Portuguese soup

2 cups onion, chopped
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons black pepper
16 ounces Heinz catsup (don`t sub.)
2 cups kidney beans, canned
1 pound smoked sausage, cut in halves
6 medium boiling potatoes, cubed
1 small cabbage head, cored & chopped into spoon-size pieces
4 tablespoons oil
1 teaspoon salt (opt.)
3 quarts beef stock
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar

Saute onions in oil in a large pot. Add the sliced sausage and cook over medium heat for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Add garlic powder (or equiv. fresh crushed garlic), ground black pepper and salt. Stir to mix and then add beef stock, catsup, kidney beans and potatoes. Raise heat and bring to a vigorous boil, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Boil for a few minutes and lower heat to simmer for about 30 minutes. Add the cabbage and simmer for an additional 30 minutes or so. Add the vinegar and simmer for additional 15-30 minutes.