Monday, January 5, 2009

Slow-Cook Tuscan Sausage-and-Bean Soup


Well, it's time once again for the recipe of the week. I want to share another one of my family's favorite soup recipes since that is what we seem to eat a lot of this time of year. This one comes from Weight Watchers New Complete Cookbook (which is a fabulous cookbook, by the way) and rivals any soup I've ever eaten in a restaurant where flavor is concerned. It's also made in a crock pot, which is always a bonus in my book.

Slow-Cook Tuscan Sausage -and-Bean Soup

12 oz. turkey kielbasa (or smoked sausage), cut into 1/4" thick rounds.
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 onion, chopped
1 medium carrot, peeled and chopped
1 celery stalk, chopped
1/2 medium bunch kale, chopped (about 4 cups)
3 cups fat-free low-sodium chicken broth
1 (15.5 oz.) can red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15.5 oz.) can great Northern beans, rinsed and drained
1 (14.5 oz.) can Italian seasoned diced tomatoes
1/2 cup dry red wine or water
1 tsp. dried basil

In a slow cooker, place the kielbasa, garlic, onion, carrot, celery, kale, broth, kidney beans, great Northern beans, tomatoes, wine, and basil. Stir to combine. cover and cook on low until the vegetables are tender, 8-10 hours. *Note: To make the chopping go much quicker, I throw the garlic, onion, and carrots in the food processor with the Italian tomatoes to break up the chunks. Also, if you don't have 8-10 hours for this to cook, assemble it at lunchtime and cook it on high instead of low.

This is delicious with a big salad and crusty French bread. I live in a small town and the fresh French bread can be hard to find. Pillsbury makes it in a tube that is found with the biscuits. It is delicious and no one is ever the wiser.

Hope you enjoy it as much as we do.

2 comments:

  1. I am going to have to try this one. I love weight watchers. It works if you do it. I am starting back counting my points and working toward a healthier me.

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  2. Your blog keeps getting better and better! Your older articles are not as good as newer ones you have a lot more creativity and originality now keep it up!

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