ITALIAN BREAD SOUP

Italian Bread Soup image

Provided by Diana Perry

Time 1h10m

Number Of Ingredients 8

2-14.5 oz cans beef broth, or consome
2 can(s) water
3-14.5 oz cans stewed tomatoes
12-1" slice 1 day old italian or french bread, cubed or torn into pieces
1 lb sweet italian sausage (i prefer publix brand, if that is available to you)
1 large onion, chopped
1/2 c grated parmesan cheese (use freshly grated, if at all possible)
2 tsp mrs. dash italian seasoning, or italian herb blend

Steps:

1. Put broth, water and tomatoes, with their liquid into a 5 qt. pot; Mash tomatoes to make smaller bite size pieces--I use a potato masher for this step.
2. Add bread cubes; cover and simmer for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally til thick.
3. Meanwhile, remove casing from sausage; brown well; remove from pan and drain on paper towels to reduce extra fat.
4. Saute onions until golden in the pan drippings; remove with slotted spoon to avoid adding extra fat to the soup.
5. Add mean, onions, seasonings and Parmesan to the simmering broth. Cook about 5 minutes longer, or until it starts to come to a boil.
6. Garnish each bowl with additional Parmesan.