Savory Chorizo Sausage, Rice & Bean Soup

I used pinto beans because that's what I had. I also used Uncle Ben's Parmesan and Butter Infused Rice. I did not top it with the parmesan cheese since the rice was infused with it. The family thought it was just ok but would prefer regular white rice rather than flavored rice.

The first time I didn't have the rice, and I hate corn in soup, but we all really enjoyed it as it was. I've made it since with increasing/decreasing ingredients, leaving different ones out or adding new ones in - as long as I am using the main flavor ingredients it's a very forgiving recipe. Lots of fun to tweak in different ways! When I use italian sausage I use tomatoes with italian seasoning, and serve with garlic bread, and when I use chorizo I use tomatoes with green chilies (ro-tel's the most flavorful!) and serve with homemade cornbread. Like I said - very versatile!

I added chick peas & Tony's Creole seasonings to spice it up a bit!

This soup is a wonderful, hearty soup with great flavor. I omitted the zucchini and substituted a wild rice mix. I also used diced up link chorizo sausage that I precooked in a skillet in olive oil. As with most soups, this gets better and better the longer you leave it to simmer.