Last Week’s Simple Soup: White Bean, Sausage, and Kale Soup

A simple hearty soup can be one of the most satisfying meals there is.  Hot soup, warm crusty bread, a glass of strong wine … suddenly the wind and rain outside the dining room doors seems further off.   This is one of my favorite soups. A simple, Italian inspired one bowl meal that’s almost better as leftovers.

 White Bean, Sausage, and Kale Soup

1 lbs sweet Italian sausage
4 cups chicken stock
4 cups loosely packed fresh Kale, trimmed washed and cut into rough 2 in pieces
1 can whole Italian plum tomatoes, drained
2 cups White Beans, Sorted and Soaked
1 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1 rib celery, peeled and chopped
1 tsp hot red pepper flake
2 sprigs fresh thyme
salt and pepper to  taste

Heat a large pot over medium heat.  Add oilve oil.  When hot, slice and cook sausage in oil until well browned. Remove sausage, add garlic and celery to drippings.  Saute until soft. Add stock, seasonings, tomatoes and beans to the pot. Simmer until beans are very tender (1-2hrs, or shorter in a pressure cooker).    Add kale and simmer an additional 20-30 minutes.  Serve with crusty bread,  shaved parmigiana, and a drizzle of good olive oil.