4 Tablespoons vegetable oil

1 large yellow onion
   (approx. 2 cups)

2 carrots, diced 1/2"

2 ribs celery, diced 1/2"

1 bay leaf

6 cloves garlic, fresh, minced (approx. 2 Tbl.)

4 cups potatoes, diced 1/2"

4 each “Simply Good” Spicy Italian Sausage

4 cups northern white beans, cooked, drained

2 cups tomatoes, canned, diced

8 cups chicken stock, home made or low-sodium

Kosher salt as needed, approx. 3 teas.

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Garnish
Croutons, Parmesan cheese and parsley

Italian Tuscan White Bean Soup
Serves : 12

Method:
1. In a 8-quart soup pot, placed over medium-high heat (425 degrees) add 4 tablespoons of vegetable oil and sausage. Brown sausage approx. 2 minutes on each side. Remove from pan. Once cool enough to touch, cut into 1/2" size pieces.

2. Once sausage is removed from pan add: diced onions, carrots, celery, garlic, potatoes, 1-2 teas. kosher salt, pepper and bay leaf. Cook these vegetables for 6–10 minutes until they are slightly golden in color.

3. Then add the tomatoes, white beans, diced sausage and chicken stock. Bring the soup up to a boil. Once it has come to a boil turn the heat down to low and simmer for 10 minutes, or until all vegetables are cooked through. Taste to check seasoning. Remove bay leaf and serve.