A deliciously hearty Portuguese sausage soup loaded with zucchini, onion, garlic, celery, black olives, potatoes, tomatoes, kidney beans, and seasoned with aniseed.

Portuguese Sausage Soup

1 pound bulk Italian sausage
1 cup chopped zucchini
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup sliced celery
1 cup pitted black olives
3 potatoes, peeled and diced
1 (28-ounce) can whole tomatoes
1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans
5 cups water
2 teaspoons garlic cloves, crushed
1 teaspoon anise seed
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

1. Saute Italian sausage in a kettle until done; drain.
2. Add chopped zucchini, chopped onion, sliced celery, black olives, diced potatoes, whole tomatoes, kidney beans (undrained), water, crushed garlic cloves, anise seed, and pepper. Bring to a boil and simmer, covered, for 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

Makes 8 servings.