Sausage Gnocchi Soup

 Another Lydia original... I'm really rather partial to soups it turns out.

Sausage Gnocchi Soup (Serves 10)

• 2 Tbs. olive oil
• 1 pound bulk hot italian sausage
• 3 leeks, washed and trimmed (white and light green parts) or a chopped onion
• 3 medium carrots peeled, trimmed, and sliced
• 2 cups green beans, trimmed and snapped into bite sized pieces
• 1 28oz can diced tomates
• 64 oz bottle Spicy V8
• 16 oz Gia Russa Potato Gnocchi (I like the minis, but traditional while work)

1. Heat the oil in a large pot. When fragrant add the sausage and brown over medium heat. Break up as it cooks. 
2. When sausage is browned, add leeks (or onion), carrots and green beans. Cook stirring frequently until the vegetables soften.
3. Add tomatoes and V8. Add enough water to cover and reach the desired consistency. Usually 2-4 cups. Raise the heat to high, bring to a boil. Turn down heat and simmer gently for 15 minutes. 
4. Add the gnocchi and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
5. Add salt to taste and serve.