Bratwurst and Beer Soup

Ingredients

1 tsp olive oil
4 ozs cooked bratwurst, halved lengthwise and sliced
2 cups Beef Stock
2 leeks, white part only, sliced, rinsed well
1 large potato, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1/4 tsp white pepper
1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1 cup beer
Salt to taste
1/4 cup snipped fresh chives for garnish

Instructions

1. Heat the oil in a 6-quart pot over medium-high heat for 1 minute. Add the bratwurst and sauté until lightly browned. Transfer to a bowl.
2. Combine the stock, leeks, potato, and pepper in the same 6-quart pot. Cover and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes. Transfer half the mixture to a bowl.
3. Using a potato masher, mash the vegetables remaining in the pot. Stir in the bratwurst and reserved vegetables. Stir in the bell pepper and beer and simmer 5 minutes. Taste and season with salt if needed. Top each serving with the chives.