Hearty Butternut Squash Soup - Whole Grain 100

Ingredients

• 1 pound bulk Italian sausage
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 medium sweet red pepper, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 large butternut squash (about 5 pounds), peeled, seeded and cut into 1-inch piece
• 4 cups water + 1T. chicken base or Home made chicken stock
• 8 oz frozen or canned corn
• 2 cans (15-1/2 ounces each) great northern beans, rinsed and drained
• 2 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) fire-roasted diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 teaspoon salt or omit and add 1tsp. pizza spice mix
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper