Portuguese Tomato and Sausage Soup

Ingredients

• 4 slices bacon
• diced
• 8 ounces linguica
• finely chopped
• 8 ounces linguica
• cut into 1/4-inch thick slices
• 8 ounces chorizo
• finely chopped
• 8 ounces chorizo
• cut into 1/4-inch thick slices
• 2 cups chopped red onion
• 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon Essence
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 2 bay leaves
• 8 cups chopped tomatoes
• seeded
• 6 cups chicken stock
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro leaves
• Crusty bread
• for serving

Instructions

1. Cook the bacon in a medium pot for about 2 minutes.
2. Add the sausages and cook with the bacon until all browned, about 5 more minutes.
3. Add the onion, Essence and red pepper flakes and cook, stirring often, until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
5. Add the bay leaves, tomatoes and stock and stir to combine.
6. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer for about 30 minutes.
7. Season, to taste, with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
8. Stir in cilantro and serve with crusty bread.