Spicy Chicken Sausage, Kale & White Bean Soup

So  first of all let me give credit for this recipe where credit is due... I have seen this soup and variations on several of my favorite blogs (Pioneer Woman, Skinny Taste, and Bev Cooks). However each blogger has put their own unique twist on it. You really can customize this recipe (changing the protein, spices, veggies etc) to fit your own tastes, which is one of the things I love so much about it.

This soup has definitely become a repeat in my dinner rotation because it is so flavorful, hearty and easy...(Let me again emphasize how easy this one is.. you don't have to be anywhere near being a professional chef to develop flavors in this!). Most importantly, it is boyfriend and family approved. Kale is kind of scary because it is touted as a health food, but it is a really delicious ingredient when in the right recipe.


You'll need: 

(Recipe serves 4)

2 1/2 Uncooked Chicken Sicilian Sausage (I get mine from trader joes, but feel free to improvise if you can't find this)
3 cloves garlic minced
1/2 onion minced
5 cups chicken broth
Grated Parmesan Cheese
1 1/2 cups Tuscan Kale
Pinch Red Chili Pepper Flakes (to taste)
1/2 tablespoon pepper (to taste)
Pinch salt (to taste)
1 can white beans (cannelini beans) rinsed and drained
Olive oil to taste


Steps: 

1. Mince garlic and onion, in a pot eyeball roughly 1 tablespoon of olive oil and add onions. Cook until translucent adding minced garlic, cook until lightly browned and set aside.
2. Remove casing from sausage, crumble and cook on medium until golden brown or cooked through. Add cooked sausage to the pot with onions and garlic.
3. Add 5 cups of broth to the pot and set to medium and bring to a boil. Add white beans, kale and chili flakes to taste. (More or less based on preference).
4. Cook for at least 15 minutes or until kale has slightly softened. Add salt and pepper to taste. Set stove to simmer until ready to serve.
5. Serve soup and garnish with a pinch of parmesan cheese.
6. Enjoy!!

What is a dish you frequent in your dinner rotation?