My Minestrone

This minestrone is SUCH a comfort food. It's a great meal to make on a budget in or in a hurry. It's even better the next day. I will be substituting the sausage for lean ground turkey until my better half gets out if his strict diet phase.

1 pound Italian sausage

2 1/2 cups sliced celery

1 cup chopped onion

6 cups chopped zucchini

2 cans (28 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained

1 1/2 cups chopped green pepper

1 1/2 tsp. Italian seasonings

1 1/2 tsp. salt (I use Morton's Light Salt)

1 tsp. dried  oregano

1 tsp. sugar (I use sugar substitute)

1 tsp. dried basil (or fresh if you have it:)

1/4 tsp garlic powder

Cook the sausage in a large saucepan over med. heat until no longer pink. Remove with a slotted spoon onto paper towels to drain. Saute the celery and onion in the drippings for 5 min. Add sausage and remaining ingredients; bring to boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 20-30 min. or until desired tenderness.