Main-Dish Minestrone

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 lb Italian sausage, sliced or crumbled
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 1/2 cup chopped carrot
• 1/2 cup chopped green pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 pinch dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• salt & pepper
• 2 cups chopped tomatoes (or 19 oz can)
• 4 cups chicken stock
• 2 cups shredded cabbage
• 1 cup cooked or canned kidney bean
• 1/2 cup elbow macaroni (or other pasta)

Directions

1. 1

   In large heavy saucepan, heat oil and butter.

2. 2

   Add sausage; brown lightly.

3. 3

   Add onion, garlic, celery, carrot and green pepper; cook until softened but not browned.

4. 4

   Stir in parsley, basil, thyme, bay leaf and a little salt& pepper.

5. 5

   Stir in tomatoes and stock.

6. 6

   Bring to a boil; reduce heat, cover and simmer for about 10 minutes.

7. 7

   Add cabbage, beans and macaroni.

8. 8

   Cover and simmer about 30 minutes.

9. 9

   If too thick, dilute with water to desired consistency.

10. 10

    Taste and adjust seasoning.

11. 11

    A nice variation on this soup is to add ground beef instead of sausage, and beef stock instead of chicken stock.

12. 12

    Add 3/4 cup dried lentils and 1/4 cup barley instead of macaroni and kidney beans.