Winter Country Soup

My soup will warm your family up on the chilliest of winter nights. Featuring smoked sausage, beans and plenty of vegetables, it can be a hearty way to start a meal, or a satisfying dinner all by itself!

—Jeannette Sabo, Lexington Park, MD

Prep: 15 min. • Cook: 40 min. • Makes: 12 servings

  1. 1. In a Dutch oven, heat butter over medium-high heat; saute sausage with red pepper slices and shallots until browned.
  2. 2. Add kale; cook, covered, until kale is wilted, 2-3 minutes. Stir in all the remaining ingredients except orzo; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 20 minutes.
  3. 3. Return to a boil. Stir in orzo. Cook until pasta is tender, 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

1 cup: 258 cal., 11g fat (4g sat. fat), 25mg chol., 1067mg sod., 32g carb. (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 10g pro.