - 3 minutes until softened. Add the chicken stock, chopped tomatoes including juice, frozen spinach, carrots, beans, basil, marjoram and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and let simmer, covered, for 10 minutes or until vegetables are almost tender. Add the romano beans including liquid, and the pasta and peas. Let simmer 5 ~ 7 minutes more or until pasta is al dente - tender but firm. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Thin soup with additional chicken stock (if you wish). Ladle soup into heated bowls and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. Serves 6 - 8.

From The Gazette, 91/01/09.