WINTER COUNTRY SOUP

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

—JEANNETTE SABO LEXINGTON PARK, MD



PREP: 15 MIN. • COOK: 40 MIN. • MAKES: 12 SERVINGS (3 QUARTS)


1 package (14 ounces) smoked sausage, cut into 1/4-inch slices

1 large sweet red pepper, cut into 1/2-inch pieces

8 shallots, chopped

1 tablespoon butter

8 cups chopped fresh kale

8 cups vegetable broth

3 cups frozen corn

1 can (15 1/2 ounces) great northern beans, rinsed and drained

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1/4 teaspoon pepper

3/4 cup uncooked orzo pasta

1. In a Dutch oven, saute the sausage, red pepper and shallots in butter until the vegetables are tender.

2. Add kale; cover and cook for 2-3 minutes or until kale is wilted. Stir in the broth, corn, beans, cayenne and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes. Return to a boil. Stir in orzo. Cook 8-10 minutes longer or until the pasta is tender.