Some Soup for You?

I thought I would mix it up a little bit and share a recipe. I got this from my Grandma, who is half Italian. Everything she makes is wonderful. I think most of my close pals have this recipe already, but just in case you don't...TRY IT! It's so, so good. My mom drove down this past week and loaded me up with fresh vegetables from their garden (perfect for this soup)! So, if you have some zucchini and/or tomatoes sitting around, here is a delicious summer soup to try. It's hearty and flavorful and easy to make.

Italian Soup
1/2 - 1 lb mild or hot italian sausage
1 onion, diced
1 garlic clove, minced
1 bottle or 1 large can crushed tomatoes
1 1/2 cans Swanson's beef broth
1 zucchini, sliced
1 yellow squash, sliced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1/2 T. dried basil leaves
1/2 C. instant rice
some sugar (about a Tablespoon)
Salt to taste

Directions:
Remove sausage from casings and saute until browned. Pour off most of the grease and put sausage in a stock pot. Using remaining grease, add onion, garlic, green pepper, and cook until soft. Add rice, broth, tomatoes, sugar and bring to a boil. Add squash, zucchini, basil leaves and simmer until tender and the rice is done (1/2 hour at least).

Top with Parmesan cheese and serve with a tossed green salad, crusty bread and your favorite beverage. It's even better the next day! Bon Appetit!