Broccoli and Sausage Soup

1  Large head of broccoli - cut off the large stem.

 cube the head into 1-2 inch pieces.

** Put the broccoli into a pot of salted water,

and bring to a boil.

 Boil for 3-4 minutes then drain and set aside **

In a soup pot, add 2 Tablspoons Extra vrigin olive oil.

Ground up 1 pound hot or sweet sausage in the oil.

Once browned, add 1 small chopped or diced onion,

and cook until softened.

Season with 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg,

and salt and pepper.

Add 4 cups chicken stock,

28 ounce can diced tomatoes with garlic and all the juices,

2 cups water, and several good shakes of your

favorite hot sauce. Add a little more salt.

Stir and bring to a boil.

Add 15-ounce can white beans, drained,

and the broccoli. Return it to a boil.

Add 1  1/2 cups of a short cut pasta and

cook until pasta is to the desired tenderness.

**Serve with salt & pepper to taste, hot sauce

(if needed ), sour cream and grated cheese.**

***note***

We thought the soup tasted better

the second day, after the flavors have been absorbed more.
And, the second day, it's more like a pasta. Most of the liquid
was absorbed. Enjoy!  =)