ITALIAN SAUSAGE SOUP

By LindaW1955

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups coarsely chopped celery
• 1 1/2 cups coarsely chopped onions
• 1 1/2 cups sliced carrots
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 3 TBS olive oil
• 2- 14.5 oz cans chopped tomatoes, reserve the liquid
• 1 cup tomato puree
• 1 1/4 lbs Italian sausage, sauteed, drained
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 tsp oregano
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/2 tsp thyme
• 1/2 cup chopped parsley
• 3 TBS sugar
• 1 cup orzo or other small pasta
• Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish

Preparation

Step 1

1. Saute celery, onions and garlic in olive oil until barely tender. Add the tomatoes, puree and sauteed sausage. Cook for 10" over medium heat. Add the broth, herbs and sugar and simmer for 30". Add the pasta and continue cooking until it is just done***. Serve w/ Parmesan cheese.

If you wish a thinner soup, se the reserved juice from the tomatoes as additional liquid.

***I cook the pasta separately and add just before serving, to prevent all the broth from being absorbed by the pasta.