I honestly hate eating raw kale - the texture sucks and there's basically no flavor (do not try to convince me otherwise) but when thrown into a soup like this, it's amazing and if you're looking for a quick and easy meal that's pretty healthy and packed with flavor this week, give this recipe a shot. I think you'll really like it.
Ingredients (serves 6):
- 1 lbish or 5 links of Spicy Hot Italian Sausage, casings removed
- 5-6 cups of Kale, torn and stems removed
- 2 medium-sized Carrots, chopped
- 1/2 White Onion, diced
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 3 stalks Celery, chopped
- 3 Tomatoes, diced (don't de-seed)
- 1/2 can of Cannellini beans (White Kidney Beans)
- 1/2 can of Whole Kernel Corn (optional, but I like the sweetness it gives the soup)
- 4 leaves fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tsp crushed Red Pepper Flakes
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- Pepper
- Olive Oil
- 1 QT. Chicken Stock
Directions:
1. Put a little olive oil in a skillet and when hot, throw in the sausage. Lower the temperature to medium-high heat and cook until done. Be sure to break up the links so the result is more like cooked ground sausage. Set aside.
2. In a large pot, drizzle some olive oil and when hot, throw in the garlic. Once the garlic is brown, lower to medium-high heat and throw in the onions, celery, and carrots. Cook for about 3 minutes, stirring frequently. Once it looks like the celery and carrots have softened a bit, throw in the diced tomatoes, beans, and corn. Cook for another minute or so and then transfer the ground sausage from the skillet into the pot. Make sure the ingredients are well mixed.
3. Throw in the kale and cook until kale changes color and softens. Approximately 1-2 minutes.
4. Pour in the chicken stock and bring to a boil then simmer. While the soup is simmering, add the crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and a bit of pepper. Stir well then finish it up by adding the chopped basil.
And...that's it! So easy, right??? I made this in probably 45 minutes and there are tons of leftovers, which we love. Try it out and let me know what you think!
Chokh Dee!
Stevie
