This soup has a hearty and delicious rich flavor with subtle heat, flavorful sausage, and healthy kale.
Ingredients
1 tbsp olive oil
12 ounces sausage (see note below), cut into ¼ inch slices
5 garlic cloves, minced
5 cups chicken broth, divided
8 ounces kale, tough stems removed and finely chopped
1 small bay leaf
½ tsp garlic powder
5 (15 ounce) cans white beans (such as Great Northern Beans), rinsed and drained
A few dashes hot pepper sauce, to taste, if desired
Salt and pepper, to taste
Shredded Parmesan Cheese, for topping
Instructions
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add sausage and cook, stirring occasionally until slices are lightly browned on each side, about 5-6 minutes. Remove sausage and place on a paper towel lined plate. Set aside.
Add the minced garlic to the pot and saute for about 1 minute, or until slightly softened and fragrant. Pour 4 cups of chicken broth into the pot. Add the chopped kale, bay leaf, and garlic powder. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover and simmer for 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, place 2 cans of beans (rinsed and drained) into a food processor. Add the remaining cup of chicken broth. Process until the beans are fully pureed and smooth.
When the kale is tender, add the pureed beans, the remaining 3 cans of whole beans (drained and rinsed), and sausage to the pot. Add hot pepper sauce, salt and pepper, if desired, to taste. Stir and bring just to a simmer, or until soup is heated through. Remove bay leaf prior to serving.
Notes
I used Aidell's Cajun Style Andouille Sausage, which has great flavor and a touch of heat. I love Aidell's sausages and use them all the time for recipes - highly recommended. Prepping kale is super easy. Just fold the leaf in half, leaving the stem exposed and just slice closely along the stem. Then just chop away, or process in your food processor.
Recipe by Laura's Cozy Kitchen at https://www.laurascozykitchen.com/easy-white-bean-kale-and-sausage-soup/