Totally Gratuitous Soup Recipe

For Belle.

Alys’s Tomato Bread Soup (my comments in italics)

1 lb. Italian sausage links (I’ve also used loose sausage just fine)
1 onion, chopped
5 or 6 cloves garlic, sliced or minced (though it’s hard to have too much)
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp basil
2 tbsp parsley
1 tbsp rosemary
other herbs as desired (oregano, marjoram, thyme, savory…)
1 6oz can tomato paste
2 or 3 14-1/2 oz cans diced tomatoes (or cut up fresh if you’ve got em)
1 48 oz can chicken broth (or from scratch — easy and AWESOME)
1 tbsp dry sherry or wine
1/2 tsp salt or bouillion (I use this only if I’m using my own chicken broth — otherwise there’s already plenty of salt)
dash pepper
1 loaf bread (a good, sturdy loaf of Italian or French — bread with some heft!) (I’ve used Philly soft pretzels with awesome results)
shredded parmesan cheese

Note that all measurements are approximate, and should be adjusted to taste.

Cook sausages at least halfway done, allow to cool enough to handle, and slice.

Meanwhile, saute onions in olive oil for a couple minutes, add garlic and saute a little longer, until garlic is done.

Before garlic turns brown, stir in herbs and tomato paste. Add diced tomatoes, sliced sausages, broth, and wine. Add salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil, and simmer until the sausage is done through.

While soup simmers, tear or cut the bread into crouton-sized pieces.

Place a handful of bread into each bowl, ladle soup over, and garnish with parmesan. Add a drizzle of good, fruity olive oil and/ or freshly ground pepper if you like.