Karen's Favorite Item: The Dutch Oven

This month, we're thrilled to highlight a kitchen essential that has become a beloved tool for many home cooks: the Dutch Oven. Known for its versatility, this do-it-all pot can handle a wide range of cooking tasks, from baking bread to simmering stews. However, Karen's current favorite way to use it is to create a comforting and delicious batch of Hearty Vegetable Soup.

Hearty Vegetable Soup Recipe

Karen's recipe features the rich flavors of the Village Butcher's Italian Sausage, making it a nourishing and satisfying meal for any occasion. Below is the recipe so you can enjoy this cozy dish at home.

We hope you love Karen's Hearty Vegetable Soup as much as we do! If you try this recipe, be sure to let us know your thoughts. Happy cooking!

• Olive Oil ( I use Olivelle Caramelized Garlic Olive Oil)

• 1 lb (about 4 links) of Village Butcher's fresh Italian sausage

• 1 large onion, chopped

• 2 stalks celery, chopped

• 4 carrots, chopped

• Half of a green cabbage, cored and chopped in 1" pieces

• 2 (14 1/2 oz) cans diced tomatoes

• 1 can water

• 1 quart chicken stock

Heat your Dutch oven over medium high heat. When pan is heated, add a bit of olive oil (I used Caramelized Garlic Infused Olive Oil) and begin browning the sausage, breaking it apart with the Chopstir. When it's lightly browned, add celery, onions, and carrots---combine and saute until they just begin to soften a bit. Add the cabbage, tomatoes, water, chicken broth (low sodium is best.) Combine well, continue to heat until the pot begins to simmer, then reduce heat and simmer gently until the sausage and vegetables are tender.