A delightful and hearty soup packed with Italian-inspired flavors and nutritious vegetables.
Brown the sausage in a large pot until fully cooked.
Ensure the sausage is crumbled into small pieces for even cooking.
Add olive oil, onion, garlic, and carrots to the pot and sauté until softened.
Stir frequently to prevent the garlic from burning.
Stir in the basil, zucchini, tomatoes with their juice, and cabbage.
Chop the vegetables evenly for consistent cooking.
Pour in enough water to cover the ingredients and bring to a boil.
Use hot water to speed up the boiling process.
Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer, covered, for 45 minutes.
Check occasionally and stir to prevent sticking.
Add the beans, rice, and red wine to the pot and cook until the rice is tender.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Serve the soup hot, optionally topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
Pair with crusty bread for a complete meal.