For those of you who have a lot of zucchini coming from the garden...this recipe was given to me from Mrs Capozzi who's 80 and lives across the street from my mother. She's a great cook and by the size of the recipe, you'll believe it when I tell you she had 8 children who's families still come over for dinner on Sundays.

2 Lbs. Italian Sausage ( I Use 1 Lb. Sweet And 1 Lb. Hot)
2 Cups Chopped Onion
3 Cups Chopped Celery
1 Or 2 Cups Chopped Green Pepper
2 Cups Sliced Carrots
6 To 8 Cups Chopped Zucchini
2 To 4 Tablespoons Sugar
3 Teaspoons Salt
1 Teaspoon Basil
1 Teaspoon Oregano
1 Teaspoon Pepper
2 Quarts Canned Tomatoes ( I Used To Large Cans, Diced Tomatoes)

Brown Onion And Sausage, Drain Excess Fat, Add Remaining Ingredients And Cook Until Veggies Are Tender.

{typo corrected in title}

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Jonathan,

Dennis - thanks for the recipe. I have all the ingredients and am thinking about making it tonight but I have one question.

That seems like a lot of sugar:
"2 to 4 tablespooons sugar"

Is that correct?
Thanks

It seems like a lot of sugar to me too but that's what she said, her and my mom are daily e-mailers. I would leave the sugar to the end anyway and add it a bit at a time until it tastes right to you. As a variation, I would probably also add some chicken stock to make it a little "soupier".

quote:

Originally posted by Dennis:
As a variation, I would probably also add some chicken stock to make it a little "soupier".

Yes - that was my next question

I have a similar recipe but without the green pepper and the sugar, and I do add a little chicken broth at the end to make it soupier, then add a little macaroni, ladle into a bowl and top with grated Parmesan. Soooo good.

I made this soup two nights ago - actually half a batch with just hot (bulk) sausage. I added broth at the end and sprinkled with pecorino. It was great. I'll be making it again and freezing it before the zucchini crop dwindles. Grazie.

I'm so glad it worked for you. Mrs Capozzi is never wrong!

quote:

Originally posted by Dennis:
I'm so glad it worked for you. Mrs Capozzi is never wrong!

This has to be a special recipe - I'll definitely try it - thanks (to you and Mrs Capozzi).

I have my own Mrs. Capozzi right next door (ok, Mrs. Carpinelli) and the aromas that waft from her house when my husband and I arrive home after work each evening are intoxicating