As with so many classic rustic dishes, each Spanish village adds a distinctive touch to this classic soup, and each cook adds his or her own favorite seasonings.

• Heat the olive oil in a large soup kettle. Add the garlic and onions and cook, stirring over medium heat until the garlic has become a paste and the onions are translucent.

• Stir in the rest of the ingredients. Taste before adding the salt and pepper; since the sausage contains sodium, you may not need any. Cover and simmer over low heat for 60 minutes. Serve hot.