Italian Sausage, Kale and White Bean Soup

Fall is my favorite time of year. Sweaters, football, red wine and most importantly, soup, are some of my favorite things. I find cooking a big pot of soup kind of therapeutic, and this soup is so hearty and delicious, it had to be my soup season kickoff. Best of all? Cooking a big pot of soup is a very inexpensive way to make a warm, filling, and healthy meal that can last throughout the week and freeze for up to a month. Full of hearty fall veggies, robust flavors, and spicy Italian sausage... this soup is a definite must try!

Italian Sausage, Kale, and White Bean Soup

- Half a pound Italian sausage  *Hot or mild, whatever your preference is

- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

- 2 small yellow onions, chopped

- 2 carrots, chopped

- 3 stalks celery, chopped

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 14 oz can diced tomatoes

- 5 cups chicken broth  *I use reduced sodium to control sodium levels

- 2 cups water

- 2 tablespoon tomato paste

- 1-2 teaspoons italian seasoning

- 1 14 oz can white beans (I used cannelini beans), drained and rinsed

- 1 bunch kale, stemmed and chopped

1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium high in a large stock pot. Remove the sausage from their casings and cook in the pot. Using a wooden spoon, break up the sausage to smaller crumbles. Cook until sausage is browned, about 8-10 minutes. 

2. Add remaining olive oil (if needed) and add onions, carrots, and celery. Season with salt and pepper.  Cook until veggies are soft, about 7 minutes. Add garlic and cook for one more minute. 

3. Pour chicken broth and water into pot. Using the spoon, scrape any brown bits off of the bottom. Add the entire can of diced tomatoes and tomato paste. Bring to a boil and stir, then reduce to a simmer. Simmer soup (I had the pot partially covered) for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally. 

4. Add rinsed and drained beans and the chopped kale. Raise heat to medium/medium high and cook the soup for 15 more minutes to wilt the kale and heat the beans. Taste for seasoning and salt and pepper accordingly.

Soup's on!