Sausage, Kale and Potato Soup

As my summer CSA winds down, I am starting to get some cool weather crops in my share like carrots, potatoes and kale.  I added some celery and onions from a friend's garden and stock from my freezer and a great soup was on its way.  This recipe is easy, flavorful and hearty...you must make this.

Ingredients:

1 TBS olive oil

1.25 - 1.5 lbs bulk sausage, pork, chicken or turkey are fine

5 celery stalks, diced

2 large carrots, diced

1 medium onion, diced

12 cups chicken stock, homemade preferred

1.5 lbs white potatoes, cut into 2 inch pieces

2.5 cups kale, stems removed and sliced

3 fresh thyme stems

2 bay leaves

1 2 inch Parmesan cheese rind

Salt and pepper

Here's how:

In a large soup pot, heat the oil on medium heat.

Add the sausage and break it up as it cooks.  

Cook until brown, about 10 minutes.

Add the celery, carrots and onion.

Sauté 7 minutes, until softened.

Add the stock, and use your stirring spoon to scrape the bottom of the pot and get off all the brown bits....this is where the flavor is.

Add the potatoes, kale, thyme, bay leaves and cheese rind.

Bring the soup to a simmer and cook 30 minutes.

Remove the stems, bay leaves and rind.

Add salt and pepper to taste and serve.