COUNTRY ITALIAN SOUP

Country Italian Soup image

My mom gave me this recipe a few years back, and it quickly became a family favorite. It's very flavorful and hearty.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 55m

Yield 10 servings (2-1/2 quarts).

Number Of Ingredients 16

Ingredients

1 pound bulk Italian sausage
1 large onion, sliced
2 celery ribs, sliced
2 garlic cloves, minced
5 cups water
2 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
2 medium carrots, sliced
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
1 bay leaf
2 medium zucchini, sliced

Steps:

In a Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the sausage, onion and celery until meat is no longer pink; drain. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer., Add the water, potatoes, tomatoes, carrots and seasonings. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Stir in zucchini; simmer 8-10 minutes longer or until vegetables are tender. Discard bay leaf.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 211 calories, Fat 14g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 34mg cholesterol, Sodium 876mg sodium, Carbohydrate 13g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 8g protein.