Sausage & Potato Soup

This is one of those soups that warms the soul from the inside out.  My family and I have different variations of this soup, and none of them are wrong or right, so this is my version!

6 sausage links--3 sweet, 3 spicy

3 idaho potatoes, peeled and diced

2 large carrots, peeled and diced

2 stalks celery, chopped

1 large onion

3 cloves garlic, diced

3 sprigs fresh thyme

1 sprig fresh parsley

1 bay leaf

2 cartons chicken stock

3 peppercorns

1/4 tsp. red pepper flake

1/2 c. white wine

1 sliver of parmesan cheese rind

salt, pepper to taste

parmesan cheese for serving

Drizzle the bottom of a heavy soup pan with EVOO, remove sausage from casing and saute and break apart sausage .  Add potatoes and saute for 5minutes more.  Add pepper flake, sprigs of fresh herbs, bay leaf, and peppercorns.  Add rest of vegetables and saute for about 3 minutes.  Deglaze the pan with white wine.

Let the wine reduce by 1/4.  Add the stock and parmesan cheese rind and let soup come to a boil.  Once soup comes to a boil, cover and reduce soup to a simmer and let simmer for about 1 hour.  Remove herb stems and  taste for seasoning.  Adjust as neccessary. 

Serve with grated parmesan and cheese bread.  

*You can add heavy cream at the last minute for a creamier consistency, I've also added kale in the last few minutes as well.  This soup is great for whatever you have on hand.*