~ Room with a viewBRANDIED BEAN & SAUSAGE CHOWDER
~ Hearty potage warms the belly & feeds the soul on these frigid days
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2 lbs. special bean soup mix (e.g. '16' bean assortment with large lima, navy, red kidney, baby lima, great northern, speckled lima, black, pinto, cranberry, pink, and black-eyes peas, green and yellow split peas, lentils, etc. )
3 lbs. bulk Italian sausage (one plain, one hot or spicy and one fennel )
3 quarts organic chicken broth
1 large chopped Spanish onion
3 large chopped garlic cloves
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 large chopped green pepper
1 large chopped red pepper
1 lb. peeled and diagonally sliced carrots
1 can (28-ounce) Italian style diced tomatoes
1 jar (32-ounce) sugar-free favorite pasta sauce
1 Tbsp. brown sugar
1/4 cup chili powder
1 Tbsp. oregano
1 Tbsp. basil
1 tsp. marjoram
1 tsp. thyme
1 tsp. crushed rosemary
2 whole bay leaves
lots of cracked pepper
Lawrey's Seasoned pepper to taste
coarse salt to taste
juice of large lemon
1 hefty cup brandy
- Wash and soak beans. Cover with cold water and soak 2 hours or overnight. Drain.
- In large pot, bring beans to boil in enough cold water to cover and simmer gently about 45 minutes, adding more water if necessary.
- While beans are cooking, saute sausage in large stockpot, breaking up large pieces. Cook until browned. If too lean, add a bit of olive oil. Drain off excess grease leaving a few scant Tbsp. Saute onion, garlic, and peppers. Carefully pour in chicken broth. Bring to boil. Add parsley, carrots, canned tomatoes, spaghetti sauce, brown sugar and seasonings. Reduce heat. Add drained beans and simmer one hour or until beans are tender. Stir in brandy before serving and adjust seasonings.
- This hearty soup is great served with crusty sourdough or heavy multi-grained bread. (don't forget the sweet butter or, better yet, a dish of balsamic infused olive oil topped with crushed red pepper flakes.)
Comments
Brenda
That recipe is packed full of great ingredients.
Now I feel like soup :)
Boy oh boy, do you have alot of SNOW ! Send just a little my way, please.
it is most definately soup weather, hearty, rich, filling soups!
Stay warm.
K
We are getting the COLD temps and high winds, but yet to see any snow! Stay warm bloggin Sis!
Warm ((Hugs!))
Cat
If I could send some snow your way, believe me I would, Patsi ... we have plenty to share. This bean pot has been a favorite for ages ... I love it!
Have a big pot of this warming chowder in the frig, dear Beckie. I love it on frigid days like this ... with all the complex carbs and protein, it's a complete meal!
Thanks dear Karen ... I love my cozy library, in all seasons, a room with a view.
Well then, you MUST grab your snowshoes, and come to enjoy the snow with me, dear Cat (and don't forget your camera :)
Thanks MNGarden ~ I love this room, my library. Many happy hours were spent with growing children, reading, hugging, and looking out of this window :)
As the old adage says, dear Jodi, "The eyes are the first to go" :) But don't worry, I beat you there wearing multiple glasses (on my head, tucked around my neck ... and contacts)! Enjoy simple foods first and, if tolerated, can later load up on beans (so tuck this recipe away ... it's a cold weather favorite).
Thanks for the recipe, I like the added twist with the brandy...very nice.
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