Italian Sausage And Bean Soup - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 to 1 1/2 lb. Italian sausage
1 onion, chopped
1/2 c. celery, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 c. cabbage, shredded
1 (29 oz.) can Italian plum tomatoes
1 (14 1/2 oz.) can chicken broth
1 (15 oz.) can white cannellini or Great Northern beans, drained
1/4 tsp. each: thyme, basil and oregano
1 bay leaf
1 c. whole natural almonds, toasted (if desired)

Preparation

Cut sausage into 1/2-inch pieces; brown in large heavy saucepan over medium heat.
Drain off all but 1 tablespoon fat. Stir in onions; cook 5 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft, but not browned.
Stir in garlic and celery; cook until soft, 5 to 8 minutes.
Stir in cabbage, tomatoes, beans, chicken broth, thyme, basil, oregano and bay leaf.
Cover and bring to a boil.
Simmer 30 minutes.
Discard bay leaf.
Stir in almonds.