Summer is ending

Here in Hawaii we do not get the obvious seasonal changes, but something about this time of year makes me acutely aware that summer is ending, and we are heading into the cooler fall season. Maybe it is the fact that all the kids are back in school? Maybe it is the temperature in the air? Maybe the sound of the stillness out of doors on a serene Sunday morning? Whatever it is, something gets me thinking about comfort foods. I am a soupy kind of girl, afterall. I created an italian inspired dish, to serve over noodles, but the next day it was easily converted into a delicious soup for the soul. Enjoy!

ITALIAN SAUSAGE STEW - DAY 1
6 italian sausages, skinned and broken apart into small pieces (you can do this in the pan while it cooks)
1 medium onion
3-4 cloves of garlic
2 sweet bell peppers, sliced
1 medium zucchini, sliced into large diagonal strips
1 can stewed tomatoes (14 oz)
Italian seasoning

Drizzle olive oil into a heated skillet. Saute sausages and garlic. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Add in onions and peppers. Stir gently to mix all, and let set for a couple of minutes until the peppers begin to soften. Add in zucchini and stir. Add canned tomatoes and seasoning, and bring everything to a low boil. Reduce heat and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes. Taste. Turn off heat and serve immediately over your choice of cooked pasta.

DAY 2
Turn your leftovers into a delicious soup by putting it into a pot and adding water or chicken broth. If you use water you will need to re-season the mixture according to your taste. Add left over pasta into the soup and serve immediately with croutons. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired.