Crock Pot Tuscany Peasant Soup

Total Time: 4 hrs 50 mins Preparation Time: 20 mins Cook Time: 4 hrs 30 mins

Ingredients

• Servings: 4
• 4 (4 ounce) mild italian sausage, about 1 pound
• 1 stalk celery, diced
• 3 medium zucchini, thinly sliced
• 1 small onion
• 3 cups beef stock
• 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 2 teaspoons fresh basil, chopped or 1/2 teaspoon dry basil
• 1 salt and pepper, to taste
• parmesan cheese, grated or romano cheese, grated, to taste

Recipe

• 1 in a large skillet over medium heat, brown italian sausages on all sides; slice sausages 1/2-inch thick rounds.
• 2 use non-stick cooking spray or a little vegetable oil if using turkey italian sausage.
• 3 pour off excess fat.
• 4 add to skillet the celery, zucchini and onion.
• 5 saute 2 minutes longer, stirring.
• 6 in crockpot, combine beef broth, tomato sauce, and basil.
• 7 add sausage and vegetable mixture; cover and cook on low for 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 hours.
• 8 add salt and pepper to taste.
• 9 ladle soup into bowls and garnish with grated parmesan cheese.
• 10 serve this hearty soup with garlic bread or crusty italian bread.