Quick and Flavorful Italian Soup: Hearty, Budget-Friendly.

If you’re looking for a soup recipe that comes together in no time, won’t break the bank, and is bursting with delightful flavors, look no further than this Italian Soup. Packed with wholesome ingredients and simmered to perfection, this soup is a true crowd-pleaser. From the savory browned Italian sausage to the vibrant assortment of vegetables, aromatic herbs, and the delightful addition of beans, every spoonful offers a comforting and satisfying experience.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound hot Italian sausage
• A little oil
• 4 cloves of garlic
• 3 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery sticks, chopped
• 32 ounces chicken broth
• 16 ounces tomato sauce
• 1 can of stewed tomatoes
• Seasonings (basil, oregano, thyme)
• A little sugar
• 1 heaping teaspoon of baking soda
• 2 cans of beans (kidney beans and great northern beans, or substitute with pintos)
• Pasta (elbow macaroni)
• Salt
• Parmesan cheese (for serving)
• Crusty bread (for serving)

Method:

1. In a pot, heat a little oil and brown the hot Italian sausage.
2. Add the garlic, chopped carrots, and chopped celery sticks to the pot.
3. Pour in the chicken broth, tomato sauce, and the can of stewed tomatoes.
4. Season with basil, oregano, and thyme.
5. Stir in a little sugar and the heaping teaspoon of baking soda.
6. Simmer the mixture with a lid on until the carrots are tender.
7. Add the two cans of beans to the pot without rinsing them. Rinse the cans and scrape out any remaining contents into the pot.
8. Continue to simmer the soup with the lid on to warm the beans through and allow the flavors to blend.
9. In a separate pot, cook the pasta (elbow macaroni) in salted water until it is al dente.
10. Drain the pasta and add it to the soup.
11. Serve the Italian soup with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top.
12. Accompany with crusty bread for dunking.

Enjoy your homemade Italian Soup!