Italian Knife-And-Fork Soup

From the Junior League of North Harris County TX, a hearty and delicious soup.

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Serves: 6-8

Ingredients

• 1⁄2 lb  sweet Italian sausage
• 1⁄2 lb hot Italian sausage
• 1⁄2 cup water
• 2  tablespoons olive oil
• 4  potatoes
• 1  red pepper
• 1  green pepper
• 1  red onion
• 4  garlic cloves, minced
• 1  teaspoon oregano
• 1⁄2 teaspoon rosemary
• 4  cups  chicken stock
• 3⁄4 cup tomato paste
• 4  green onions, minced
• 1⁄4 cup  grated parmesan cheese
• 1  cup crouton

Directions

1. Slice both kinds of sausage. Combine with 1/4 cup water in a large saucepan. Simmer, covered, 4 minutes. Drain.
2. Brown the sausage in the saucepan. Remove, discard drippings, and wipe pan clean with a paper towel.
3. Slice the potatoes thinly. Cut the red and green peppers into thin strips. Chop the onion.
4. Heat the olive oil in the saucepan. Saute the potatoes, peppers, onion, garlic, oregano, and rosemary in hot oil for 5 minutes.
5. Stir in the chicken stock, tomato paste, 1/4 cup water, and sausage. Cook, covered, for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper.
6. To serve, ladle into soup bowls and top with green onion, parmesan cheese, and croutons.