Hearty Sausage and Rice Soup

Summer was always my favorite season but I think, as I get older, I am enjoying the fall more now than ever. I love the crisp air, the comfortable temperatures and the fact that I can once again enjoy my soup and stew recipes. I love soups and have quite an arsenal of recipes ~ there is always a pot of soup in my refrigerator 🙂

This soup recipe is super simple, healthy, and oh so tasty ~ make a big batch on the weekend to enjoy for lunch during the week. Full of veggies, including kale / spinach and zucchini and lots of protein with sausage and beans.

I’ve been told that I make a mean pot of soup so I hope you enjoy! I used mild italian sausage in this recipe but feel free to use hot if you like it spicy! If you can find turkey italian sausage, even better!! You could also substitute quinoa for the rice and it is delicious as well.

Hearty Sausage and Rice Soup

1 lb italian sausage, about 4 large links
1 large onion, diced
1 large green pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 large can stewed tomatoes, diced (any flavor), undrained
4 cups water
1 large box of beef broth
1 can tomato paste
1 tsp chili powder
2 cups brown rice, cooked (or quinoa)
1 medium zucchini
2 large handfuls of kale or spinach, chopped
1 can white beans, drained and rinsed well

Preparation

Cook sausage, onion, pepper, and garlic until onion is tender and sausage is brown. Drain off fat.

Stir in undrained tomatoes, water, beef broth, tomato paste and chili powder. Bring to boil and add kale or spinach and white beans. Lower heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Add cooked rice and simmer about 5 minutes. Serves 8 – 10.

Enjoy! 🙂