White Bean & Sausage Soup

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 1/2 pounds sweet or hot Italian sausage meat
• 2 ounces diced prosciutto or bacon
• 2 medium onions, diced
• 2 - 3 medium carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 - 3 celery stalks, split and diced
• 3 cloves of garlic chopped medium fine
  
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
• 1/4 teaspoon hot pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 4 to 6 cups chicken broth
  

Gluten Free Recommendation: Always check chicken stock for added wheat gluten. Two known brands that are gluten free are Imagine Organic Free Range Chicken Broth and Kitchen Basics Chicken Stock.

Preparation

Heat oil in a large, dutch over over medium-high heat. When pan is hot, add sausage meat; break up with into medium size chunks, cook until well-browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from pan and pour off all but tablespoon of drippings. Add bacon or prosciutto to pot and render for 2 to 3 minutes. Add onions, carrots, celery, garlic and thyme to the pot; cook, stirring often, until well browned, 8 to 10 minutes. In a small bowl, mash one can of beans with a potato masher into a chunky puree. Add broth, whole and mashed beans, and sausage; cover and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer, partially covered, to blend flavors, 20 minutes. Let rest 10 minutes and serve.