Sausage Rice Soup

Sausage Rice Soup

1 - pound breakfast sausage

1 - medium onion - diced

3 - medium tomatoes - chopped

2 - jars Vodka Pasta sauce
1 1/2 - cups uncooked rice
1/4 cup - brown sugar
1 - teaspoon Italian seasoning
shredded cheddar cheese
salt and pepper to taste

Step 1:  Place 3 cups water in pot and bring to a boil; add rice, return to a boil, stir and cook for 1 minute.  Lower temperature to simmer, cover with a lid and cook for 25 minutes.

Step 2: While rice is cooking,brown sausage in skillet; reserve drippings.

Step 3: Saute onions in reserved sausage drippings.  Once sauteed, add chopped tomatoes, cover and simmer until rice is done.

Step 4:  In a large pot, heat equal amounts of pasta sauce and water to a simmer.  Add brown sugar, Italian seasoning, sausage, onions and rice, stir to blend and simmer for 15 minutes.  Top with shredded cheddar cheese and serve.

This recipe is the result of "one of those days".  You know the one.  You are busily doing all the things that need to be done when suddenly you realize it's dinner time and you have no idea what will go on the table.  Sound familiar?  It's the story of my life.  On the positive side though, I have learned to cook quickly.  And according to my "I don't like tomato sauce" teen, this one was delicious.