Sausage, Kale, and White Bean Soup

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 3-4 large cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 1 pound ground Italian sausage (mild or hot)
• 1/2 to 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• 1-2 tablespoons flour (optional, makes it a bit thicker)
• 5 cups chicken broth
• one 15-ounce can of cannellini beans
• 4 medium potatoes, diced (any kind of potato will work)
• 2 stalks kale, ribs removed, chopped
• 3/4 cup heavy cream (can sub half and half)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (more or less to taste)
• freshly ground black pepper and lemon juice

Steps

1. 1

   Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic; sauté for 10 minutes or until very soft and fragrant. Add the sausage and cook until browned. Drain out excess grease.

2. 2

   Add the smoked paprika and flour; sauté for one minute.

3. 3

   Add broth, a little at a time. Add potatoes; bring to a simmer over low heat. Cook for 10-15 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Add kale and white beans and simmer for another 5-10 minutes.

4. 4

   Add half and half, salt, pepper, and lemon juice to taste. VOILA!