Bratwurst & Ale Soup

Pierre Dance's Note:

This is one of those recipes that just grow as time passed. I don't remember where the I got the basic recipe and I surely don't remember all of the helpful hints from friends that caused it to metamorphose into what it is.I would wager that the changes haven't stopped.

• Total Time: 40 mins
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 25 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• 4 tablespoons oil
• 2 bratwursts , cut into 1/4 inch roundels
• 1 yellow onion , finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic , minced
• ½ teaspoon cumin seed , ground fresh
• 1 tablespoon Mexican oregano (not as sweet as mediteranian)
• 1 cup crouton (make your own, they're lightyears better)
• 1 ½ cups boiling water
• 1 bottle brown ale , if you like hops,pale ale
• salt fresh ground pepper
• fresh cilantro , chopped
• 3 hard-boiled eggs , coursely chopped

Directions:

1. Heat Oil in a small pot. Saute (stir fry) Brats 'til med.brown
2. Add Onions, saute 4 min.
3. Add Garlic& seasoning, saute 'til onions are transparent.
4. Add Crutons, stir 'til they've obsorbed all the juice.
5. Add Water& Ale, bring to a simmer.
6. Cover and simmer for 15 min.over low heat
7. Add Salt & Pepper to taste.
8. Serve topped with Cilantro& Hard Boiled Eggs (Hot, buttered, Corn tortillas go incredibly well on the side, as does a pint of Brown Ale).