Hearty Sausage Soup

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Slice the sausages into half-inch rounds. (Sausage can be cut more easily if partially frozen.) In a large saute pan over medium-high heat, brown the sausage well. Remove with a slotted spoon, and drain by shaking the pieces in a large brown paper bag.

2. Step 2

   In a large soup kettle (six quarts or larger), combine sausage, consomme, carrots, onion, beets with juice, tomatoes with juice, tomato paste, cabbage, garlic and cider vinegar. Break up tomatoes with a knife or spoon. Add water to just cover. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low and simmer for two hours.

3. Step 3

   Add the kidney beans to the soup pot, and simmer for an additional hour. Serve garnished with a spoonful of sour cream and a sprinkling of parsley.