Making Tuesday Tasty-Sausage and Broccoli Rabe Soup

I love sausage, primarily the smoky and brat style sausages.  I think there are many that don't realize that it is a wonderful, classic ingredient to put in your food. It adds depth and depending on the style of sausage that you use, much flavor.  Here is just one recipe that involves sausage,,, 

Ingredients

• Salt
• 1 large bundle broccoli rabe, 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 pounds
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 pounds bulk Italian sweet or hot sausage
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 to 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped or very thinly sliced
• 1 red chile pepper, very thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• A few grates nutmeg
• 6 cups chicken stock-in-a-box
• 2 cups water
• About 3/4 cup orecchietti pasta
• Grated pecorino or Parmigiano-Reggiano, for topping
• Crusty bread, such as ciabatta

Directions

In a medium pot, bring a few inches of water to a boil over medium heat, then salt the water. Trim the broccoli rabe and cut it into 1 1/2 to 2-inch lengths. Simmer in boiling water to reduce the bitterness, about 4 to 5 minutes, then cold shock in ice water and drain very well.

Heat a Dutch oven or large soup pot over medium-high heat with extra-virgin olive oil, a turn of the pan. Add the sausage and brown and crumble, 7 to 8 minutes. Add the onions, garlic and chile and cook a few minutes more. Add the thyme and lemon zest, then add broccoli rabe and season with a little nutmeg. Stir in the stock and the water and bring to a boil. Simmer a few minutes to combine the flavors. Turn off the heat, cool and store for a make-ahead meal. Reheat the stoup over low heat and bring to a low boil. Add the pasta and cook to al dente, about 10 minutes. Ladle the stoup in shallow bowls and garnish with cheese. Serve with crusty bread for mopping. 

*thanks to foodnetwork.com for the recipe*