WINTER COUNTRY SOUP

Winter Country Soup image

My soup will warm your family up on the chilliest of winter nights. Featuring smoked sausage, beans and vegetables, it's a satisfying meal all by itself, or a hearty way to start one! -Jeannette Sabo, Lexington Park, Maryland

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 55m

Yield 12 servings (3 quarts).

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

1 tablespoon butter
1 package (14 ounces) smoked sausage, cut into 1/4-inch slices
1 large sweet red pepper, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
8 shallots, chopped
8 cups chopped fresh kale
3 cups frozen corn (about 15 ounces)
1 can (15-1/2 ounces) great northern beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon pepper
8 cups vegetable broth
3/4 cup uncooked orzo pasta

Steps:

In a Dutch oven, heat butter over medium-high heat; saute sausage with pepper and shallots until browned., Add kale; cook, covered, until kale is wilted, 2-3 minutes. Stir in all remaining ingredients except orzo; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 20 minutes., Return to a boil. Stir in orzo. Cook until pasta is tender, 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 258 calories, Fat 11g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 25mg cholesterol, Sodium 1067mg sodium, Carbohydrate 32g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 10g protein.