Sausage, Kale, and White Bean Soup

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 yellow onion, diced
• 3-4 large cloves garlic minced
• 1 pound ground Italian sausage (mild or hot; or ground pork w/seasonings)
• 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
• 2-3 medium potatoes, diced (any kind of potato will work)
• 1 bunch of kale, ribs removed, chopped
• 3/4 cup heavy cream (can sub half and half) - optional if puree all beans
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (more or less to taste)
• freshly ground black pepper and lemon juice

Instructions

1. Onions, Garlic, and Sausage: Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and sauté for 10 minutes or until very soft and fragrant. Add garlic and sautee 30sec. Add the sausage and cook until browned. Drain out excess grease.
2. Spices: Add the smoked paprika and flour; sauté for one minute.
3. Puree beans w/some broth
4. Veggies: Add broth, a little at a time. Add pureed beans. Add potatoes; bring to a simmer. Cook for 10-15 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Add kale and simmer for another 5-10 minutes.
5. Finish: Add half and half/cream (if adding), salt, pepper, and lemon juice to taste.

Based on: https://pinchofyum.com/sausage-kale-and-white-bean-soup