Ingredients

  • 1 lb sweet Italian sausage, bulk
  • 1 cup onion, chopped
  • 1 cup celery, chopped (warmed slightly in the microwave, about 1 minute)
  • 2 cups cold water
  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 (15 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 2 (15 1/2 ounce) cans dark red kidney beans
  • 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon season salt
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 lb ditalini, cooked per package instructions
  • 1 cup warm water
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch

Method

  • Brown sausage in a 4 quart saucepan.
  • Add the onion and celery.
  • Simmer on medium heat until onion becomes soft; about 10 minutes.
  • Stir in the cold water, tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, and Worcestershire sauce.
  • Add in garlic powder, black pepper, oregano, chili powder.
  • Stir in the brown sugar.
  • Simmer on low for 2-3 hours.
  • Wisk together the cornstarch and warm water until smooth. Pour into soup and stir until dissolved. Repeat until desired thickness.
  • Serve over cooked ditalini pasta.