Sausage & Broccoli Soup

 

2 T olive oil                      1 t. oregano

½ onion                             1 t. basil

1 clove garlic                    1 t. salt

1 t. Sea Vege Seasoning

1 lb sliced sausage            1 ½ c broccoli florets                   

4 cups beef broth            1 ½ c kidney beans

1 ½ c diced red potato     28 oz diced tomatoes

Saute onions and garlic in oil.  Add sliced sausages and cook for 5 min.  Add to crock pot and add broth, vegetables, beans and seasonings.  Cook on low for 4 hours.

I use Bolton’s Turkey Sausage or Kielbasi and my own beef broth, here is the recipe for beef broth,  which of course you want to do ahead of time.  The Sea Veges I get from Amazon.  Why, you ask?  “Kelp granules are an especially rich source of potassium, iron, iodine, Vitamin B-6, Riboflavin, and dietary fiber. Kelp also contains a natural substance, glutamic acid, that enhances flavor and tenderizes.  Sprinkle on soups, salads, tofu, pasta, stir-fries, dressings, dips, sauces, breads, tabouli. Get the nutritional benefits of sea veggies, and skip the table salt.“ (taken from www.seaveg.com)

 

Beef Broth

 

4 lbs beef marrow bones      3 celery stalks, chopped

4 qts filtered water             1 bunch parsley

½ c vinegar                           3 carrots, chopped

3 onions, chopped

 

Roast or brown the beef bones then add to a large stock pot with vegetables and vinegar and water.  Bring to boil and skim off scum.  Reduce heat and simmer for 12 – 24 hours.  Add the parsley for last 10 min of simmer. Strain and cool in fridge before freezing.

I put my broth in Mason quart jars to cool in the fridge then after a few days, I pour the broth into 4 – 5 ice cube trays.  When they are frozen I put the cubes into freezer bags and keep for when I need broth.  They are much easier to thaw and use 1 – 2 cups at a time. 

Also very good to heat for lunch as a “pick me up”  when tired or fighting a cold.  The broth has many nutrients and “is an excellent source of minerals and is known to boost the immune system and improve digestion. Its high calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus content make it great for bone and tooth health. Bone broth also supports joints, hair, skin, and nails due to its high collagen content. In fact, some even suggest that it helps eliminate cellulite as it supports smooth connective tissue.” ( taken from  www.wellnessmama.com)

Tomorrow ~ Coq au vin in the crock pot!