Meditterranean Pasta Soup

By learen

Ingredients

• 1/4 pound mild Italian sausage
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 teaspoons dry thyme leaves
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 cup dry small white beans
• 3 quarts regular strength chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon grated lemon rind
• 2 small carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 1 cup dry small shell pasta
• 1 medium tomato, cut into 1/2 inches
• 1 cup lightly packed shredded swiss cheese

Details

Servings 6

Preparation

Step 1

REMOVE casings on sausage and crumble into a pan. C ook over medium to high heat stirring often, until lightly browned, about 4 minutes. Add onion, garlic, thyme, and pepper; cook stirring occasionally, until onions are light gold, about 6 mintues.

REMOVE debris from beans, rinse and drain. Add beans, broth and lemon peel to sausage. Bring to a boil over high heat. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer until beans are tender to bite about 2 hours.

ADD carrots, celery, and pasta to broth. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat, cover and simmer until vegetables and past are tender to bite about 15 minutes.

LADLE into bowls and use tomato and cheese to sprinkle on soup if desired.