Italian Sausage and Tomato Soup

This soup is really spicy. My husband and I had a challenging dinner because of this.

"There are commonly three varieties sold as "Italian Sausage" in the US. They are labeled hot, mild and sweet. The varieties contain varying spice blends. Basil is added to the mild blend to produce the sweet variety." Wiki

Ingredients
4 slices bacon, diced
2 pounds Italian sausage, removed from casings and crumbled
2 cups finely chopped red onions
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon Essence, recipe follows
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons minced garlic
2 bay leaves
8 cups chopped, seeded tomatoes
6 cups chicken stock
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro leaves
Crusty bread, for serving

Directions
1. Cook the bacon in a medium pot over medium heat for about 2 minutes. Add the sausage and cook with the bacon until browned, about 5 minutes more. Add the onions and Essence and cook, stirring often, until the onions are softened, about 5 minutes.

2. Add the crushed red pepper and garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the bay leaves, tomatoes, and chicken stock and stir to combine. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer for about 30 minutes. Season, to taste, with salt and black pepper. Stir in the cilantro, ladle into warm soup bowls, and serve with crusty bread.

Reference: Foodnetwork