Recipe: Fiesta Pasta Soup (with smoked sausage, corn, and black beans)

FIESTA PASTA SOUP

6 oz. Vermicelli, broken into 1-inch pieces
2 cans (14 1/2 oz. each) chicken broth
1 (14 1/2 oz.) can roasted garlic seasoned chicken broth
2 cups water
1 10 oz. can diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
2 tbsp. fresh cilantro, minced
1 tsp. chili powder
1/2 tsp. cumin
1/2 pound smoked sausage
1 (14 1/2 oz.) can Mexi-corn, drained
1 (14 1/2 oz.) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 tbsp. lime juice

Combine broths, water, tomatoes, cilantro, chili powder and cumin in a Dutch oven; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes.

Cut the sausage in half lengthwise then thinly slice. Add meat, pasta, corn, and black beans to broth; cover and simmer 10-12 minutes or until pasta is cooked. Stir in lime juice.

Ladle into bowls. Garnish each serving with minced fresh cilantro, thinly sliced avocado and grated cheddar or Monterrey Jack cheese.

Servings: 6
Source: National Pasta Association