White Bean, Kale and Spicy Italian Sausage Soup

I love trying out new recipes, especially soups, because it's pretty much soup season year round for me. This recipe originally called for kielbasa instead of spicy Italian sausage, but I enjoy getting creative in the kitchen. This might be one of my top five soups that I have ever made. It has so much flavor, and it's very filling. If you aren't a kale fan feel free to substitute spinach in it's place.

#soup #healthy #recipes #kale #spinach #food 

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch or more of kale, spinach, or collard greens
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 8 ounces of spicy Italian Sausage, or kielbasa thinly sliced crosswise
• 1 large leek (white and light green part only) or 1 bunch of green onions, sliced
• 1 (15-ounce) can white beans, such as cannellini or navy beans, rinsed and drained
• 3 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
• Freshly ground pepper
• 1 to 2 ounces freshly grated parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions:

1. Rinse kale, shake dry, and cut out and discard tough center stems. Roll leaves lengthwise into a tight tube and cut crosswise into 1/4 inch strips. Set aside.
2. Heat oil in large, heavy saucepan over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Add leeks and cook over medium heat about 3 minutes. Add kale and cook until wilted, about 3 minutes.
4. Stir in beans and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until kale is tender, 10 to 15 minutes. Add salt and pepper.
5. Ladle soup into bowls. Grate cheese on top. Serves 4.